A model for development, transition and technology transfer leading to commercialization of security technology

Various agencies of the United States´ Federal Government develop technologies in support of their missions based on requirements derived from a number of sources-among them end users (customers) of those agencies, as well as by internal Research and Development staff. Transition of these technologies to customers within and outside those agencies generally takes place after an extensive program of research, development, test and evaluation in laboratory and operational environments. A large number of different technology transition /transfer processes are available to realize the journey from Lab to operational deployment. These processes form a basis of choices available to the federal program manager form which he/she can choose, dependent upon various technical, political and environmental requirements developed over the life cycle of the end product. This paper will outline the diverse processes available to move forward the transition/ transfer of aviation security technologies, from requirements development, assessment and evaluation, certification, qualification and approval to end-user application. Alternative routes for technologies not ready for deployment will be proposed and illustrated. The ultimate goal being to find exit criteria for the technology through commercialization activities, or through classical application of Federal Technology transfer law, regulation, executive orders, and best practices of the public and private sector. The exit criterion for developed and transitioned technologies is its successful acquisition and application is driven by budget and policy constraints. Transition of the developed technologies to commercialization and transfer to private sector and application is constrained by budget, policy and political considerations. This paper will outline the process from requirements development, assessment and evaluation, certification, qualification, transition and technology transfer for end user application. A successful - echnology transition, technology transfer and commercialization model with illustrative examples will be detailed. The paper will describe some ways the current process of transitioning R&D to commercial product might be improved for different purchasers toward the end of continuous product improvement.