Website: http://www.wpafb.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=6026
Within the Air Force, technology transfer is accomplished in several ways. Intellectual property
and
access to scientific, engineering and technical support, including AFRL's test facilities and skilled
people, are provided through various mechanisms such as the Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA), Education Partnership Agreement (EPA), Commercial Test
Agreement (CTA), and Patent License Agreement (PLA).
Technology transfer also consists of providing products and services. The products are those produced
through specialized manufacturing, repair, and test capabilities. The services provided include technical
assistance with manufacturing, repair, and test capabilities. These cooperative efforts result in better
products for the taxpayer and improve national economic competitiveness. CRADAs enable partners to
reduce costs by leveraging their investments during all stages of research and development, test and
evaluation.
Government resources provide private industry and academia with state-of-the-art technologies,
personnel, resources, and specialized equipment not available elsewhere. Assistance to state and
local governments establishes the Air Force as a good neighbor and saves taxpayer money. Most
importantly, technology transfer enables the Air Force to leverage its own technology investment while
working cooperatively with industry and academia to solve common problems.
