GAO Technology Readiness Assessment Guide

Development of cutting-edge technologies is critical to many of the government’s most costly acquisitions, including new weapons, satellites, nuclear facilities, and homeland security systems.

Technology readiness assessments (TRA) are used to evaluate the maturity of technologies and whether they are developed enough to be incorporated into a system without too much risk. Technologies that are not as mature as recommended have been the source of program delays and cost increases.

This guide is intended to provide a better understanding of technology maturity and a framework for conducting high-quality TRAs.

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