in gas turbine systems and related technologies. I am extremely 

 honored to have the opportunity to share my favorable experiences 

 with the SBIR Program and to offer my recommendations on how 

 this program can be further enhanced from the viewpoint of a new 

 small business firm. 



Grey Fox Technologies was incorporated in January 1994 and is 

 primarily staffed with former General Electric Aircraft Engine em- 

 ployees. Its principle place of business is in Andover, Massachu- 

 setts, and employees are located in both Massachusetts and Ohio. 



Our SBIR experience has been very favorable. We won three 

 awards out of the six Phase I SBIR proposals that we submitted 

 in 1994. We are proud of this accomplishment, but it will be a 

 tough act to follow. The Air Force made our first Phase I award 

 in May 1994 for an evaluation of the most promising technologies 

 for advanced fighter engines. Grey Fox technologies submitted this 

 proposal in January 1994, just 2 months after attending its first 

 national SBIR conference. This would not have been possible with- 

 out the knowledge gained at the conference and the assistance pro- 

 vided by the SBA, DTIC regional office and other Government 

 agencies. 



NASA made our second Phase I award for an innovative fuel noz- 

 zle concept in December 1994. This research project has the poten- 

 tial to improve temperature patterns and significantly reduce NOx 

 formation. Results to date are favorable. If successful, this research 

 project has a significant worldwide market potential for both air- 

 craft and industrial gas turbine applications. 



The Army made our third Phase I SBIR award in February 1995. 

 The objective of this research project is to demonstrate the feasibil- 

 ity of developing a simple, low cost method of repairing metal ma- 

 trix composite components in order to reduce the ownership cost of 

 advance gas turbine engines. 



The SBIR Program has had a significant impact on our company 

 by providing an excellent foundation for launching a new business. 

 This foundation has enabled Grey Fox to win two non-SBIR con- 

 tracts from General Electric in the second half of 1994. The larger 

 of these subcontracts consisted of performing work packages in 

 support of the TF34 engine that is currently powering the Navy's 

 S3A and the Air Force's AlO aircraft. 



This foundation has also enabled Grey Fox to submit other non- 

 SBIR proposals, such as a gas turbine powered locomotive proposal 

 submitted in response to DOT's high speed rail solicitation in Janu- 

 ary 1995. This proposal is still pending. The competition is tougher 

 outside the SBIR arena, but we are determined to be successful 

 and have already started working with the State of Massachusetts 

 to help promote the development of high speed rail transportation. 



The SBIR Program is sound and well managed. However, there 

 are four areas where I believe this program can be further im- 

 proved by reducing the amount of paperwork burden facing new 

 startup businesses. 



First, reduce proposal documentation requirements. Most small 

 businesses cannot afford the time or expense required to prepare 

 documentation in the elaborate detail that is required when the 

 cost of a Phase II proposal exceeds $500,000. While this type of in- 

 formation may be necessary to protect the Government's interest 



