SBIR_2016_Year_in_Review-FINAL-WEB-with_links-PACleared

TECHNOLOGY
INTERCHANGE MEETINGS
The Air Force SBIR/STTR CRP Industry Technology
Interchange Meetings (TIM) develop or enhance major
defense contractor (MDC) partnerships with the Air
Force through collaborative interactions. The goal of
the TIMs is to establish a general process conducive
to shepherding SBIR/STTR developed technologies
for transition to support the warfighter. We hope
establishing this partnership between relevant
stakeholders will allow for a greater probability of
return on investment for SBIR topics. These are two day
events with MDC leadership briefings, briefings from
the Air Force, and one-on-one technology matchmaking
engagements.
Our first TIM took place in 2008, since that time 16
different MDCs have requested and participated, most
of whom, after experiencing success, have participated
more than once. The outstanding support continues to
grow, substantiated each year by the addition of new
organizations, incorporation of new business units, and
participation of new subject matter experts.
To facilitate the TIM, the CRP team walks the MDCs
through a 15-week process. During this process,
CRP helps the MDC provide training on how to find
SBIR/STTR efforts for data mining and due diligence
activities, and helps them prepare for their one-on-one
sessions. The success of each event is mainly due to the
dedication of the MDC performing due diligence to
identify if selected data mined technologies meet the
MDCs’ needs. The unique characteristic of the TIMs
is that they are hosted by the MDC at their facility
to increase the opportunity to get the “right people
around the table” and drive viable dialogue to determine
a technology fit. We encourage establishing a Non-
Disclosure Agreement prior to the meeting to allow
for an immediate deep dive of the technology. A key
objective is that all stakeholders leave the room with a
strong understanding of the small business’s capabilities,
the MDC needs, and a vision of follow-on activities.
In 2016, Air Force SBIR/STTR CRP assisted eight MDCs
(Northrop Grumman, ULA, Lockheed Martin, Orbital
ATK, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon SAS, L-3, and Boeing) and
92 small businesses through the TIM process, facilitating
over 115 one-on-one meetings involving over 130 SBIR
projects. Of these meetings, approximately 55% are
currently being reviewed for transition potential. We
have also found many past one-on-ones have begun to
produce successful results. Regardless of the outcome
of the one-on-one meetings, small businesses benefit
from the knowledge gained on how to do business
with the MDC and the MDC benefits from government
presentations and CRP contacts. A definite win-win for
all.
The MDC POCs see that this program allows them
to better their own positions in a competitive market.
Thosie Varga, the lead for one 2016 TIM with L-3
Communications, said, “This program has afforded
our company the opportunity to explore SBIR/STTR
opportunities, where normally we wouldn’t due to
overhead budget and business model constraints.” Not
only are the MDCs benefiting, but they continue to
work with the Air Force CRP team year after year.
Next year’s TIM schedule includes repeat hosts
Northrop Grumman, Orbital ATK, Raytheon SAS, Boeing
Company, and Lockheed Martin. Why re-host a TIM?
As Jeff Wadsworth, Chief Engineer, Advanced Programs,
Orbital ATK said, “The USAF data tool allowed us to
focus on small businesses that had unique capabilities we
needed, or needed to learn about.” This is a consistent
message we’ve received from all the MDCs who have
participated in these events.
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