Defence Research and Development Canada

At Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), our mandate is to provide objective, timely decision support to the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence, anticipating future challenges and fostering innovation to ensure they are scientifically and technologically prepared and operationally relevant today and in the future. The Research and Development program is delivered across Canada by the nine DRDC Centres, and includes the participation of academia, industry and international allies and collaborators.  Furthermore DRDC will continue its support and contribution to the efforts of the greater federal Science and Technology (S&T) community (www.science.gc.ca).

There will be many technical and scientific challenges in the year ahead as DRDC responds to the opportunities and threats presented by the ever accelerating pace of global S&T advancement; Arctic sovereignty and security; climate change; power and energy costs and conservation; the environment; the effect of evolving national and international environmental policy and legislation on military operations and capability - all these issues have a major impact on the planning and operation of Defence.  As part of its ongoing change agenda intended to keep it relevant and maximize the impact of the Department’s S&T investment, DRDC will continue initiatives to add value to departmental decision-making through the function of the Defence Chief Scientist, to adjust our business in ways to help position industry as a valued member of the Defence Team, and to ensure our priorities are driving the organization.

The Canada First Defence Strategy (CFDS) outlines an Investment Plan that uses a systematic analysis of capability requirements to identify expenditures over the next 20 years. As part of the S&T Capability Management system, DRDC continues to develop the ability to identify, track and report on the implications of major S&T issues. This will allow us to advise decision-makers within the department and to identify new defence capabilities that may be needed. As well, DRDC is continuing to develop a science-based, comprehensive risk management tool that combines the traditional risk elements with factors such as political considerations, technology maturity, adaptability, supportability and affordability. This dynamic risk forecasting approach will be applied on a regular basis to assess and manage the risk associated with the Investment Plan and will allow us to align our program and activities to address the most pressing defence priorities.

The CFDS includes a section on “positioning Canadian industry for success”, citing long-term stable funding as contributing to the Government’s economic strategy – “Advantage Canada”. DRDC is working with Departmental colleagues and other government departments to build a new relationship with Canadian industry, ensuring that the Defence investment both builds a state-of-the-art military and a military in partnership with Canadian industry. The stated goal is to engage industry in developing technologies that will position companies for success in the global marketplace.

Military operations both at home and abroad continue to be a priority for the Department. Our current role in Afghanistan includes support to field operations through deployed analysts and laboratory support as well as support to the acquisition process for equipment and systems.  As our role in Afghanistan evolves, DRDC will realign our support to Afghanistan and put an enhanced focus on CF operational capabilities to meet the ever-changing conditions and challenges of security and defence for Canada and North America including the ability to operate and maintain an appropriate presence in Canada’s North.  Operational excellence at home also includes supporting and developing cyber defence and security capabilities, given the critical importance of cyberspace to the nation.  In addition, Space, Power and Energy, and Underwater Surveillance capabilities have emerged as critical enablers of resilient, flexible and responsive CF capabilities for Canada, with the increasing demands on monitoring sea approaches to Canada and the finite energy resources that are increasingly expensive.

In partnership with Public Safety Canada and as leader of the Government’s public security S&T programs, DRDC will continue to engage industry, academia and federal partners in addressing public security threats and risks.  It will also build upon its success in providing S&T advice and solutions for public safety and security planners by developing a Major Events Planning Framework for use by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and whole-of-government partners and by mobilizing laboratory capabilities for domestic operations. 

Financial Resources 

Source:  Defence Research Development Canada / Assistant Deputy Minister (Finance and Corporate Services) Group

* Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown 

Notes:

1. The difference between 2010-2011 and the future years is mainly due to Terminable Allowances (i.e. retention pay) for Defence Scientists of $6.0M and back pay due to collective agreement renewal.  Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI) and Public Security Technical Program (PSTP) funding ends in 2011-2012 which explains the decrease of funding in 2012-2013.  A TB submission to extend the program is currently being prepared.
   
   
2. The difference between 2010-2011 and the future years is due to in-year reallocation between Operating and Maintenance and Research & Development Contracts.  CRTI and PSTP funding ends in 2011-2012 which explains the decrease of funding in 2012-2013.  A TB submission to extend the program is currently being prepared.  2012-2013 Operating & Maintenance includes $6.0M of reprofiling from previous fiscal year for CRTI.
   
   
3. The above figures include $14.5M in 2010-2011 related to Technology Exploitation Program (TEP).  CRTI funding ends in 2011-2012 which explain the decrease of funding in 2012-2013.  A TB submission to extend the program is currently being prepared. 

Human Resources 

Source:  Defence Research Development Canada

Notes:

1. Regular Force includes two Project Management Personnel Requirements (PMPR) positions.
   
   
2. The  Civilian FTE forecast and planned figures are based on the Vice-Chief Defence Staff and Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources-Civilian) Group counts for the Assistant Deputy Minister (Science and Technology) Group and a decision for no growth for DRDC.