Welcome to Decision Point!

Decision Point is a TRL-based, stage gate model that assists with Program Definition, Transition Management, and Maturity Assessments. Establishing a standardization approach to technology development allows for the translation of technological opportunities into stable, affordable, and well-managed acquisition programs. More..

Stage gate is a type of model used by Decision Point that assists its users in managing the process of technology development by breaking that process into defined stages composed of activities and tasks. Each of the defined stages is evaluated as input criteria for planning and approval to proceed to the next stage. Each stage culminates in a “decision gate” of measurable exit criteria which is used to evaluate technical accomplishment and technology readiness/maturity (TRL). More..

The Discovery Phase begins with the development of an idea for a new technology based on Threat Analysis, Future Operational Capability Requirement, User Need, or other relevant source. During the Discovery Phase, the idea for a new technology is linked to a need or opportunity. More..

The Formulation Phase begins with identified Operational Requirements and basic properties for a potential new technology linked to a user need. During this phase the Operational Requirements, consistent with the various applications of this technology, are clearly defined and analyzed, defining how and where the system will be used along with Measures of Effectiveness. Basic physical laws, principles and assumptions for the new technology are refined and confirmed. More..

The Proof of Concept Phase begins with a selected technology concept and identification of the new key technologies required. This phase explores the key technologies to demonstrate capability to support and prove the concept. Active research and development, including analytical and laboratory studies, provides physical validation and documentation that the key technologies work as envisioned and their capabilities support the user’s requirements. More..

The Refinement Phase follows the proof of the selected concept. This phase integrates the basic key technology components to determine if they will work together. During this phase, system requirements are refined, performance metrics are established, and the preliminary system engineering Form, Fit, and Function analysis is better defined to achieve the end product design. More..

The Development Phase begins with integrated components that continue to support the requirements of a concept with military significance. During this phase the fidelity of the technology increases significantly and demonstrates that the technology system works as a whole with its intended system. Additionally, engineering model/prototype design begins taking into consideration system engineering integration issues and the results from the completed “ilities” analysis. More...

The Demonstration/Transition Phase begins with technology components that work with the intended system and support requirements that produce the desired concept outcome. To prepare for demonstration and ultimate transition for insertion into the customer system, technology model/prototypes are produced; integrated and tested in a relevant environment, or simulated operational environment to validate that the system works and all required transition activities are complete. During this phase, the systems engineering requirements will be validated and finalized, as necessary. More..

The Integration Phase begins with the transfer of the prototype from the Technology Manager to a customer such as an Acquisition Program/Project Management Office (PMO), or establishment of its own PMO. The prototype is near or at its planned system operational capability and is ready for technology insertion. Upon successful completion of all testing, the technology is fielded with the designated system. More..