Strategic Workshop on Research & Demonstration Needs for Management of Munitions Constituents  July 28-29, 2015Washington, D.C.

Background: The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) are the Department of Defense’s (DoD) environmental technology programs. SERDP and ESTCP address environmental matters of concern to DoD through funding for basic and applied research and development, as well as demonstration and validation of technologies that can enhance the capabilities of DoD to meet its environmental obligations. These programs fund projects in the areas of Environmental Restoration, Munitions Response, Resource Conservation and Climate Change, and Weapons Systems and Platforms. The Environmental Restoration Program Area funds research and demonstrations in the area of risk assessment, fate and transport of chemicals of military concern, mitigation of the impact of munitions constituents, as well as remediation of contaminated soils and waters. For additional information, refer to www.serdp-estcp.org.

Objectives: The objectives of the meeting are to (1) review the life cycle process for use of munitions constituents and identify data gaps and research needs; (2) inform representatives from the Services of applicable research and demonstrations funded by SERDP and ESTCP; and (3) development a prioritized list of research, demonstration, and technology transfer needs for management of munitions constituents that could be addressed by SERDP and ESTCP over the next five years.

Approach: The two-day meeting will consist of a series of introductory presentations describing the life cycle of munitions constituents, relevant lessons learned, as well as an overview of relevant research and demonstrations funded by SERDP and ESTCP. A poster session will feature currently funded SERDP and ESTCP efforts as well as additional case studies and other efforts supported by the Services. Following the presentations, four breakout sessions will facilitate discussions of each stage in the munition constituent lifecycle and associated management challenges, data gaps and research needs. The second breakout session will focus on development of a prioritized list of research, demonstration, and technology transfer needs that could be addressed over the next five years. Participation in the meeting is limited by invitation to Service representatives and DoD-funded investigators.

A steering committee composed of representatives from the Services has provided critical input on the meeting’s focus, specific structure, and participants.

Products: Findings will be summarized in a final report that will serve as a strategic plan to guide future SERDP and ESTCP investments.