The Office of Naval Research announced today that the first annual Naval-Industry R&D Partnership Conference will be held August 9-11, 2000, in Washington, D.C. The conference will provide a forum for senior government, industry and academic personnel to discuss reducing barriers that move commercial products and research and development into Navy and Marine Corps systems.
The Office of Naval Research, led by Rear Admiral Paul G. Gaffney II, Chief of Naval Research, is sponsoring the conference that has the goal of better leveraging commercial products and technology. The current and projected business environment where defense research and development comprises a shrinking share of our nation's technology investment while commercial technology investment has dramatically increased, underscores the need for the conference. Accordingly, the Navy must take advantage of commercial sector technologies and products to maintain advanced capabilities, control costs, and reduce cycle time. The conference is one of several initiatives to expand interaction with commercial suppliers.
The conference will feature panels and workshops composed of government, industry, and academic executives discussing information and electronics, aerospace, expeditionary systems, and shipbuilding technologies. Discussions will focus on issues and barriers associated with communicating needs and opportunities, business incentives and disincentives and technology transition. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Navy and Marine Corps program managers and prime contractors to network, discuss issues and recommend improvements.
For details on the conference call The National Center for Advanced Technologies on 202-371-8458, or visit the Web Page: http://www.navalranddconf.com