The Directorate of Research and Development (CERD), as a HQUSACE Directorate, supports the research and development efforts of the Corps of Engineers by providing strategic planning, strategic direction and oversight; developing and maintaining national relationships; developing policy and doctrine; national program integration; advising the Chief of Engineers on science and technology issues; and creating conditions for USACE corporate success.
Overview of the Research and Development Directorate
Office of the Director Functions:
- Serves as the principal science and technology (S&T) advisor to the Chief of Engineers.
- Engages in strategic planning, strategic direction, and legislative initiatives for Corps S&T.
- Maintains situational awareness of current and future global, national, and agency level directions.
- Sets conditions for success in all S&T conducted in the Corps.
- Creates and shapes Corps S&T policy.
- Fosters strategic relationships in S&T between the Corps and the administration, Congress, agencies, industry and non-governmental organizations.
- Develops mechanisms for partnering to serve the Corps.
- Cultivates an enabling, supportive role for the Corps S&T on the Army Staff and at OSD.
Research & Devolopment Strategic Program Oversight Functions (Deputy Director):
- Advises the Director, Research and Development on strategic issues and opportunities across the spectrum of S&T.
- Develops and directs strategic initiatives to identify, focus, and prioritize technology directions to ensure that the Corps S&T is responsive to users.
- Identifies and fosters strategic relationships focused on broad S&T initiatives that engage other government agencies, industry, academe and international partners.
- Establishes Corps policies for strategic planning, strategic direction, and technology infusion in Civil Works R&D, Installations Support/Environmental Quality R&D, and Warfighter R&D; both direct-funded and reimbursable.
- Provides Headquarters (Washington-level) oversight to ensure that S&T is meeting user needs.
Research and Development Operations and Support Functions
- Serves as principal advisor for development, interpretation, and implementation of administrative and managerial policy for the Director of Research and Development.
- Coordinates all administrative, personnel, budget, and resource management functions for the directorate. Represents the directorate at headquarters corporate forums.
- Formulates and defends operating budget and manpower requirements for the directorate. Participates in the headquarters operating budget formulation process and manpower requirements process.