A Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) is a formal, evidence-based evaluation used to determine the maturity of the critical technologies supporting an acquisition program. The assessment evaluates each critical technology against the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, typically ranging from TRL 1 (basic research) to TRL 9 (proven in operational use), using objective technical evidence rather than subjective judgment. In Department of Defense acquisition programs, TRAs are commonly performed before major acquisition milestone decisions to assess technology risk, confirm readiness for the next phase of development, and support informed investment and program management decisions.
Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA)
A formal, evidence-based assessment of a programme's critical technologies against the Technology Readiness Level scale to gauge risk.
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