Technological superiority continues to be a critical foundational element for the U.S. military and the U.S. Warfighter. Virtually every facet of mission success depends on fielding of advanced technologies supporting superior capabilities of speed, agility, intelligence gathering, communications, strategic and tactical mission planning, coordination and execution, force application, and safety and force protection. In February 2006, the Defense Science Board Task Force reviewed the DoD Manufacturing Technology Program report which documented - among other issues - that the introduction of immature technology typically increases the cost of new weapon systems by 41%. New technologies improve the effectiveness of weapon and support systems, enhance how well the Warfighter is protected, and enable more efficient production and life-cycle management of these systems. However, there is a strong need to improve the technology management process so that it delivers better value to DoD while also avoiding the problems caused by premature deployment of new technologies - both in the products being developed and the processes being developed to manufacture them. These challenges apply not only to new weapon systems, but those in the field that must be sustained, supported, and technologically refreshed over years - or decades - of operation. DoD and industry find themselves with a dilemma. New technologies are imperative for more efficient production and more effective and affordable weapon systems. However, since new technologies introduce risk and potentially higher acquisition costs, Service program managers are motivated to avoid risk by not asking for technology "stretch" in design or manufacture. Similarly, industry is motivated through acquisition processes to only apply proven technologies that minimize the risk of cost and schedule overruns and performance shortfalls.