In this section you'll highlight known technological challenges (obtained from the PMO) that might impact the ability to reach the level of performance identified in the performance attributes (KPPs, KSAs, or APAs), or represent risk to delivering capabilities on schedule and within budget.

- This information may inform lifecycle cost, performance, schedule, and quantity tradeoff discussions during review and validation of your CDD.

- For the CDD prior to Milestone B, this section identifies technological risk areas that require attention during the EMD phase of acquisition.

- If your CDD has multiple increments, this section must describe the critical technologies needing maturing for each increment. This may also be addressed in the incremental annex.

For each Critical Technology Element (CTE) with a Technology Readiness Level less than 6, discuss potential workarounds to achieve partial or complete program success in the event that the technology does not mature as anticipated. Obtain this information from your PM. (*Note: Critical technologies are those that may pose major technological risk during development, particularly during the EMD phase of acquisition.) - Highlight how incremental acquisition strategies and/or MOSA is being used to enable flexibility in critical technology areas. Obtain this information from your PM. - Where known, include decision points and criteria for implementing the potential workaround(s). Obtain this information from your PM.

An Independent Technical Risk Assessment (ITRA) will be conducted for ACAT I programs prior to Milestones A, B and C and the Full Rate Production decision.

An ITRA prior to Milestone A will identify critical technologies and manufacturing processes that need to be matured.

At subsequent milestones or production decisions ITRAs will identify critical technologies and manufacturing processes that have not been successfully demonstrated in a relevant environment.

Obtain the ITRA/TRA reports from your PM. Ensure this section is in sync with the PM's acquisition strategy and other program documents. *Note: ITRAs inform the 10 U.S.C 4251, 4252, and 4253 requirements. For programs for

which an ITRA is conducted, a separate Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) report is not required.

In this section you must address Exportability "Allied/Partner Interoperability and Coalition Use" as per the Conventional Arms Transfer Policy.

- Consider existing export controls, controlled technical information assessments, and the identification of critical program information when addressing exportability.

- Coordinate with your Service HQ international office.

- Coordination with the Defense Technology Security Administration and your Military Department Counterintelligence Organization can assist for scoping requirements in the Intelligence Supportability Section.

- Exactly what the "Conventional Arms Transfer Policy" specifically is not explained in the Manual, nor is a reference provided. The 2023 Presidential memo is here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/02/23/memorandum-on-united-states-conventional-arms-transfer-policy/.

- Be aware: DoDI 5000.85 requires that PMs integrate international acquisition and exportability planning into the program's acquisition strategy beginning at the entry milestone. PMs must design the system for exportability to foreign partners, except when the program has an MDA-approved waiver allowing for a U.S.-only design.