Technology Readiness Level Calculator NDIA Systems Engineering Conference October 20, 2003 William L. Nolte, P.E., CQE Sensors Directorate Air Force Research Laboratory Brian C. Kennedy Kennedy Consulting, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI Roger J. Dziegiel, Jr. Information Directorate Air Force Research Laboratory

2 What Is the TRL Calculator? Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion Tool for applying NASAs Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to technology development programs Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application Standard set of questions about the program Graphically displays TRL achieved Provides repeatable system for measuring a technologys maturity Snap shot of program maturity at a given time Historical picture of whats been done so far TRLs are a uni-dimensional scale used to provide a measure of technology maturity

3 WHY USE TRLs? Invented in the mid 70s (Sadin) to assist the NASA new technology development process and to provide a communication tool between technologists and managers To Provide A Common Understanding of Science and Technology Exit Criteria and As A Risk Management Tool GAO Maturity of Technology at Program Start Is An Important Determinant of Success Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

4 DoD & NASA Life Cycle Pre-A Advanced Studies A Conceptual Design Studies C Design & Develop- ment E Pre- Operations D Fabrication & I&T F Operations/ Disposal B Concept Definition/ Initial Baseline ApprovalLaunch Traditional NASA Project Cycle DoD Project Life Cycle Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

5 Historic TRL Definitions Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion TRL Definitions from 1989 (Sadin, et. al.) Level1Basic Principles Observed And Reported Level2Potential Application Validated Level3Proof Of Concept Demonstrated, Analytically And/Or Experimentally Level4Component And/Or Breadboard Laboratory Validated Level5Component And/Or Breadboard Validated In Simulated Or Real-space Environment Level6System Adequacy Validated In Simulated Environment Level7System Adequacy Validated In Space Current definitions are similar with new 8 and 9 added to carry TRL concept through mission operations.

6 TRL Definitions DoD Interim Guidance Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion DoD definitions are closely derived from NASA (Mankins 95) (NASA terms are in parentheses) Level1Basic principles observed and reported Level2Technology concept and/or application formulated Level3Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept Level4Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment Level5Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment Level6System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (Ground or Space) Level7System prototype demonstration in an operational (space) environment Level8Actual system completed and (flight) qualified through test and demonstration (Ground and Space) Level9Actual system (flight) proven through successful mission operations

7 TRL Descriptions Hardware & Software Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion Level 1 Lowest level of technology readiness. Research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Examples might include paper studies of a technology's basic properties. Level 2 Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies. Level 3 Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative. Level 4 Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively "low fidelity" compared to the eventual system. Examples include integration of "ad hoc" hardware in the laboratory. Level 5 Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include "high fidelity" laboratory integration of components. Level 6 Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology's demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high fidelity laboratory environment or in simulated operational environment. Level 7 Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL6, requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment, such as in aircraft, vehicle, or space. Examples include testing the prototype in a test bed aircraft. Level 8 Technology proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In most cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development. Examples include developmental test and evaluation of the system in its intended weapon system to determine if it meets specifications. Level 9 Actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation. Examples include using the system under operational mission conditions.

8 Need for Process From Graettinger, et. al Consistent DoD guidance on how to assess TRLs is lacking,… Thus, TRLs are meant to be overarching definitions for any technology, while interpretations or amplifications for specific technologies are left to the experts in that technology domain. Currently, there is no standard or commonly used approach for implementing TRLs. Consequently, a process is needed that improves consistency (reliability) and efficiency of the application of TRLs Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

9 Decision Process Flowchart For each TRL Answer Questions Does it qualify as Green? Is there one or more yes at higher TRL? Does it qualify as Yellow? Yes No Repeat until TRL = 9 Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Summary A A

10 Calculator Features Horizontal display shows TRL achieved (Red, Yellow, Green) Green and Yellow TRL achieved displayed numerically Questions can be answered by check box or % complete slider % complete turns green when value is high enough to count User can set point where % complete is counted Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion Some questions answered with radio buttons

11 TRL Calculator S&T Program in Early Development Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

12 TRL Calculator S&T Program Ready to Transition Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

13 Issues Separate Versions for Hardware and Software Technology Maturity vs. Programmatics – Pure Program Issues Measured Separately TRL Is One Dimension of Technology Maturity – Measuring Technology Maturity Is a Multi-Dimensional Problem Producibility – Manufacturing Readiness Levels Practice Based Technology Maturity – Emphasis on Community of Users If Goal Is Transition, Process Requires Both Technology Developer and Technology Receiver – Readiness to Receive Is a Separate Measure Statistical Validity of Calculator Not Yet Demonstrated Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

14 Scaling From Psychometrics The field of Psychometrics from Psychology provides a scientific method for creating and applying scales Scaling is the branch of measurement that involves the construction of an instrument that associates qualitative constructs with quantitative metric units. Scaling evolved out of efforts in psychology and education to measure "unmeasurable" constructs like authoritarianism and self esteem. In many ways, scaling remains one of the most arcane and misunderstood aspects of social research measurement. And, it attempts to do one of the most difficult of research tasks -- measure abstract concepts. Trochim Professor Trochim, Cornell University The science of Psychometrics will improve our TRL process Professor Gonzalez, U. Mich It would be ideal to redefine categories. The other approach is a decision aid, a piece of software that asks questions and hones in on the category. Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

15 What is Scaling? Scaling is the assignment of objects to numbers according to a rule. S. S. Stevens Scaling starts with a focus followed by a large (>100 preferred) set of statements related to the focus. (see for examples) Statements are then rated by participants (or judges) Results are analyzed and a scale is created. There are three techniques used Thurstone or Equal-Appearing Interval Scaling, Likert or "Summative" Scaling, and Guttman or "Cumulative" Scaling. A tool is then created that allows users to respond to questions and an algorithm is used to calculate the result on the scale The TRL Calculator represents an ad hoc version of the Psychometric scaling process Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

16 Conclusion AFRL Developed a TRL Calculator for Hardware and Software Calculator Simplifies the Process of Applying TRLs to Research and Development Programs Next Steps – Develop Final Set of Software Descriptions – Add Questions for Manufacturing Readiness – Add Questions for Practice Based Technologies – Formal Validation of TRL Calculator Using Psychometrics or Similar Statistical Technique Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

17 Discussion / Questions Introduction TRL Definitions Software TRLs Calculator Issues Conclusion

18 Backup Slides

19 TRL Definitions NASA Backup Slides

20 Evolutionary Acquisition Backup Slides

21 TRL Calculator Backup Slides

22 Color Codes Backup Slides

23 Color Conventions Backup Slides

24 Definitions Backup Slides

25 Software TRL Calculator Not Filled Out Backup Slides

26 Software TRL Calculator Not Filled Out Backup Slides

27 PRT Calculator S&T Program in Early Development Backup Slides

28 TRL Calculator S&T Program Ready to Transition Backup Slides