Event Types

Assisting the AFRL

In partnership with AFRL/RW, the Doolittle Institute enables technology transfer mechanisms by hosting different types of events, from assessment events and collaboration events to feasibility studies and technical showcases. Learn more about the event types DI facilitates below.

Ready to schedule an event at the Doolittle Institute Facility? Send us an email that includes your name, company name, and a short summary of your technology focus.

Assessment Event

An event in which Government stakeholders submit a well-defined, novel problem and specific requirements with a clear technology transfer mechanism to attract submissions that solve the problem; through ecosystem utilization and market research. Submissions are collected, and Government stakeholders review and select the submissions with the highest value to present or demonstrate capabilities.

Technology Sprint

A rapid step-by-step process in which a team of subject matter experts from Government, industry, small business, and academia develops innovative solutions for a particular and often complex Government challenge based on Government specified requirements.

Collaboration Event

A design thinking session in which scientists, engineers, industry, small business, and academia ideate on specific challenge areas; this open forum identifies limiting factors, opportunities to overcome these factors, and potential relevant technologies, while identifying a clear path forward with an action plan. The outcomes of this effort shape future events that result from the defining of the problem at hand.

Feasibility Study

In-depth market research/ discovery events pertaining to a topic to determine its efficacy and if future resource investments will yield a desirable result. This preliminary investigation identifies the potential benefits associated with undertaking a specific technology or method.

Technical Showcase

Monthly session in which small businesses, industry, academia, and venture capital firms share their capabilities with the Air Force Research Lab Munitions Directorate workforce.

Innovate with AFRL

Bi-annual event to educate small businesses about technology transfer mechanisms and support opportunities for collaborating with the Air Force Research Lab Munitions Directorate.

Innovation Discovery Event

Event in which novel, unique, and non-obvious commercial applications and uses are identified for technologies developed by scientists and engineers working for the Munitions Directorate.

Commercialization Study

Market research to identify appropriate industry partners for licensing agreements for Air Force Research Lab Munitions Directorate technologies.

Technology Transfer Mechanisms

Patent License Agreement (PLA)

A PLA allows innovators and small businesses to use, sell or further develop AFRL/RW patented technologies in exchange for a negotiable fee. AFRL/RW offers exclusive, partially exclusive and non-exclusive PLAs and works with potential licensees to negotiate flexible terms that align with the commercialization strategy for the patented technology.

Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA)

CRADAs are the most common and flexible way for federal labs to work with industry and academia. Through a CRADA, federal labs can commit resources such as personnel, facilities, equipment, intellectual property, or other resources to one or more interested nonfederal parties. CRADAs cannot be used to commit funds to R&D projects.

Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA)

The EPA is a formal agreement between a defense laboratory and an educational institution to transfer and/or enhance technology applications and to provide technology assistance for all levels of education (pre-kindergarten and up). Federal labs can use EPAs to donate equipment to universities and schools.

Commercial Test Agreement (CTA)

A CTA enables industry and academia to utilize the unique resources that federal labs have to offer. In addition to being granted access to test facilities and specialized equipment, CTAs also enable industry to access the expertise of AFRL/RW scientists and engineers.