These demonstrations allow technology evaluation earlier and cheaper than is possible through the formal acquisition of new production capabilities.
They must be sponsored by an operational user with approval and oversight from the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Advanced Systems and Concepts.
None have been initiated since 2006, when the deputy under-secretary initiated the follow-on Joint Concept Technology Demonstration program to emphasize multiservice technology development and improved planning for transition to operations.
The $3.2 billion represents about 2 percent of DoD’s entire budget for research and development during that time."
The memorandum provided some details about the 46 ACTDs as of 1998 and highlighted the Medium-Altitude Endurance UAV (Predator) as on its then successes, having transitioned into a formal DOD Acquisition Program.