Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E)

Because cybersecurity events and trends are fast-moving and unpredictable, research that could make a difference often fails to produce actionable results in time to be effective, and can easily end up as “shelfware.” RKCS has created a new research model that delivers authoritative subject matter expertise to sponsors when speed is critical. RKCS specializes in bridging Advance Prototyping into customers with hard to solve problems. We are always looking for potential partners for technology insertion and maturity.

Key Principles

Predefined Infrastructure. Resources and logistics for cybersecurity research can be predefined, and quickly instantiated by sponsors for fast responses when needed.
Incremental Results. Research can be organized into initial fast looks followed by iterative, accumulating increments that each produce actionable results.
Incremental Management. Visibility and transparency permit flexible sponsor management to meet goals based on evolving research findings.

Projects proceed through up to four stages, each culminating in a sponsor briefing and decision on how to proceed.

QuickLook. This stage, generally performed in days or weeks, answers the question of what is known now about a problem.
DeepLook. This stage is generally performed in weeks. Based on QuickLook results, it answers the question of what the research can be expected to accomplish and how it should be done.
Incremental Research. The incremental approach permits fast adaptation and redirection by sponsors based on shortfalls and windfalls in intermediate findings.
Technology Transition. If necessary, this stage, generally performed in months, provides specifications, prototypes, and support for technology implementation and operations.

Projects proceed through up to four stages, each culminating in a sponsor briefing and decision on how to proceed.

QuickLook. This stage, generally performed in days or weeks, answers the question of what is known now about a problem.
DeepLook. This stage is generally performed in weeks. Based on QuickLook results, it answers the question of what the research can be expected to accomplish and how it should be done.
Incremental Research. The incremental approach permits fast adaptation and redirection by sponsors based on shortfalls and windfalls in intermediate findings.
Technology Transition. If necessary, this stage, generally performed in months, provides specifications, prototypes, and support for technology implementation and operations.