Michigan’s current economic situation is forcing many companies to uncover alternative revenue sources, and the Detroit Arsenal is ready to help.
The U.S. Army tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) will outline a variety of initiatives and opportunities during the National Defense Industrial Association’s Michigan Chapter’s third annual Fall Business Event Sept. 14-16 at the Detroit Troy Marriott in Troy, Mich.Themed “Expanding Opportunities in the Defense Industry: The Upside to Michigan’s Economy,” the event aims to help companies looking to diversify and explore opportunities in the defense sector. The program combines distinguished speakers from government and industry including: TARDEC National Automotive Center Director Paul Skalny, the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command Contracting Center, Defense Contract Management Agency and Defense Logistics Agency. A panel of economic development leaders and major contractors will discuss Defense Corridor of Michigan opportunities. Other panels will explore technology opportunities, small business opportunities from the Army and Defense Logistics Agency perspectives, and a panel on how the military administers contracts once awarded and how to successfully perform after winning it. TARDEC Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Manager James Mainero and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) Manager Pete DiSante will be on hand to discuss these programs. The SBIR program makes sure small businesses are represented in federal research and development initiatives and gives economically disadvantaged small businesses opportunities to compete. The three-phase program includes a feasibility study, development and commercialization. There is a rigorous review process since up to $850,000 can be awarded. CRADAs are set up between federal laboratories and commercial, academic or nonprofit partners to aid beneficial technology transfer between the parties. Under CRADAs, the partner can provide personnel, services, property or funding. The government can supply all of the above except funding. |
