569 



STATUS OF ONR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMS 21 



vided by the federal government, and cooperative agreements involving cost 

 sharing (e.g., Technology Reinvestment Programs, called TRPs). These efforts, 

 in general, focus on defense needs. Some of the technologies developed, how- 

 ever, may have potential apphcation in the nonmilitary sector. The industry 

 partner does, in those instances, have a direct opportunity to market the technol- 

 ogy. 



Small Business Innovation Research — The Small Business Innovation Research 

 (SBIR) program is intended to encourage small business to meet specific needs 

 identified by federal agencies. The process often involves a Navy laboratory or 

 headquarters component working with a small business that accomplishes tech- 

 nology transfer. The business retains the option for commercializing the product 

 for use in other sectors. 



Manufacturing Technology Centers of Excellence — Manufacturing Technology 

 Centers of Excellence facilitate the development of manufacturing technology to 

 address Navy applications. The centers provide a direct opportunity for industry 

 to collaborate and exploit technology developments for commercial applications. 



Industrial Consortia — Industrial consortia may involve collaboration by several 

 competitors to advance the overall capability of industry in a given field. A 

 successful example is the industrial consortium associated with the Navy 

 Powertrain Technology Center, in which both defense and conmiercial industries 

 participate. 



Conferences and Symposia — Technical conferences and journals are excellent 

 opportunities to share research results and transfer technology. Such outlets form 

 the basis for documenting the evolving state of scientific knowledge related to 

 ONR-supported programs. 



Patents and Licensing Agreements — Patents held by the government can be ex- 

 ploited for commercial application through licensing arrangements. Technology 

 is therefore made available while generating revenue. 



Coordinating Committees — ONR uses coordinating committees as a formal 

 mechanism for working with other government agencies (e.g., the National Oce- 

 amc and Atmospheric Administration). These committees provide an opportu- 

 nity for mutual planning and benefit. , , 



TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AT NASA 



To achieve a better understanding of the variety of mechanisms used to 

 facilitate technology transfer in other federal agencies, the committee examined 



