The RDT&E and Innovation program brings value to the organization by investing in new ideas and technologies to help the Coast Guard better perform its missions, now and in the future. Projects typically fall into five main program areas:

Aviation/Systems

Provides investigations of sensor and airborne platform technologies, mission-relevant test and evaluation, performance measurement and analysis, and performance model validation programs. This branch also produces analysis products that address specific questions for decision-makers, including requirements and alternatives analysis, mission analysis, risk analysis and life cycle cost analysis.

C5ISR/IT and Networks

Supports maritime domain awareness, command and control, tactical communications and cyber technology programs.

Environment and Waterways/Arctic

Supports aids to navigation, pollution and non-indigenous species prevention and response, Automatic Identification System programs, and investigating technology solutions to address the complex issues associated with operating in the harsh, remote Arctic region.

Surface

Provides program support to enhance vessel technology, port security, law enforcement, alternative energy and weapons of mass destruction identification and prevention capabilities.

Modeling and Simulation

Provides decision-makers with responsive, low-cost, low-risk modeling support for Coast Guard and external customers. It produces tools that support fleet mix analysis, tactical mission engagement scenarios, sensor optimization, resource allocation, game theory-based scheduling tools, and system-wide trade-off studies to support strategic capability and acquisition decision-making.

• Office of Naval Research
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution