Applied Research Program

What is it?

The Applied Research Program (ARP) is a Defence R&D; Canada (DRDC) program designed to advance the defence science knowledge base, investigate novel and emerging technologies and explore the military application of those technologies. It is not a new program, but rather a refinement of existing programs that will allow DRDC to respond better to client needs while maintaining the same budget.

Background

DRDC's technical program is delivered through Thrusts - delivery "packages" of R&D; activities that are developed in consultation with Canadian Forces clients. Each thrust addresses a broad spectrum of science and technology gaps from the near to long-term and involves a team of R&D; staff and external partners, including academia, industry and allies.

The ARP, formerly known as TI/TA (Technology Investigation/Technology Application), is a refocusing of the R&D; program to make it more responsive to client needs and objectives. This will be done by incorporating a more rigorous process for the formulation, approval and management of projects, improving transparency, efficiency and risk management with a greater focus on the outcomes that the projects are aiming to affect. Applied Research projects engage human and financial resources from within DRDC, and external contributions from our partners.

Facts and Figures

Typical ARP projects last five years and range between $3 million and $6 million. About 600 of DRDC's science and technology professionals in the six research centres work on more than 80 Applied Research projects. This mainstream program element is supported by about $43 million in contract funds. DRDC aims to have 25 active ARP projects per client group, thus maximizing the impact.

Programs within the ARP

Service Level Agreements

This is the largest of Defence R&D; Canada's research programs. It annually develops a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with each of its five Client Groups within the Department of National Defence for the delivery of R&D; technologies and strategic S&T; advice. The delivery of R&D; under these agreements often involves the programs mentioned below.

Technology Investment Fund (TIF)

Supports forward-looking, high-risk, but potentially high-payoff, research projects.

Defence Industrial Research Program (DIR)

Provides financial and scientific support for research projects initiated by Canadian industry with relevance to the defence of Canada and its allies.

DND/NSERC Research Partnership Program

Supports the development of new technical capabilities relevant to the development and application of dual use technologies in areas of interest to both the Department of National Defence and the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

Defence Communications Program

DRDC delivers its R&D; program in Defence Communications in part through collaboration with the Communications Research Centre, an agency of Industry Canada.