Small Businesses Can Learn about DOD Programs
Jul 22, 2009 1:51 PM
The defense market has been a bright spot in the commercial truck and trailer market recently. The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) is giving the briefings to educate industry on the Army’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) programs.
“We want to help Michigan businesses understand how these programs work and how they can participate,” explained TARDEC CRADA Manager Pete DiSante.
Both programs, created in the early 1980s, offer different ways to address Department of Defense technology needs.
The SBIR program makes sure small businesses are represented in federal research and development (R&D) initiatives and gives economically disadvantaged small businesses opportunities to compete. The three-phase program includes a feasibility study, development and commercialization. There is a rigorous review process since up to $850,000 can be awarded.
CRADAs are set up between federal laboratories and commercial, academic or nonprofit partners to aid beneficial technology transfer between the parties. Under CRADAs, the partner can provide personnel, services, property or funding. The government can supply all of the above except funding.
For more information or to register visit:
• July 28, 8:30 a.m. to Noon, Lansing Procurement Technical Assistance Center.
• July 29, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Oakland University, during Automotive-Robotics Cluster Initiative.
• July 30, 8 a.m. to Noon, Baker College.
• Aug. 5, 8:30 a.m. to Noon, Macomb Community College.
• Aug. 6, 8:30 a.m. to Noon, Schoolcraft College.
“We’ll also discuss the TARDEC Army topics that will be in the Department of Defense SBIR 2009.3 solicitation,” added TARDEC SIBR Manager James Mainero. “These topics cannot be made public until solicitations are released July 27.”
TARDEC’s National Automotive Center manages both local programs.
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