The US Navy is set to conduct three events next month in Lowell, Massachusetts, to seek acquisition solutions from innovative small businesses and research companies.
The outreach events are planned to be held between 08 and 11 April through the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programmes.
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SBIR involves the investment of federal research funds to encourage small businesses to pursue scientific excellence and technological innovation with the potential for commercialisation.
The initiative provides the US Navy with innovative technology developed by small firms.
STTR is responsible for transitioning the products developed by both small firms and research institutions to the Navy and Marine Corps.
Both of these programmes are located at the Office of Naval Research.
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By GlobalDataThis year, the events will focus on New England’s regional technology corridor.
Academic institutions, research centres, laboratories and science and defence-focussed companies in the region will have the opportunity to present their solutions.
SBIR director Bob Smith said: “Outreach events like these help foster collaboration to enhance the innovation network and pipeline, and accelerate the delivery of needed technologies to the Navy and Marine Corps.
“It’s part of a new naval effort to deliver capabilities to warfighters faster by expanding relationships with regional technology hubs. This year, New England is the first stop.”
The events include Partnering Summit, Navy Forum for SBIR/STTR Transition (FST) and Accelerated Delivery and Acquisition of Prototype Technologies (ADAPT) Workshop.
At the summit, various stakeholders will gather to discuss naval priorities, share best practices and learn about partnership opportunities with SBIR and STTR.
The Navy FST event is an innovation marketplace conducted every year to match Navy needs with small business-technology solutions.
The ADAPT workshop brings to the table a new approach to match non-traditional small businesses with naval needs. The approach also focusses on quick research-and-development funding.
Attendees will be able to take part in technology briefs on pre-released areas of interest from a Navy shipyard. The half-day workshop will also involve discussion about the proposal process and contracting.
