In this paper the purposes and benefits of quantitative NDE are first discussed, emphasizing the "bridging" that is required to couple the measurements to fracture mechanics to produce an integrated, failure predictive discipline. This discussion is followed by a summary of highlights of the ARPA/AFML program aimed at the attainment of these goals. As a particular example of this approach the building blocks that have been developed and which now form the skeletal structure of a quantitative ultrasonics technology are reviewed and placed in perspective. The technical building blocks composing this structure have not only contributed to the desired long-term project objectives, but have also led to spin-off solutions with immediate applicability to current problems.