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Technology Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation Process

To align NIJ’s portfolios with the technology needs of the criminal justice community, NIJ follows a research, development, testing, and evaluation process—called RDT&E—based on the model used by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The process has five phases:

1. Identify technology needs.
2. Develop a plan to address unmet needs.
3. Implement the plan.
4. Demonstrate, test, evaluate, and commercialize the tool or technology.
5. Build capacity and inform the user community.

Phase 1—Identify Technology Needs

Identify what criminal justice practitioners need and whether a product or technology that meets the need exists or needs to be developed. [1] Advisory committees made up of experts and practitioners, called Technology Working Groups, play the pivotal role in these determinations.

Operational requirements are developed for the potential technology and a final determination is made about whether a commercial product is available. [2]

If a possible market solution exists, phases 2 and 3 are not necessary, and the agency moves on to phase 4. If a solution is not found in the marketplace, phase 2 begins.

Phase 2—Develop a Plan to Address Unmet Needs

Create a multiyear research program plan to develop the new or expanded technology through annual, competitively awarded science and technology solicitations. Technology Working Group members help review the applications received in response to NIJ solicitations, and their agencies may participate in evaluating the emergent technologies and products to ensure practitioner involvement throughout the RDT&E process.

Phase 3—Implement the Plan

Research and develop the technology or tool. Technology research and development is conducted by grantees who have received NIJ awards, based on reviews by independent peer panels. For more information about specific activity underway, visit the NIJ topic page index, search the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology (NLECTC) Web site, JUSTNET Exit Notice, or contact NLECTC at 800–248–2742.

Phase 4—Demonstrate, Test, Evaluate, and Commercialize the Tool or Technology

Conduct technology demonstrations and testing and perform technical evaluations based on the results. These evaluations help technology developers refine their products for the commercial market and assist in the development of best practices for the use of new tools and systems. [3]

Findings are submitted to the Technology Working Groups and the Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisory Council Exit Notice for review. The process may involve the development of equipment performance standards to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Commercialize the technology by turning it into a commercial product. Sometimes the most challenging part of this phase is bringing the product to market, for which NIJ can assist but not execute. Both the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center System's Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization and its Centers of Excellence play a role.

Phase 5—Build Capacity and Inform the User Community

Ensure that the new tool or technology benefits practitioners. Technology Working Groups may adopt the new technology or tool, help other agencies adopt it, and document lessons learned from its adoption. NIJ and its technology partners often develop training on the use of new tools and systems, participate in accreditation and certification activities, prepare manuals, participate in conferences and other events, and generate guidance for technology procurement.