Program Manager: Dr. Benjamin Mann
 The Computer Science Study Group (CSSG) is a program that supports university research in computer science and related fields, while aligning a new generation of researchers with DoD information technology needs and priorities. The CSSG is a multi-year program, consisting of a one-year funded education experience to familiarize the participants with DoD practices, challenges and risks, followed by up to three additional years of funded research to explore and develop technologies that have the potential to transition material computer science and technology advances to the government.
The one-year training program is known as the "Computer Science Study Panel (CSSP)", conducted by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) through a series of meetings and field trips. Over the course of approximately 20 days per year, the participants in the CSSP meet at a SECRET classified level in the spring and fall, and conduct tours of military and industrial installations during two week-long trips during the summer. The CSSP participants are U.S. citizens, junior university faculty members, and generally pre-tenure. A CSSP class typically has a dozen members. The participants may receive funding after the initial year of participation, providing their research program at the university is accepted by DARPA for expansion.
The briefings that the CSSP participants receive are given by senior military and industry leaders, as well as current and former leaders in the DoD information technology arena. They are accompanied by "Mentors," who are senior advisors and retired military who can guide the participants in their understanding of the briefings and end-user requirements. Their first meeting includes a "DoD 101" course to introduce the participants to the DoD acquisition process and defense issues, and introductions to the Joint Staff, the Intelligence Community, DARPA, all branches of the service, other DoD research agencies, and government Research Laboratories.
The members of the Computer Science Study Group receive DARPA research grants for their first year of program participation and research. They are then eligible for additional DARPA funding for the second and third years of the program, with the intention that each participant will obtain matched funding in the third year to continue their research project. Successful projects will find DoD support and interest to continue computer technology development beyond the Computer Science Study Group period of support.
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