Selective public procurement for SMEs and HTSUs
In order to inform current debate and consultation regarding public procurement and its support for SMEs and technology start-ups, we highlight ‘technology transition’ awards which have become the bedrock for numerous US start-ups. In the US, not only do they support start-ups with federally funded feasibility and R&D projects via its SBIR programme, but they also go onto support subsequent commercialisation efforts with technology transition awards for SMEs that include product development funding, market studies, access to investors, and other business development services that help find the first Federal customers.
Advertisement
San Diego’s Center for Commercialisation of Advanced Technology (CCAT) recently announced plans to award technology transition assistance to small companies with Department of Defense (DoD) funded technologies for adaptation to the first responder market. This opportunity is offered in support of the DoD ‘1401 Technology Transfer Program’ initiative to transition DoD technologies to the Federal, State, and local first responder communities.
Using Federal resources to force and motivate collaboration between Federal agencies, SMEs, universities, scientists
The CCAT is supported by Congress and funded by the DoD through the Office of Naval Research as a public-private collaborative partnership among academia, industry, and government. With centres located at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and San Diego State University (SDSU), the CCAT programme provides funding and business development support services to small businesses and government/university research scientists that have developed technology for use in the Departments of Defense, as well as Homeland Security and commercial marketplace applications.
Technologies of particular interest must fit within the command, control and communication (C3) focus area, including: (1) automated audio, visual and intelligence gathering sensors; (2) voice and data processing technologies; (3) real-time personnel location devices; (4) cross-agency vehicle location tracking; (5) display systems engineered for real-time situational monitoring (automated knowledge boards); and (6) biomedical health monitors.
Competitively selected applicants will receive awards which may include product development funding, market studies, access to investors, and other business development services.
Flexible awards to suit SMEs needs
In order to accelerate the commercialisation process, all awards will be tailored to the specific needs of each award recipient. CCAT will announce awards by July 1, 2008.
In addition to the CCAT San Diego awarded services, selected technologies will be provided opportunities via the separately funded 1401 programme initiative to participate in demonstrations and/or beta tests conducted by first responder agencies within the Southern California region. The resulting independent evaluations will be made available to the 1401 programme sponsors, first responder agencies, and the participating companies.
To submit an application for consideration or for more information on CCAT and the 1401 programme initiative, visit the web site.
Comments on this story? Send an email to the editor: address - editor [@] thechilli.com
 |
|
|
© Chilli Publishing Ltd 2008 |
13 APR 2008 |
