Technology Selection Criteria and Methodology for Prioritizing Energy Research and Development Programs

The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USACERL) has conducted an investigation into the development of an optimal strategy for selecting and prioritizing energy research and development (R&D) projects. This work is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that USACERL's R&D program includes an appropriate combination of new technologies for both short and longer term return on investment. The R&D goal is to provide the Army with most effective equipment and processes for conserving energy. Energy R&D work being conducted by various Governmental and private firms was reviewed and the methodologies for selection and prioritization of projects were analyzed. The processes require making judgments on key issues such as: probability of achieving performance goals; probable cost structures; commercial interest; status of competing technologies; and potential application of the technology. The existing approach taken at USACERL was compared with project selection methods of other Government and private organizations. Recommendations were developed for improving the selection criteria and methodology at USACERL.