Office of the Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) A department of Defense website The Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) is charged with the development and oversight of DoD technology strategy for the Department of Defense. The goal of DDR&E is to extend the capabilities of current war fighting systems, develop breakthrough capabilities, hedge against an uncertain future through a set of scientific and engineering options and counter strategic surprise. DDR&E Imperatives In July 2009, DDR&E introduced four Imperatives to focus the organization in support of the immediate and future needs of the Department of Defense:  Accelerate delivery of technical capabilities to win the current fight  Prepare for an uncertain future  Reduce the cost, acquisition time and risk of our major defense acquisition programs  Develop world class science, technology, engineering, and mathematics capabilities for the DoD and the Nation Funding decisions fast: DoD's new idea portal The U.S. Department of Defense is looking for a few really good ideas - products, services, prototypes, and concepts that    advance our military's missions. Use this new portal to submit your ideas and receive an initial response in less than 30 days. DDR&E Organizations The Research Directorate has policy and oversight responsibility for DoD programs in basic research, applied research, advanced development, and advanced components and prototypes. The Systems Engineering (SE) Directorate provides technical support, systems engineering oversight, program development and mission assurance certification to USD(AT&L) in support of planned and ongoing acquisition programs. The Rapid Fielding (RF) Directorate accelerates the rapid transition of capabilities countering unconventional and time-critical threats for the warfighter. The Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) Directorate provides independent program risk assessments to the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) based on the results of evaluations of Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is the research and development arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. DARPA's mission is to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. military and prevent technological surprise from threatening our national security. The Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) serves the DoD community as the largest central resource for DoD and government-funded scientific, technical, engineering, and business-related information available today. The Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) is the DoD Center for microelectronics technology, acquisition, transformation, and support. The Joint Interoperability Office is focused on reduced fratricide, increased force effectiveness, and decreased taxpayer cost through fully interoperable systems down to the lowest tactical level of engagement. The Joint Operations Support Office coordinates activities between Defense Research and Engineering branches and their counterparts involved in formal development of operational needs. The Joint Reserve Unit provides DDR&E a unique surge capability and needs-matched resource that extends OSD's reach into the public and private sector, delivering innovative and non-traditional solutions to the warfighter today and for the future. The Strategic Cell is responsible for identifying and assessing the opportunities and challenges of emerging technology and threats and their impact on future full-spectrum blue force capabilities.