Frequently Asked Questions

1. In general, how do U.S. Service Members receive the capabilities they need to accomplish the Nation's military demands in the new and emerging global environment?
   
   Chapter 10 of How the Army Runs details the process of Capability Requirements and Materiel System Research, Development, and Acquisition Management in the Army. If you wish to learn more in detail, various courses are offered by the Defense Acquisition University in various fields of integrated DOD acquisition and lifecycle management.



2. I have a medical product that the Army may be interested in, how can I get it in the hands of U.S. Service Members for use in the field?
   
   If you have an idea or medical product that you think can support our Servicemen and -women, please go to the U.S. Army Medical Research Development Command (USAMRDC) New Products and Ideas (NPI) website. Unsolicited proposals allow unique and innovative products or ideas that have been developed outside the Government to be made available to Government agencies for use in accomplishment of their missions. Unsolicited proposals are offered with the intent that the Government will enter into a contract with the offeror for research and development or other efforts supporting the Government mission, and often represent a substantial investment of time and effort by the offeror.



3. Typically advanced product development in the DOD involves the materiel developer and the combat developer, which do you represent?
   
   USAMMDA is the Medical Material Developer for the U.S. Army, and product and program managers work closely with the combat developer at the Army Medical Department Center and Schools (AMEDD C&S) Directorate of Combat Doctrine and Development (DCDD).



4. What process does USAMMDA employ to prioritize funding for medical product development and acquisition?
   
   USAMMDA developed and employs a Decision Gate model to apply proven business techniques to MRDC programs to conserve resources and speed medical products to all U.S. Forces. This effort was designed to more effectively bridge the gap from research and development to medical product development and acquisition. Decision Gate provides a structured process to evaluate the relative maturity of mission-oriented products in development. The process provides a rational approach to prioritize the advancement of products through development stages.



5. How does USAMMDA work with other USAMRDC activities?
   
   Products being developed by MRDC laboratories are evaluated by USAMMDA for medical product development and acquisition. Product managers at USAMMDA work with the laboratories to guide the medical product development and acquisition. Regulatory affairs scientists and specialists at MRDC provide regulatory guidance to the laboratories for product development and testing requirements needed for U.S. FDA approval. Regulatory submissions are prepared by MRDC subject matter experts working with the laboratories and clinical studies are monitored at least three times for regulatory compliance. USAMMDA also works with USAMMA and the AMEDD Center and School to acquire and field products.



6. Help! How do I find what I'm looking for?
   
   Use one of the following methods to find things on this site:
   
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