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DOD SEEKS INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS FOR DUAL USE

February 12, 1999

The Department of Defense's Dual Use Science and Technology (DUS&T) Program, now in its fourth year of operation, is seeking participation from companies that are developing commercial technologies that could be used in military applications.

DOD has issued a Broad Agency Announcement and is seeking proposals in eight areas of technology:

  • Affordable Sensors

  • Advanced Propulsion, Power, and Fuel Efficiency

  • Information and Communications Systems

  • Medical and Bioengineering Technologies

  • Weapons Systems Sustainment

  • Distributed Mission Training

  • Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

  • Environmental Technologies

Congress established goals for the initiation of dual use projects based on a percentage of the military Services' applied research budgets. In 1999, the goal is seven percent (roughly $115 million) that the Services are striving to commit to commercially relevant technologies. This year the Department plans to budget $110 million for its share of the DUS&T Program.

Inducements for industry to work with DoD's DUS&T Program include cost-shared projects, access to technology from the government and increased market opportunities with the military Services. In addition, the Department is making it easier for companies to participate by using contracting procedures that are outside the normal acquisition regulations.

Program officials are sponsoring a Dual Use Science and Technology Investment Strategy Conference March 25 in Chicago. Program managers from the Army, Navy and Air Force who are co-funding R&D projects will be on hand to answer questions from industry related to their technology needs and the process for participating in the DU S&T Program.   There is a $75 registration fee for the conference.

Proposals in response to the solicitation are due May 4, with selection of awards anticipated later this year.

For more information, contact Dan Petonito, DUS&T program manager, 703/ 681-5451 or visit their web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dust.