Appendix VIII: Technology Readiness Levels
Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are metrics used to describe the maturity level of new or existing technologies and/or systems. Technology Readiness Assessments (TRAs) are the primary method for much of the federal government to apply TRLs to assess the maturity of programs in development. The findings are generally described as TRL numbers—characteristics of levels of technical maturity based on demonstrations of capabilities.
Experts agree that TRLs are the most common measure for systematically communicating the readiness of new technologies or new applications of existing technologies to be incorporated into a product. Government agencies and other organizations commonly use TRLs to describe the maturity of a given technology within its development life cycle. Some organizations have tailored the TRL definitions to suit their product development applications. but, in general, TRLs are measured along a 1-9 scale, starting with level 1 being preliminary research of the basic concept, moving to laboratory demonstrations around level 4, and proven technology programs at level 9, where the technology is integrated into a product and successfully operated in its intended environment. Figure 39 includes the nine TRL levels and descriptions DOD, NASA, and other organizations use. Additional examples of government agencies’ TRL definitions and descriptions can be found in the GAO Technology Readiness Assessment Guide: Best Practices for Evaluating the Readiness of Technology for Use in Acquisition Programs and Projects (GAO-20-48G).
Figure 39: Technology Readiness Levels
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Basic principles observed and reported
- Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Examples include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.
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Technology concept and/or application formulated
- Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative, and there may be no proof of detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies.
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Analytical and experimental crucial function and/or characteristic proof of concept
- Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative.
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Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment
- Basic technology components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively low fidelity compared with the eventual system. Examples include integration of ad hoc hardware in the laboratory.
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Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment
- Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so they can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include high fidelity laboratory integration of components.
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System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment
- Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in its 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 a simulated operational environment.
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System prototype demonstration in an operation environment
- Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6 by requirement demonstration of an actual system prototype in anoperation environment (e.g., in an aircraft, a vehicle, or space).
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Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration
- Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all 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 design specifications.
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Actual system proven through successful mission operations
- Actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operation test and evaluation. Examples include using the system under operational mission conditions.