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AOF Acquisition Operating Framework

The high level principles and information that guide how the UK MOD Defence Acquisition Community works

version 3.1.1 – September 2010

Content

What is Research ?

Definitions of Research and Development (R&D).

Term Definition Example output Technology Readiness Level
Pure (or basic) research Experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new scientific or technical knowledge for its own sake rather than directed towards any specific aim or application.    
Applied research Original or critical investigation undertaken in order to gain new scientific or technical knowledge and directed towards a specific practical aim or objective. Technical capability to meet current and future Defence needs, including: new technology options, models and analysis tools, technical knowledge and technically skilled people.
Support to policy, capability planning and management, generation of capability solutions across all Defence Lines of Development (DLoDs).		 TRL 1-3
Development Use of scientific or technical knowledge in order to produce new or substantially improved materials, devices, products or services, to install new processes or systems prior to the commencement of commercial production or commercial applications, or to improve substantially those already produced or installed. Maturation of technology and architectures to support a continuous insertion of technology through life. TRL 4-6

Science and Technology describes both ends of a range:

  • Science is the technical understanding of issues.
  • Technology is the design of devices or substances.

MOD carries out:

  • Applied research where scientific and technical knowledge applied to defence is generated and advanced.
  • Development where such knowledge is used to create new or improved materials, devices, architectures and systems.

MOD does not fund basic research but does seek to benefit from research funded in sectors, such as universities, via the research councilsExternal link to Internet content.

Why is MOD R&D important?

The MOD R&D programme is important because the principal aims are to:

  • Create and enable cost-effective military capability solution.
  • Enable subsequent upgrade of defence equipment throughout the capability life.
  • Support a through life approach to acquisition across all Defence Lines of Development.
  • Ensure robust evidence based decisions.
  • Mitigate technical risk within the overall programme along with the sustainment or generation of capability and reduced cost.

MOD believes that absolute spend on R&D can be related to defence equipment advantage (in terms of years).

It is critical to ensure that MOD’s R&D investment is spent wisely so that:

  • We encourage industry to join MOD in making investments to meet MOD military capability needs.
  • Industry can achieve good commercial returns for its investments.
Contacts

Research

Owner

Post
Director Science and Technology Strategy

Point of Contact

Post Email Phone
DST-Strategy Sec DST-StrategySec@mod.uk
  • Mil: 9621 81433
  • Civ: +44 (0) 207 218 1433
Change History

Change History

The AOF was updated to Version 3.0.0 on 1st April 2010. Individual document Change History pages will detail any changes other than minor editorial amendments.

1 July 2010
Reviewed and updated to reflect organisational changes.
1 December 2009
Amendments made to reflect current structure and processes for research within MOD.
1 October 2009
Minor amendments made for Plain English review.
1 June 2009
Contact details updated.
1 October 2008
Contact details updated.
1 May 2008
Contact details updated.
1 February 2008
Amendments made to reflect current structure and processes for managing research within the MOD.
1 October 2007
Links to DTS and DIS now on internet.
1 June 2007
Contact names deleted in accordance with DDefSy Hd InfoSy Pol advice with regards to potential Security and Data Protection Act issues.