3.  Background.  Reference (a), canceled DoDI 5000.2 and provides interim guidance for the operation of the Defense Acquisition System.  Reference (a) also establishes the requirement for technology risk to be reduced and demonstrated in a relevant environment, with alternatives identified, prior to program initiation.  This implies a need for a method to identify the level of maturity and the establishment of a process to ensure that only the sufficiently mature technology is employed.  DoD approved method for identifying the system maturity is the Technical Readiness Assessment (TRAs) and the Technical Readiness Level (TRL) is accepted way to describe technology maturity.  The Chief of Naval Research responsibility is to ensure the integrity of the Technical Readiness Assessment for Navy Acquisition Program Mangers and forward recommendations on programs requesting these assessment to ASN (RD&A) and DDR&E as appropriate.
     ONR will use reference (b) as the guide for planning and conducting Technology Readiness Assessments and to clarify the responsibilities of Program Managers and CNR.  This deskbook also suggest timelines for events, and offers candidate software TRL metrics.
     This instruction and reference (b) establish the policies and procedures for implementation of the Technical Readiness Assessments within ONR.