Challenges and Opportunities for Innovation in the Public Works ...

existence of the technology, its applications, and sources of support. Additional components
of this plan include distribution of the technology, training activities and after-the-sale
support. Commercialization and support mechanisms worked out earlier are put into place in
this step to assist users in implementing the innovation.
The Imnortance of Demonstration Programs
The demonstration of an innovation at a field site is the first step in the transfer of the
technology which is visible to potential users. It takes the technology out of the research laboratory
and places it in the real world environment of the user. The demonstration will
identify the benefit of using the technology, whether it be improved quality, time savings, or
cost savings. This information can be later used by others in deciding whether to adopt the
technology. Another important function of the demonstration is to gain information on
operational problems faced by users of the technology at demonstration sites. Insight can also
be obtained on the effectiveness of training and support mechanisms.
The Army has initiated several programs to facilitate the transfer of innovative
technologies into the field. Two of these programs directed towards the Army infrastructure
are the Facilities Engineering Applications Program and the Technology Transfer Test Bed
Program. These programs fund the demonstration of new technologies in the field and initial
technology transfer activities. Information from the demonstrations is then disseminated to
potential users to assist them in determining how the technology may be used locally.
The Facilities Engineering Applications Program (FEAP) is intended to transfer
technologies into Army use in the operations and maintenance of facilities. Engineering
personnel at installations are the primary users of these technologies. Steering groups for
each technology area provide input on the technologies, sites for demonstrations, and methods
for technology transfer.
Under FEAP, technologies are being demonstrated in seven technology areas: energy
conservation, building maintenance and repair, pavements and railroad maintenance and
repair, environmental quality, natural resources, corrosion, and management systems. Over
140 demonstrations have been conducted under FEAP since the program was initiated in
1984. These demonstrations cover over 60 technologies and more than 60 installations.
The Technology Transfer Test Bed (TITB) Program is directed towards transferring
technologies into the design and construction effort of the Corps of Engineers Divisions and
Districts. The TMTB program is patterned after the very successful Corps of Engineers
National Energy Team (CENET).
CENET consists of representatives from installations, Corps Districts and Divisions,
laboratories, and MACOM headquarters which form a National Team. The charter of the
CENET team is to facilitate the use of energy saving technologies in the field. The CENET
group identifies technologies for demonstration and recommends sites. The team also
provides input on research priorities.
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