Laboratory Information:
U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center
1082 Shennecossett Road
Groton, CT 06340-6096
Website: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg9/rdc/
Technology Transfer Website: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg9/rdc/default.asp?page=crada\crada.asp&rn=off
Agency/Department: Dept. of Homeland Security
Region: Northeast
FLC Laboratory Representative:
Mr. Bert Macesker
Phone: (860) 441-2610
Email: Bert Macesker
Background/History of the Laboratory:
The Research and Development (R&D) Center is the Coast
Guard's sole facility performing research,
development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) in support of the Coast Guard's major missions of Maritime
Mobility,
Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, National Defense and Protection of Natural Resources. These efforts
are
broad and varied, and manifest themselves by supporting the acquisition and regulatory processes, and
improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Coast Guard operations and resources. The R&D Center
is
located in Groton, Conn., on the grounds of the University of Connecticut, Avery Point campus. The R&D
Center
also operates a Fire and Safety Test Detachment (F&STD) in Mobile, Ala. The F&STD is the only
facility in the
world using actual ships for full-scale fire testing. Founded in 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has strived
since its
inception to use the latest advances in maritime tools and technology to increase its productivity and
effectiveness in carrying out their wideranging missions. In 1968, Coast Guard Headquarters recognized
the
value of emerging technologies and established the Office of Research and Development. In order to increase
performance and effectiveness, the Coast Guard combined the resources of the Field Testing and
Development Center and some members of the Applied Sciences Division of the Office to establish the
Research and Development Center. It was chartered in 1972 at its present location on the grounds of
the Avery
Point Campus of the University of Connecticut. In 1989, as part of a major Coast Guard reorganization,
the
Office of Research and Development was merged with the Office of Engineering. Staff at Coast Guard
Headquarters was charged with Program management. The Center at Avery Point is responsible for program
implementation and project execution.
The year 2002 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Center
at Avery Point. For 30 years, the dedicated scientists,
engineers and support staff of the Center researched, developed, tested, and evaluated a continuous
stream of
valuable products to enhance the performance of the Coast Guard.
Just a few of the products that have had an impact on Coast Guard performance
include:
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, military
and civilian Center personnel immediately responded
providing staffing, expertise, and a big-picture look at homeland defense. Since that time, the Center
has been
actively pursuing new products that will assist the Coast Guard in protecting our ports and enhancing
homeland security.
Mission of the Laboratory:
The Research and Development Program is
comprised of scientists, engineers, and support personnel who
are uniquely qualified and positioned to introduce science and technology into the Coast Guard. Research
and
Development personnel have both expertise on, and experience with, the business practices (missions,
policies, plans and processes) of the operational and support personnel accomplishing the missions of
the
Coast Guard, as well as the knowledge of existing and emerging science and technology. We use these
strengths to help the Coast Guard improve through technology and become an essential element of the
Coast
Guard performance improvement.
Technology Transfer Mechanisms:
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs)
- Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) Program
Technology Areas of Expertise:
- Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention
- Human Error Reduction/Fatigue
- Intelligent Waterways Systems
- Oil & Hazardous Materials Spill Response
- Operational Analysis Support Information and Simulation
- Search & Rescue (SAR)
- Wide Area Surveillance
- Aerosol Extinguishing Units for Machinery Space Protection
- Composite Wood Applications
- Gaseous Agent Evaluation for Kidde-Fenwal
- General Engineering Laboratory Support
- Shore Facilities Fuel Cell Demonstration
- Support for Ship Structure Committee
