Technical Inquiries (TIs)

The core function of DSIAC is to answer technical questions using our in-house technical personnel, vast DoD information resources, and our extensive network of subject matter experts (SMEs). DSIAC has technical staff available to conduct technical research in order to give you a head start on your analysis or study in any of our technical focus areas. We offer a free 4-hour TI research service or, for slightly larger research efforts, we offer an extended technical inquiry (ETI) service.

Technical Inquiry Features

Our TIs include the following to help you with your research:

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Literature Searches

A curated bibliography given a technical topic

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Document Requests

Dissemination of technical reports to authorized users

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SME Referrals

Contacts and connections with relevant, technical SMEs

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Free Technical Inquiry Services

DSIAC's free TI service offers 4 hours of free research per inquiry on any topic within our technical focus areas. Typical TI efforts may include answering technical questions, literature searches, document requests, or referrals to SMEs. Completed responses are compiled and delivered to the inquirer in less than 10 business days. Registered users can submit TIs online through the provided form or by phone.

Submit A Technical Inquiry

Extended Technical Inquiry (ETI) Services

ETIs are externally funded research efforts that go slightly beyond 4 research hours. ETIs require between 5 and 160 technical hours of research, with a $50K maximum ceiling and period of performance up to 2 months.

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Notable Inquiries

Notable TIs are findings and/or summaries of responses to the most recent and impactful technical inquiries submitted by DSIAC members under our 4 free hours of information research support.

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Filter by Technical Focus Areas

By default, only content within your selected technical focus areas is displayed throughout the site. You can update your technical focus areas in your profile or temporarily filter the content here.

Generic Target Models for Use in MUVES

Are generic targets available for testing the MUVES model?

DSIAC subject matter experts (SMEs) developed generic target models to be used in…

Backpackable Compact Drone Systems with Advanced Navigation Capabilities

What compact drone systems are readily-available with advanced navigation and video capture capabilities?

DSIAC staff searched open sources for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) backpackable drone systems with…

Solid Rocket Insensitive Munitions Testing Requirements for Thrust Vector Control Systems

During fragment or bullet impact or cookoff testing of solid rocket insensitive munitions, does the test item need to have a functional thrust vector control (TVC) system installed to be properly scored?  

  The Defense Systems Information Analysis Center (DSIAC) received a technical inquiry…

Efficacy of Classroom Training Methodologies and Technologies

What is the efficacy of various instructional methods and technologies that can be used to enhance staff training and learning?

DSIAC subject matter experts (SMEs) researched various instructional methodologies and technologies used…

Experts in State-of-the-Art Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Who are the DoD points-of-contact for additive manufacturing research, development, test, and evaluation?

DSIAC contacted additive manufacturing (AM) subject matter experts (SMEs) who have been…

Explosive Characterization Testing

What are the proper test methods to develop relative effectiveness factors for explosives?

DSIAC was tasked with researching and determining the testing methods to develop relative…

Example Inquiries

Example TIs are samples of the wide range of technical inquiries submitted by DSIAC members under our 4 free hours of information research support. They are intended to show the breadth of information requests we receive.

Can live-fire-like training for research and development be provided for the engineers working on weapons platforms at U.S. Army Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?

July 18, 2024

How many "gate runner" (intentional or unintentional vehicle that passes through a secure access point without authorized access) incidents have occurred at U.S. military installations (including U.S. Department of State embassies and consulates) in the past 2–3 years?

July 18, 2024

Can information be provided to explain beamforming techniques used for active, electronically scanned array radar/beam form/beam steer?

July 18, 2024

What test data/information exists on ullage overpressures for fuel tanks greater than 100 gallons?

July 9, 2024

What work has been done on using active illumination to image through blast events?

July 9, 2024

What information exists on aerial-based datasets of maritime vessels for training deep-learning artificial intelligence models to perform various tasks?

July 9, 2024