FEDERAL LAB CONSORTIUM MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL MEETING

Linking Technology Transfer to End-User Needs

Rocky Gap Resort, Cumberland, MD September 19-21, 2006



TUESDAY, SEPT. 19, 2006 PRE-FLC CONFERENCE TRAINING SESSION

 

1:00-5:30 pm   PRESENTATIONS AND INTERACTIVE GROUP TRAINING

  • 1:00-1:10 Introduction to training session, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnership Program
  • 1:10-3:25         MARKET ASSESSMENT PANEL

o       1:10-1:40 Market Assessment Overview, Domestic/International R&D Trends and Future Technology Development Forecast, William Chard, National Technology Transfer Center. 

o       1:40-2:10 Technology Transfer Spin-Out, Allen Jones, First Link, Inc., Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh

o       2:10-2:40 Using Market Trend and Technical Analysis to Impact Partnerships, Jerry Miller, West Virginia High Tech Consortium Foundation; 

o       2:40-3:10 Market Assessment Detail “Checklist,” Laurie Arrants, NIH/NINDS

·        3:10-3:25 PANEL Q/A

3:25-5:30         MARKET ASSESSMENT BREAKOUT GROUP DISCUSSION

·        3:25-3:35   Overview of Breakout Session, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnership Program

·        3:35-3:45 Break and move to group discussion rooms

·        3:45-4:50 Case Study Breakout Sessions. 

o       Nona Cheeks, NASA GSFC.  Case Study #1.

o       Scott Deiter, NSWC-Indian Head. Case Study #2,

o       60 minutes in parallel session

o       20 minute presentation of case by Chair

o       25 minute group discussion

o       15 minutes for summary and preparation of findings/recommendations

·        5 minute break to return to full group

·        4:50-5:10 Group Summary and Discussion. 

·        4:50-5:00 Two 5 minute group presentations of discussion, findings, recommendations

·        5:00-5:10 General group discussion

·        5:10-5:30  (Optional) Informal discussion with training panel members, adjourn

 

TUESDAY NIGHT REGISTRATION AND RECEPTION 6:00-9:00

  • Reception, sponsored by TEDCO
  • Exhibit materials were displayed during reception at no charge

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

 

7:00-8:00         Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00-8:15         Welcome, Introductions, Opening Remarks, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnership Program

8:15-9:15         “Wave Top Tour” Through Emerging Technologies and Their Potential Applications and Implications, Dennis Bushnell, Chief Scientist, NASA Langley Research Center.   

9:15-10:20       International Technology Transfer Issues, Laurie Arrants, NIH/NINDS, Moderator

·        Doing IP Business across International Borders,” Roisin McNally, Murgitroyd and Company,

·        “Biotechnology Commercialisation in Ireland- Looking to the Future,” Paul Roben; Enterprise Ireland,

·        Nurturing International Partnerships to Support U.S. Agriculture, Melanie Peterson, Office of International Research Programs, Agricultural Research Service USDA,

10:20-10:30     Break

10:30-11:00     “Elevator Presentations I,” AGENCY NEW INITIATIVES

·        New Programs and Partnerships at ARS, Rick Brenner, Agricultural Research Service (10);

·        New Initiatives in Technology Transfer at the USEPA, Sarah Bauer, EPA (5);

·        Industry Partnership Workshops, Ray Turcotte, NASA Langley Research Center (10)

·        5 Minute Q/A

11:00-12:00     Technology Transfer Accomplishments and Reports

Scott Deiter, NSWC-Indian Head, Moderator

·        Panel Overview, Mark Boroush, DOC.

·        FLC in DC Perspective, Gary Jones, Federal Laboratory Consortium DC Representative. 

·        ARS-USDA Overview. Tara Weaver-Missick, USDA ARS (15)

·        DOC Overview, Mark Boroush, DOC (15),

·        10 Minute Q/A

12:00-1:30       Luncheon and Keynote Address

·        Assistive Technologies and the Warfighter

Wounded Warrior Project, Brian Neuman

§         15 minute film overview of sports as rehabilitative therapy

§         Personal reflection by a warfighter(s)

1:30-3:00         Assistive Technologies:  How Technology Impacts Real Lives and What Now Needs To Be Done. Moderator: Robert Jaeger, ED

·        Assistive Technology, Robert Jaeger, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Research, ED and call in by Steven Tingus, Director, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Chair, Interagency Committee on Disability Research, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education (20).

·        Telemedicine and Assistive Technology, Ronald Merrell, NASA MITAC (20). 

·        Assistive Technology, Small Business Perspective, Anna Lockhart, AnthroTronix, Inc. (20).

·        Rehabilitative Engineering & Research Center on Technology Transfer, Steven Bauer, State University of New York at Buffalo (20),

·        Q/A (10)

3:00-3:10         Break

3:10-3:30         License Monitoring/Auditing, Hans Feindt, NIH, Office of Tech Transfer; 

3:30-3:50         Federal Framework for the Restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, Kyle Zieba, USEPA, Chesapeake Bay Program Office. 

3:50-5:30         Energy Issues and Opportunities:  Ron Buckhalt, USDA ARS, Moderator

·        Economic Studies of Energy Systems, Roger Conway, Director, Office of the Chief Economist, USDA-ARS;

·        Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance, Wayne Surdoval, SECA Coordinator, DOE-NETL and Joe Pierre, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation. 

·        DOE’s FutureGen Initiative, Thomas Sarkus, Director, Applied Science and Energy Technology Division, National Energy Technology Lab, DOE. 

·        Could There Ever be a Petroleum-free Military?  Rosemarie Szostak, DARPA/Defense Sciences Office, 

5:30-6:15         Recovery Period

6:15-8:00         Dinner, Sponsored by MONTCO

·        Hot Technologies Contest (6:45-7:00);

·        Hot Partnership Contest (7:00-7:15);

·        Presentation: “An Insider Perspective on Energy, Terror and World Events,” R. James Woolsey, Vice President, Booz Allen and Hamilton, (7:15-8:00) 

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

 

7:00-8:00 am    Continental Breakfast

8:00-8:10         Highlights of Day’s Agenda, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnerships Program

8:10-9:15         Economic Development, Steve Fritz, TEDCO, Moderator

·        New Initiatives, Programs and Progress at WVHTC, Joe Allen, West Virginia High Technology Council (15).

·        A Focus on Innovation – Montgomery County’s Alliance with Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship, Fizie Haleem, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (15).  

·        TEDCO: On the Forefront of Technology Based Economic Development, Steve Fritz, Maryland Technology Economic Development Company (15),

·        Keystone Innovations Zone Initiative, Jim Burns, Philadelphia Naval Business Center (15);

·        5 minute Q/A

9:15-9:30         Technology Transfer at US Joint Forces Command, F. Russell Richards, Manager, Office of Research and Technology Applications, U.S. Joint Forces Command;

9:30-10:10       Forensic Technologies, Terry Lynch, NIST, Moderator

·        Separating Fact from (Forensic Science) Fiction: Forensic Laboratories and the CSI Effect, Max Houck, Director, Forensic Sciences Initiative, University of West Virginia. (30)

·        Forensic Applications of Molecular Radar Technology, Paul Schaudies, GenArraytion (10). 

10:10 -10:30    “Elevator Presentations II: Industry, Academia and Government as Catalysts for Change”

·        Technology Transfer Consulting: Assisting in Innovation, Heidjer Staecker, TreMonte Consulting LLC (5). 

·        VTIP:  Managing Virginia Tech Technology Transfer, John Telerico, Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. (10).

·        Maryland’s MEMS/Nano Initiative, Adam Suri, Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (5).

10:30-10:40     Break

10:40-11:15     “Elevator Presentations III,” Industry, Academia And Government, Links For Technology Development

·        Tailoring University Curricula to Match Lab Needs, Carolyn Boulger Karlson, College of Notre Dame of Maryland (10);

·        Using University Expertise for Commercial Market Assessments, Scott Deiter, IHDIV-NSWC (10);

·        Educational Partnership Agreements, Lorraine Flanders, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (5);

·        Post-Doc Placement as a Means of Technology Transfer, Cliff Lanham, Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (5)

·        Advancing the Innovation Ecosystem at Emerging Research Institutions, Cathy Fore, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (5).

11:15-11:45     “Elevator Presentations IV,” Knowledge Management    

·        Portable Technology Transfer Training for the DOD, Blake Sajonia, TRSG, Inc. (15);

·        Knowledge, Innovation and Technology Sharing Systems, Kevin Barquinero, President, Knowledge Sharing Systems (5);

·        Adding Access to Innovation, Margaret Powell, Defense Technical Information Service (DTIC) (5)

·        “The Seeport™ Solution,” A Comprehensive, Commercialization Web Portal,” Mike Parmenter, Foresight Sciences and Technology (5)

11:45-12:00     Origins, Applications, and Financial Impact of Simulation Technologies, Star Mahaffey, National Center for Simulation, Maryland Chapter, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (15)

12:00-1:15       Lunch – Awards Presentations

1:15-2:10         Intellectual Property

·        Valuations for Patent and Technology Licenses, Judy Ann Byrd and Mark Chandler, Invotex (20). 

·        Research and Support Services at NCI-Frederick, Charmaine Richman, Scientific Administrator, SAIC/Frederick (15);

·        Intellectual Property Due Diligence for New Product Development, Casey Chan, Chairman and CEO, WizPatent Manager (20) 

2:10-2:35         Safety and Security

·        National Biometric Security Project: Its Role and Support of the Federal Government, Michael T. Yura, National Biometric Security Project (20). 

·        Fire Fighting Task Force, Robert Saba, Fire Fighting Task Force Coordinator (5)

2:35-2:55         Challenges in Marketing a Large IP Portfolio: An Introduction to NIH’s New Tools – Synapse and Catapult, Bonny Harbinger, NIH OTT (20) 

2:55-3:15         Identifying and Resolving “Hidden” Issues in Research Collaborations, Karen Maurey, National Cancer Institute, Technology Transfer Branch. (20) 

3:15-3:20         Wrapup, Looking Ahead, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnership Program

3:20-3:25         Door Prize Drawings

3:30                 Adjourn

 


FEDERAL LAB CONSORTIUM MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL MEETING

Linking Technology Transfer to End-User Needs

Rocky Gap Resort, Cumberland, MD September 19-21, 2006

                                                                                                                                                  

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19, 2006 PRE-FLC CONFERENCE TRAINING SESSION

 

1:00-5:30 pm   PRESENTATIONS AND INTERACTIVE GROUP TRAINING

The intent of this training session is to provide an overview of market dynamics, the interplay between government and industry through technology transfer, and the role that market assessment plays in federal agency technology transfer efforts.  There are two thrusts to this session: (a) an overview, and (b) a detailed focus on specific market parameters of technology transfer.  All of these factors go into the determination of what is the right investment, and what is not an appropriate investment of government resources.  As part of this training session, there will be two parallel breakout group discussions.  Topics include:

·        Impact of evolving government policies and strategic direction, transition, mandate

·        Impact of evolving technology including cost of development

·        Impact of evolving consumer needs and expectations

·        Impact of fostering market capability by the government serving as a catalyst without creating an unfair playing field by selecting winners and losers.

  • 1:00-1:10 Introduction to training session, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnership Program
  • 1:10-3:25         MARKET ASSESSMENT PANEL

o       1:10-1:40 Market Assessment Overview, Domestic/International R&D Trends and Future Technology Development Forecast, William Chard, National Technology Transfer Center.  The role of technology transfer in stimulating the transfer and commercialization of R&D into useable products, processes and services is well recognized.  This valuable service was mandated by the U.S. government for all federal research activities in 1980 by the Bayh-Dole Act and subsequent federal legislation.  The process of technology transfer has since dramatically effected not only the federal laboratories but U.S. industry, academia and the private sector and has become an international activity.  Although the process has been mandated by the U.S. Congress for all federal research laboratories, the process itself continues to be refined and developed to be more cost effective.  This activity has become more important internationally as the expansion of research, technology development and industrialization has grown tremendously in third world countries as a major element in their economic growth.  A key function in the growth and effectiveness of technology transfer and commercialization has been the implementation of market research and assessment procedures.  This function has evolved as a result of recognizing the importance of looking “outside the technology box” into the commercial products and services arena where the technology will finally reside.  Technology transfer continues to move from a technology-push to a market-pull function.  This presentation will introduce the role of market assessment in technology transfer and commercialization, provide an overview of current and future support for R&D and technology transfer, discuss the impact of R&D trends worldwide, identify targeted areas of future technology and product development, and identify the need for more refined market intelligence in future technology transfer and commercialization activities.  This background information will lead into the more detailed discussions from other panel members on specific market assessment protocols and procedures.

o       1:40-2:10 Technology Transfer Spin-Out, Allen Jones, First Link, Inc., Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh

The Spin-Out process includes several steps. First is exploring within the Federal community for likely technologies. This “prospecting” step relies on research into several databases as well as reliance on previously established business relationships with research and development activities. The second step is Technology Assessment. This step relies on research into the technology, competing technologies, and emerging technologies solving the same problems or providing like capabilities. Step three is market and market analysis. In this step FirstLink looks for potential licensees within identified market segments. Step four is the completion of the T2 document. This includes identification, negotiation, and completion of the T2 agreement.

Prospecting Federal Laboratories: Finding new technologies in the Federal Laboratories

Ø      New IP: Through a rigorous and on-going process, we are constantly monitoring for new technologies from these Federal groups. In addition our demonstrated success in completion of T2 mechanisms has enhanced our relationships to Federal laboratories to where they now seek out our support in marketing new patents with commercial potential.

Ø      Commercially Identified Requirement: Our process includes prospecting for specific technology solutions identified by private sector companies as a need. When a company identifies a need we will survey Federal labs to identify a single technology solution or multiple technologies that might be integrated to fill the need. FirstLink also acts as a facilitator in these instances for the licensing negotiations just as we would on any other T2 effort.

Technology Assessment: A major advantage that FirstLink provides is experience and processes that support a technology assessment of the commercial viability of a new technology. This assessment includes analysis of existing and emerging competing technologies. The purpose is to determine if the new intellectual property being assessed can provide an equal, better, or worse capability. This assessment is provided to potential licensees to help in their decision making process.

Market Assessment: Following fast on the heels of the Technology Assessment is the Market Assessment. FirstLink performs a market assessment to determine the market segments for potential use licenses. We then assess the costing and potential market size in those segments.

Market: Although FirstLink is not a marketing firm we do help clients develop Federal markets. We do this by identifying potential users and procurement paths for a given technology. We take this to the point of identifying and in some instances introductions and then allow the company to determine the best of those paths in accordance with their business plan.

o       2:10-2:40 Using Market Trend and Technical Analysis to Impact Partnerships, Jerry Miller, West Virginia High Tech Consortium Foundation;  This presentation will focus on strategic decision making for the technology transfer professional utilizing market trend and technical analysis. These activities are critical when addressing R&D directives, patent filing and maintenance issues, and licensing opportunities. The importance of bundling technologies, competencies and facilities will be emphasized, along with understanding industry’s needs and requirements when entering into partnerships with federal agencies and universities.

·        2:40-3:10 Market Assessment Detail “Checklist” of factors to examine prior to initiating a new or improved technology commercialization effort.  Handout provided during session.    Laurie Arrants, NIH/NINDS

·        Checklist topics:

o       Clear descriptive language of technology and application

o       Assess most appropriate approach including:

§         Patent/License

§         Cooperative Agreement

§         Publish/promote

§         Government as anchor tenant/procurement

§         New approaches such as venture capital involvement

o       Due Diligence

§         Patent Search Conducted?

§         Unique or linked to other technologies?

§         Realistic commercial application?

§         Potential areas for conflict of interest?

§         Risk assessment?

§         Cost/benefit analysis?

§         Credible market transition plan?

§         IP Issues/Protection of intellectual property?

·        3:10-3:25 PANEL Q/A

3:25-5:30         MARKET ASSESSMENT BREAKOUT GROUP DISCUSSION

·        3:25-3:35   Overview of Breakout Session, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnership Program

·        Intent of discussion

·        Group product:  5 minute presentation of case study and group findings by each breakout group

·        Logistics:  Identification of group chairs, group members, room location

      3:35-3:45 Break and move to group discussion rooms

·        3:45-4:50 Case Study Breakout Sessions. 

Two parallel sessions will use separate case studies to discuss the case from the perspective of the earlier presentations on market assessment, due diligence, government role, etc. and make recommendations as a group on what could have been done differently.  Group Chairs:

o       Nona Cheeks, NASA GSFC.  Case Study #1 tells the tale of how IP protection can be lost despite the innovator having filed an invention disclosure. Software is highly susceptible to this type of “missed opportunity” particularly in cases of interagency sharing and/or collaborative research with commercial contractors, as demonstrated by the cases from a NASA Center. Do your innovators fully understand their obligations? Discuss how we as tech transfer personnel can prevent these situations. And explore how a missed opportunity can still yield value and success.

o       Scott Deiter, NSWC-Indian Head.  In Case Study #2, the group will grapple with a real-world challenge of IP rights, ethics and potential liabilities involving a Federal Lab, a private company and a former, disgruntled employee.  Can an entire IP portfolio be jeopardized by an additional invention disclosure of questionable merit?  Assess the rights, risks and obligations.  Discuss what should have taken place, and hear what actually happened.  While the subject matter of this case study involves rocket fuel, there are parallels with issues in many other Federal labs.

·        60 minutes in parallel session

o       20 minute presentation of case by Chair

o       25 minute group discussion

o       15 minutes for summary and preparation of findings/recommendations

·        5 minute break to return to full group

·        4:50-5:10 Group Summary and Discussion. 

·        4:50-5:00 Two 5 minute group presentations of discussion, findings, recommendations

·        5:00-5:10 General group discussion

·        5:10-5:30  (Optional) Informal discussion with training panel members, adjourn

 

TUESDAY NIGHT REGISTRATION AND RECEPTION 6:00-9:00

  • Reception, sponsored by TEDCO
  • Exhibit materials can be displayed during reception at no charge

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

 

7:00-8:00         Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00-8:15         Welcome, Introductions, Opening Remarks, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnership Program

8:15-9:15         “Wave Top Tour” Through Emerging Technologies and Their Potential Applications and Implications, Dennis Bushnell, Chief Scientist, NASA Langley Research Center.    Presentation considers the individual and combinational development trends and potential impacts of IT, Bio, Nano, Energetics and Quantum Technologies. These technologies are altering, in real time, economics, lifestyles, and the very nature of the human species. Their combinational effects upon employment, the environment/energy, education and social/societal interactions are projected to be massive and game-changing. Beyond the current post- Industrial Age appears to loom the "Virtual Age" exemplified by "tele-everything" and “robotic-everything” including design and manufacturing. A solution is proffered to the emerging U.S. "competitiveness" issue.

9:15-10:20       International Technology Transfer Issues, Laurie Arrants, NIH/NINDS, Moderator

·        Doing IP Business across International Borders,” Roisin McNally, Murgitroyd and Company, Fundamental differences exist between US patent laws and the laws of other major industrial countries and international regions.  This presentation will highlight the major important differences that US inventors, researchers and companies may overlook and will provide practical advice to assist you to maximize the value and enforceability of your intellectual property internationally.  The presentation will also suggest ways to reduce costs in obtaining patent protection internationally and in particular in Europe.

·        “Biotechnology Commercialisation in Ireland- Looking to the Future,” Paul Roben; Enterprise Ireland, Science, technology and innovation are vital to Ireland’s social and economic progress. It is recognised that high levels of investment in research and innovation are essential in order to become a competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy. The government recently published a strategy which maps out: the steps that we need to take to develop a world-class research system, the mechanisms to translate that knowledge into jobs and growth, and the resource levels which are required for implementation. Core components of that strategy include strengthening institutional competence in technology transfer, supporting initiatives that bring the academic and industrial sectors together, and building a sustainable venture capital industry. As I will describe in this presentation, Enterprise Ireland is at the heart of that strategy and is charged with the commercialisation of research for the benefit of the biotechnology and other industrial sectors in Ireland.

·        Nurturing International Partnerships to Support U.S. Agriculture, Melanie Peterson, Office of International Research Programs, Agricultural Research Service USDA, Strategic international partnerships between the USDA – Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and its foreign counterparts highlight the importance of collaboration to agriculture both in the U.S. and worldwide.  Through a joint research project with their Australian counterparts, ARS scientists in Florida and the Australian Biological Control Laboratory identified and eventually released natural enemies to the invasive species, melaleuca, which has caused up to $140 million per year in economic losses to the Florida everglades.  In another example, ARS and Russian joint efforts to control foodborne bacterial pathogens like Campylobacter and Salmonella has generated industry interest as a potential alternative to antibiotic use in poultry with far-reaching applications to human health.  In both cases, the international partnerships developed by the scientists involved and supported by the ARS Office of Technology Transfer and the ARS Office of International Research Programs, are turning research results into real technology transfer successes. 

10:20-10:30     Break

10:30-11:00     “Elevator Presentations I,” AGENCY NEW INITIATIVES

·        New Programs and Partnerships at ARS, Rick Brenner, Agricultural Research Service (10); This presentation will update initiatives involving the Office of Technology Transfer in facilitating partnerships, complying with export and deemed export requirements, and changes to the renewable energy components of ARS research.

·        New Initiatives in Technology Transfer at the USEPA, Sarah Bauer, EPA (5); Over the past year, the US EPA has enhanced its FTTA outreach
program and created some exciting, new approaches to Tech Transfer.

·        Industry Partnership Workshops, Ray Turcotte, NASA Langley Research Center (10) NASA LaRC is conducting a series of one-day, topical workshops to inform and engage potential industry and other agencies as technology development partners.  The monthly workshops have as an objective to identify: a). opportunities for collaboration and cost-shared development between NASA and industry or between NASA and other government agencies, b). industry and other government agency technology that would benefit NASA, and c). licensing and commercialization opportunities for industry

·        5 Minute Q/A

11:00-12:00     Technology Transfer Accomplishments and Reports

Scott Deiter, NSWC-Indian Head, Moderator

This panel focuses on technology transfer accomplishments, the importance and impact of achievements made by Federal laboratories in technology transfer, the impact of annual reports which document these achievements, and a general discussion on how these accomplishments can best be communicated to agency stakeholders, including Congress, the Administration, professional societies, associations, and the general public.  Presentations will also discuss measuring the result of initiatives: results from CRADAs, licenses, and partnerships, and tracking the results.

·        Panel Overview, Mark Boroush, DOC. The statutory annual reporting by
federal agencies on the technology transfer of their federal labs, under
the Technology Transfer Commercialization Act of 2000 (5 minute overview of the purpose and requirements)

·        FLC in DC Perspective, Gary Jones, Federal Laboratory Consortium DC Representative.  The state of U.S. technological and economic competitiveness has provided the foundation for a number of budgetary and other legislative initiatives during the current fiscal year (e.g., the American Competitiveness Initiative in the FY 2007 budget).  Sustaining U.S. technological and economic competitiveness in a rapidly transitioning global economy and market is an issue of national interest and concern.  Federal investment in R&D, as reflected in the ACI focus on the physical sciences, and by extrapolation of increasing technology transfer opportunities to and with industry is an important component in supporting U.S. competitiveness.  Congressional recognition of the significant importance of technology transfer and partnership development in support of competitiveness on a national level is vital.  This presentation will highlight the current R&D budget status, the ACI and other related initiatives, and recent efforts to raise the visibility of technology development, technology transfer and partnerships to members of Congress and other stakeholders.

·        ARS-USDA Overview. Tara Weaver-Missick, USDA ARS (15)

·        DOC Overview, Mark Boroush, DOC (15), The annual performance reports now required of all federal labs, under the Technology Transfer Commercialization Act of 2000, has been a first step in the direction of answering policymakers' perpetual question of what has federal technology transfer been achieving?  This kind of information is also important in seeking to manage tech transfer programs for maximal effectiveness.  The speaker will review the key elements of the annual reporting process as it currently operates.  He will also offer his perspective on what appears to have been accomplished in the five yearly cycles of these reports to date, what remains to be done, and how this
reporting fits into the larger framework of federal S&T agency performance
management.

·        10 Minute Q/A

12:00-1:30       Luncheon and Keynote Address

·        Assistive Technologies and the Warfighter

Wounded Warrior Project, Brian Neuman

§         15 minute film overview of sports as rehabilitative therapy

§         Personal reflection by a warfighter(s)

·        Reflection on injury sustained

·        Technology that aided rehabilitation/recovery

·        Activities to regain and restore

·        Where technology still needs to go, from a personal perspective

§         Further detail regarding the technology development aspect in rehabilitation will be provided within a section of the conference publication

1:30-3:00         Assistive Technologies:  How Technology Impacts Real Lives and What Now Needs To Be Done. Moderator: Robert Jaeger, ED

·         Assistive Technology, Robert Jaeger, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Research, ED and call in by Steven Tingus, Director, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Chair, Interagency Committee on Disability Research, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education (20). Assistive Technology (AT) generally refers to devices that are used by persons with disabilities to allow them to participate in society.  One of the most visible types of AT is the wheelchair - seen, for example, in the blue and white signs that mark parking places for people with disabilities.  This presentation will look more deeply at AT and address a number of frequently asked questions.  What are some examples of AT? Who uses AT?  What professional and technical societies (and their journals) emphasize AT research and practice?  Which federal agencies fund AT research?  What is the state of the AT industry in the United States?

·         Telemedicine and Assistive Technology, Ronald Merrell, NASA MITAC (20).  Telemedicine applies information and communication tools to provide medical
support at a distance. Medical sensors, status interpretation, and the
electronic continuum of Internet can allow medical systems to embrace an
individual with confident and seamless management resources no matter where
that individual is. The technology permits ever greater degrees of
independence away from the traditional medical environment in the home or
on travel even for the severely challenged patient or a patient in peril
for whom monitoring and immediate reaction are absolute requirements. MITAC
through work with the astronaut program has developed advanced sensor
systems to monitor and alert space travelers when in space suits or on EVA
with documentation of status, trends and crisp interaction with medical
managers on earth.  The dual use of these systems for home monitoring forms
the basis for current SBIR.STTR activity to move the products from space
applications to home health markets.

·        Assistive Technology, Small Business Perspective, Anna Lockhart, AnthroTronix, Inc. (20). AnthroTronix has built a business on developing creative ways to interface humans and technology.  New technologies have been developed for persons with disabilities, the dismount soldier, and robotic operators for applications such as search and rescue operations. We will discuss how university research was leveraged to develop products and we will provide insight into how the SBIR/STTR Program can be effectively utilized to develop new products, markets, and opportunities.

·        Rehabilitative Engineering & Research Center on Technology Transfer, Steven Bauer, State University of New York at Buffalo (20), The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer is one of more than 20 RERC funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.  Each RERC carries out disability-related research and development activities and is required to transfer development products into the marketplace to benefit people with disabilities and the elderly.  Collaborative initiatives between the RERC system and the Federal Laboratories are encouraged but have met with limited success.  Disability and trans-generational markets, industries serving these markets and the RERC system have each undergone significant changes.  New opportunities for collaboration between the RERC system and the Federal Laboratories are explored.

·        Q/A (10)

3:00-3:10         Break

3:10-3:30         License Monitoring/Auditing, Hans Feindt, NIH, Office of Tech Transfer;  Regular monitoring and enforcement of license compliance is an important component in administering the NIH license portfolio to improve the public health and to maximize economic benefits to federal government inventors and the NIH.  This activity includes enforcing payment of overdue royalties, reviewing periodic sales and progress reports, and, when warranted, conducting financial audits of licensees to verify the accuracy of reported sales.  During FY2005, a significant part of the $98.2 million in royalties received by NIH was directly attributable to such license monitoring and auditing activities.

3:30-3:50         Federal Framework for the Restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, Kyle Zieba, USEPA, Chesapeake Bay Program Office.  This presentation will give an overview of the various Federal agencies' involved in the restoration effort, their individual roles and authorities and the framework in place to enhance interagency collaboration through cooperative conservation from an integrated ecosystem perspective.

3:50-5:30         Energy Issues and Opportunities:  Ron Buckhalt, USDA ARS, Moderator

·        Economic Studies of Energy Systems, Roger Conway, Director, Office of the Chief Economist, USDA-ARS; Learn how the costs of conventional vs alternative energy compare. 

·        Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance, Wayne Surdoval, SECA Coordinator, DOE-NETL and Joe Pierre, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation.  The Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) was initiated in the fall of 1999 bringing together government, industry, and the scientific community to promote the development of environmentally friendly solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for a variety of energy needs.  This partnership represents a new model for joint government and private industry technology research and development, and also provides an effective use of funding resources, which is critical to the success of the SECA Program. An industry perspective will include a discussion of SECA core R&D tech transfer.  

·        DOE’s FutureGen Initiative, Thomas Sarkus, Director, Applied Science and Energy Technology Division, National Energy Technology Lab, DOE.  Announced by President Bush on February 27, 2003 as a $1 billion government-industry initiative, FutureGen will feature a coal-based Integrated Gasification Combined-Cycle (IGCC) power plant that will co-produce electricity and hydrogen, and will achieve near-zero greenhouse gas emissions through geologic CO2 sequestration. 

·        Could There Ever be a Petroleum-free Military?  Rosemarie Szostak, DARPA/Defense Sciences Office,  The military is the largest single user of energy in the United States, at about 1-1.5% total US usage.  The Defense Department has been directed to explore a wide range of energy alternatives and fuel efficiency efforts in a bid to reduce the military’s reliance on oil to power its air, land and sea vehicles and land operations. What is commonly not understood about the military’s fuel usage is that in an effort to minimize the logistics burden, DOD standardizes on a single fuel, a kerosene-like hydrocarbon mixture referred to as JP-8.  This poses some unique challenges.  The fuel characteristics must after all be very stringent. To produce alternatives from biomass requires conversion efficiencies that approach 90%.  This transition must also factor in the potential impact on domestic food production.  While field electricity generation can be satisfied without petroleum by tapping local resources such as solar, wind or garbage/waste, it would be feasible only if the conversion efficiencies are high (e.g. 50% for solar, 90% for garbage/waste).  Beyond alternative fuels there are other alternatives to lessen fuel use (e.g. lighter weight materials, greater use of information technology and better communications) that will reduce the logistics burden and thereby reduce fuel requirements.  Some of these will reshape military strategy.  Whether the US military could ever become petroleum-free will be based on technology revolutions on many fronts.   

5:30-6:15         Recovery Period

6:15-8:00         Dinner, Sponsored by MONTCO

·        Hot Technologies Contest (6:45-7:00); an opportunity for all attendees to promote their best technologies and possibly win a prize.

·        Hot Partnership Contest (7:00-7:15); an opportunity for all attendees to promote their new or developing partnerships and perhaps win a prize.

·        Presentation: “An Insider Perspective on Energy, Terror and World Events,” R. James Woolsey, Vice President, Booz Allen and Hamilton, (7:15-8:00)  The crucial relationship between the country's national security and energy policy will be discussed.  Energy is a major factor in both national defense (military operation capability) and national economic well-being, affecting the daily life of the nation, and is one of the most important issues the nation faces.

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

 

7:00-8:00 am    Continental Breakfast

8:00-8:10         Highlights of Day’s Agenda, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnerships Program

8:10-9:15         Economic Development, Steve Fritz, TEDCO, Moderator

·        New Initiatives, Programs and Progress at WVHTC, Joe Allen, West Virginia High Technology Council (15). While the West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation has been in existence for more than a decade, it has significantly grown in the past two years. The Foundation now offers a wide range of services that correspond with the commercialization process.  The presentation will briefly describe these programs that range from conducting research, providing early stage funding, reviewing intellectual property, to forging agreements with industry to move products to market.

·        A Focus on Innovation – Montgomery County’s Alliance with Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship, Fizie Haleem, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (15).  Montgomery County has one of the fastest growing and most notable entrepreneurial programs in the nation.  In addition, it also enjoys one of the largest concentrations of federal laboratories.  The Department of Economic Development is a resource which actively promotes technology transfer programs through incubator programs, financing opportunities, weblinks, existing partnerships, informational seminars and an extensive referral network.

·        TEDCO: On the Forefront of Technology Based Economic Development, Steve Fritz, Maryland Technology Economic Development Company (15), TEDCO will provide information on new initiatives and programs, as well as progress made under existing programs.

·        Keystone Innovations Zone Initiative, Jim Burns, Philadelphia Naval Business Center (15); The Keystone Innovation Zone Initiative is a technology commercialization initiative that promotes collaborative innovation among academic institutions, government research, and private industry. This initiative supports the growth of research and business activity focused on power and energy, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing, communications and IT, homeland security, and life sciences.

·        5 minute Q/A

9:15-9:30         Technology Transfer at US Joint Forces Command, F. Russell Richards, Manager, Office of Research and Technology Applications, U.S. Joint Forces Command; U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) is relatively new to the technology transfer business.  JFCOM was delegated technology transfer authorities in March 2005 and the ORTA stood up in June.  JFCOM is somewhat unique in the focus of our technology transfer activities.  Unlike most government labs, our focus is on transitioning capabilities to the warfighter and “spin on” versus the more traditional “spin-off”.  This talk will give you an overview of what technology transfer means to JFCOM.

9:30-10:10       Forensic Technologies, Terry Lynch, NIST, Moderator

·        Separating Fact from (Forensic Science) Fiction: Forensic Laboratories and the CSI Effect, Max Houck, Director, Forensic Sciences Initiative, University of West Virginia. (30) Forensic science has never been more popular or more popularized. The public, law enforcement, and the courts have all been affected by the prevalence and popularity of forensic TV shows--they have also been misled. This presentation will help separate fact from fiction and provide the attendees with the true state of forensic laboratories in the US.

·        Forensic Applications of Molecular Radar Technology, Paul Schaudies, GenArraytion (10).  This new technology will be described as it applies to forensic identifications.  It targets only unique and informative regions of genetic material, allowing fast and simultaneous identification of tens of thousands of individual sequences in parallel.

10:10 -10:30    “Elevator Presentations II: Industry, Academia and Government as Catalysts for Change”

·        Technology Transfer Consulting: Assisting in Innovation, Heidjer Staecker, TreMonte Consulting LLC (5).  This presentation will show how technology transfer consultants can assist the innovation process and how they focus on client’s unique issues.  It will outline the legal, financial and business areas where consultants can make strong contributions.  It will also compare characteristics of good and bad consultants.

·        VTIP:  Managing Virginia Tech Technology Transfer, John Telerico, Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. (10). Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. (VTIP) manages intellectual property for Virginia Tech, and has done so since its inception in 1985.  VTIP, in order to play a major role in Virginia Tech’s goal of becoming a top 30 research institution, must accomplish its own set of goals, which are to 1). protect and license the University intellectual properties, 2). generate income by licensing and other activities resulting from University intellectual property, 3). enable sponsored research funding, 4). facilitate the creation of new or start-up businesses and jobs based on University intellectual property, and 5). Disseminate university expertise embodied in intellectual properties to society.  VTIP currently has a substantial portfolio of technologies available for licensing that can be described by five major categories:  Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Engineering, Communications/IT, and Arts/Education.  We are always looking for new partners in industry to help these great ideas find a place in the market for the end-users—whether that means sales to the government, other commercial entities, or a freshmen engineering student.  Virginia Tech’s motto is “Invent the Future” but we cannot do it alone—it takes companies willing to invest, promote, and sell what the University has invented in order for us all to succeed.

·        Maryland’s MEMS/Nano Initiative, Adam Suri, Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (5). This presentation discusses the value of a new Initiative sponsored by MDBED, Maryland MEMS/Nano Initiative.  Maryland has a number of Federal Labs and Educational Institutions that are on the forefront of MEMS and Nano research and development.  The goal of the initiative is have the various institutions work together through collaboration, resource sharing, and academic exchange.  The end result is to provide value to the partners as well as build a stronger community.

10:30-10:40     Break

10:40-11:15     “Elevator Presentations III,” Industry, Academia And Government, Links For Technology Development

·        Tailoring University Curricula to Match Lab Needs, Carolyn Boulger Karlson, College of Notre Dame of Maryland (10); Adult education has come a long way since "night school." Learn how partnerships between colleges, businesses, and hospitals create innovative learning environments for employees. Employees finish their bachelor's or master's degree all in a day's work, or obtain advanced training in programs specifically designed by their employers. Find out what it would take to put such a plan to work in your lab.

·        Using University Expertise for Commercial Market Assessments, Scott Deiter, IHDIV-NSWC (10); Determining the commercial fields-of-use for a technology, and conducting a market assessment, are two difficult tasks facing any Office of Technology Transfer.  Finding a professional organization to conduct these assessments can be very costly.  Therefore, working with universities to conduct these assessments, at no cost, is an effective mechanism to gaining insight into the value of your technology, as well as knowledge of industries to attempt inserting your lab's technology.  Learn how to use major universities as a major tool for gaining the knowledge needed to successfully license your technologies.

·        Educational Partnership Agreements, Lorraine Flanders, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (5); Technology Transfer is a vital process in the US Federal Laboratory System;  but in 10 or 20 years, will our Federal Laboratories be able to sustain the technological competence required to keep us functioning?  Educational Partnership Agreements give us the fuel to ignite a flame under young, eager students to move them towards a path of higher education in the areas of science and engineering and hopefully a career in a Federal Government Laboratory.

·        Post-Doc Placement as a Means of Technology Transfer, Cliff Lanham, Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (5) Each year, 1,500-2,000 post-doctoral fellows in the federal laboratories will complete their fellowships and consider their future career options.  They know their technology and have numerous personal contacts in the laboratories.  An opportunity exists for post-docs to assist in more effectively transferring the technology from the labs.  This year, a group of federal technology transfer managers partnered with local economic development organizations to produce a conference and career expo for the post-docs. The conference specifically included information on entrepreneurship and tech transfer.  The group learned that some introductory training on these topics needs to happen earlier. The labs should realize that the post-docs, with extensive knowledge of the lab technology, are “seeding” industry.  Labs should consider how they can prime their post-docs to better transfer their technology to the commercial sector by providing more information on transfer mechanisms, entrepreneurship, and available business assistance.

·        Advancing the Innovation Ecosystem at Emerging Research Institutions, Cathy Fore, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (5). What does it take to turn academic research into tangible products and how can our nation’s HBCUs/MEIs be more successful and competitive in doing so?  Building upon the foundation of ORAU’s recently-formed partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Technology Transfer, AAAS, and The National Academies' Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable, an initiative is under way to utilize the collective strengths of the ORAU HBCU/MEI Council members to increase minority participation in all stages of the innovation and commercialization process.  Establishment of a centralized Patent Clinic and regional resources to promote and energize the innovation process at minority institutions will be highlighted.

11:15-11:45     “Elevator Presentations IV,” Knowledge Management    

·        Portable Technology Transfer Training for the DOD, Blake Sajonia, TRSG, Inc. (15); A Deployable Technology Transfer Team (DTTT) has been created for the DOD’s Office of Technology Transition. The DTTT tasking is to collect and review data, prepare a reference manual, provide support for workshops or briefings, and mobilize in support of specific projects at various sites and organizations within DOD. The first two assignments for the DTTT were to provide USJFCOM and USTRANSCOM with technology transfer training tailored to their respective missions and interests. These organizations, as commandant commands, are new to technology transfer and differ substantially from traditional laboratories. This briefing will describe our experiences to date under this initiative.

·        Knowledge, Innovation and Technology Sharing Systems, Kevin Barquinero, President, Knowledge Sharing Systems (5); This talk will present a new project for the Army to implement a Knowledge, Innovation, and Technology Sharing System (KITS2)

·        Adding Access to Innovation, Margaret Powell, Defense Technical Information Service (DTIC) (5) In order to improve the timeliness and quality of technical report submissions, DTIC has built the Technical Report Submission Toolkit.  This Process Support Tool provides step-by-step support for SF 298 required metadata on the theory that "If you don't know about it, it's not there...."

·        “The Seeport™ Solution,” A Comprehensive, Commercialization Web Portal,” Mike Parmenter, Foresight Sciences and Technology (5) The portal includes:  A course designed to help assessing technologies; space to exhibit and identify innovative technologies; and a free and open resource for technology transfer and commercialization best practices.

11:45-12:00     Origins, Applications, and Financial Impact of Simulation Technologies, Star Mahaffey, National Center for Simulation, Maryland Chapter, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (15) This presentation documents the origins and evolution of simulation technologies from early uses in amusement parks to emerging applications in medicine, entertainment, and handicapped training as well as its traditional roles in flight and military training. The economic impact of a concentration of simulation-related entities in a tri-county region of Central Florida is also discussed.

12:00-1:15       Lunch – Awards Presentations

1:15-2:10         Intellectual Property

·        Valuations for Patent and Technology Licenses, Judy Ann Byrd and Mark Chandler, Invotex (20).  Valuation of IP and technology is a critical component of any licensing negotiation, dispute resolution or financial forecast.  There are a number of approaches and methods that can be utilized for these purposes, but it is important to use the appropriate method for each situation.  We will explore the principal approaches to valuation of a technology, and the rationale for using a particular one over another in a specific situation.  We will run through examples of each methodology, drawn from real cases involving software, medical device technology, Internet business methods and biopharmaceuticals. Even if one considers valuation more of an art than a science, knowing the approximate value of your IP is essential.  The discussion will focus on why IP values should be reviewed on a regular basis and the typical methods used, along with the shortcomings of each.

·        Research and Support Services at NCI-Frederick, Charmaine Richman, Scientific Administrator, SAIC/Frederick (15); SAIC-Frederick, Inc. has the Operations and Technical Support contract for the Federally Funded Research and Development Center at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Frederick (NCI-Frederick). Under this contract SAIC-Frederick provides biomedical and basic science research services in support of the NCI and these services can also be utilized by other government agencies under the Economy Act and by non-federal government entities under the Work for Others program. This presentation will highlight some of the biomedical and basic science research services that are available at NCI-Frederick. For more information see the web link:   http://web.ncifcrf.gov/research-technologies/default.asp

·        Intellectual Property Due Diligence for New Product Development, Casey Chan, Chairman and CEO, WizPatent Manager (20)  For new product development, patents can be a blessing or a curse but it is something engineers, scientist and product development managers have to grabble with.  Competitors’ patents can restrict or even completely block a successfully developed product from entering the market place.  Accordingly, patent due diligence must be part of the new product development process.  The burden of managing and analyzing large amount of patent documents can be ameliorated with a well defined strategy and the judicious use of technology.  This presentation discusses some of the well proven techniques for determining proprietary position and freedom to operate.

2:10-2:35         Safety And Security

·        National Biometric Security Project: Its Role and Support of the Federal Government, Michael T. Yura, National Biometric Security Project (20).  NBSP is tasked to support the US Federal Government in deployment of biometrics to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure.

·        Fire Fighting Task Force, Robert Saba, Fire Fighting Task Force Coordinator (5) Firefighting is a hazardous profession. Over 100 firefighters die each year in the performance of their duties. The FLC/CTC FFTF under the terms of the MOU with the Metro Fire Chiefs is addressing technology needs and requirements to enhance safety of firefighters. The presentation will briefly describe the background of FLC/CTC FFTF and present those needs.

2:35-2:55         Challenges in Marketing a Large IP Portfolio: An Introduction to NIH’s New Tools – Synapse and Catapult, Bonny Harbinger, NIH OTT (20)  In 2005, the NIH Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) developed Synapse, a tool that leverages Commercial off the Shelf tools and Government databases to create a unique text and data mining application, to enable professional staff to bring real-time meaning and relevancy to enormous and rapidly expanding collections of scientific, technical, and legal documents. This effort performs the high-powered analyses needed to enable effective marketing of the thousands of diverse technologies currently emanating from the NIH’s and the FDA’s intramural research programs. Synapse has made it possible for OTT to reach a wider business market by matching its intellectual property portfolio to the research interests of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.  NIH OTT is working on developing the next generation tool, Catapult. This tool is a quantum step beyond Synapse. It is intended to vastly increase text mining capabilities and combines them with synthesis and visualization software to provide an integrative visualization of the NIH and FDA intramural research portfolios.

2:55-3:15         Identifying and Resolving “Hidden” Issues in Research Collaborations, Karen Maurey, National Cancer Institute, Technology Transfer Branch. (20)  Some requests of technology transfer aren’t quite as simple as they appear on the surface.  Several case studies will be presented, the hidden issues revealed, and suggestions for resolution offered.   

 3:15-3:20        Wrapup, Looking Ahead, John Emond, NASA, Innovative Partnership Program

3:20-3:25         Door Prize Drawings

3:30                 Adjourn