I bring a Defense Science Board report to your attention: The Roles and Authorities of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering.
The report, called for by the FY05 Defense Authorization Act, directed the DSB to study matters including "the relationship of the director to a range of functions, including planning and programming for research and engineering programs, managing the laboratories, promoting rapid technology transition and technology transfer, coordinating research and engineering activities with those outside the DOD, technical review of acquisition programs, training and education of the technical workforce, maintaining the national technology and industrial base, and development of new technologies."
According to the accompanying memo from the DSB Chairman:
This report underscores the important contributions of technology in meeting the objectives of the nation's military strategy and calls for science and technology considerations to again play a more central role in influencing defense strategy, policy, programs, and resources.
The task force does not argue for new organizations or new authorities. However, it does call for active participation of the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense, along with AT&L [Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics] Leadership, to champion a robust science and technology effort in DOD.
The entire report can be found at:
http://www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/reports/2005-10-DDRE_Final.pdf
Additionally, "Inside the Pentagon" has a good article about the report. Information and a link to the article can be found at the following link:
http://defense.iwpnewsstand.com/insider.asp?issue=11102005