Technology Transfer Program
What is T2?
FAA Technology Transfer (T2) is the process by which existing knowledge, innovations, or capabilities developed at FAA's federal laboratories with federal funding are transferred and utilized to fulfill other public and private economic needs. T2 extends FAA's federal laboratory resources (people, equipment, facilities, etc.) to partnership and license agreements with companies, academic institutions, and state and local governments, with the intent of furthering (1) either's mission or (2) technologies which yield additional marketable products. T2 also enables FAA to gain valuable insight into aviation market trends, which could ultimately benefit FAA's safety, efficiency, or environmental impact mission.
Technology Transfer accomplishes the following:
- Advocates commercialization of new technologies developed by FAA personnel and industry partners
- Protects intellectual property (IP) through patents and licensing
- Expands the United States technology base
- Maximizes return on investment (ROI) in federally funded R&D
- Facilitates government and private sector cooperation
- Provides access to resources to help develop and commercialize aviation ideas, concepts, or products
- Enables use of federal government labs, facilities, equipment, and personnel as if they were the partners
- Resolves intellectual property and liability matters early in the agreement process to ensure the FAA and its partner is protected
The Federal Laboratory Consortium's "Green Book" summarizes Technology Transfer legislation and executive orders since the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. The most recent pdf copy of the Green Book can be found here.
More Information:
- FAA Policy - Order 9550.6B Technology Transfer Program (PDF)
- Technology Transfer Desk Reference
- Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 (PDF)
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Technology Transfer (T2) and Lab to Market Initiatives
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Federal Laboratory Technology Transfer Reports
Background
The Director of Research manages FAA's national Technology Transfer (T2) research and development (R&D) program through the William J. Hughes Technical Center's (WJHTC) Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA). The ORTA coordinates collaborative partnerships between the FAA WJHTC federal laboratory and private businesses, state or local governments, non profit entities, and academic institutions.
The United States government invests billions of dollars annually in its laboratories for Research & Development (R&D). This investment created "Federal Laboratories" that produce advanced technologies which can serve not only government interests, but also the interests of bu siness and academic communities. Fostering cooperation among Federal, State, local governments, academia, and industry ensures the United States remains a world leader in developing innovative and leading edge technologies. Over the past several decades, Presidents and Congress have worked together to establish a policy framework that enables the government to transfer its technology to the nonfederal sector (industry, state and local governments, and academic institutions). Through technology transfer, Federal Laboratories share the benefits of the government's R&D investment with all segments of society.
The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 is the first of a continuing series of laws to define and promote Technology Transfer. The law accomplishes the following:
- Enables Federal Laboratories like the WJHTC to be more involved in technology transfer
- Makes it easier for Federal Laboratories to transfer technology to nonfederal parties
- Provides outside organizations with a means to access Federal Laboratory developments
- Establishes an Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) in each laboratory to coordinate and promote technology transfer