The objective of this topic area was to seek innovative technology transfer approaches for technologies that have been successfully demonstrated under ESTCP or for mature bodies of knowledge that are appropriate for direct transfer that have been developed under the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). For the purposes of this announcement, “technology” is broadly defined to include integrated systems based on any combination of hardware (equipment) and software (processing), materials engineering processes, chemical formulations, and resource management devices, methods, tools, or models based on scientific principles.

The target communities of interest were primarily end users, which may include Remedial Project Managers (RPMs) within the military; acquisition program managers; energy managers; natural resource managers; regulatory agency representatives; those responsible for updating design codes, engineering design manuals, standards, or performance specifications; and other practitioners.

Each of these communities will likely benefit from a technology transfer approach specific to their mission, business processes, and manner of receiving information. Approaches of interest included but were not limited to short courses (either live or on-line), videos, webinars, monographs, updates to standards and regulations, endorsements by regulatory bodies, fact sheets, web sites, and workshops. Of particular interest were innovative approaches that clearly leverage new platforms and methodologies for reaching a broader audience.

Proposals were structured to address the transfer needs of a specific ESTCP- or SERDP-funded project or group of projects that have demonstrated technical success and should produce one or more specific products that are suitable for one or multiple target audiences. Proposals explicitly addressed why the focus technology is appropriate for this effort, what are the barriers to its adoption, who are the key stakeholders, what are their information needs regarding the technology, why the proposed approach is temporally relevant, and why the proposed approach is appropriate to the technology and the audience.

Proposals comprehensively addressed all stakeholders that will determine the adoption of the innovative technology. It was expected that some proposed approaches would be applicable to a broad array of SERDP and ESTCP investment areas, while others will be narrowly targeted. Both types of proposals were desirable. The scope of applicability was clearly stated in the proposal.

ESTCP projects currently transfer technologies through a variety of required project deliverables including guidance, design, and/or protocol documents as well as Final Reports. SERDP projects produce a Final Report, and some projects also produce guidance and protocols. Final Reports are generally comprehensive accounts of all activities and results of the project in a manner suitable to transmit information to technical audiences, but are less applicable to managers and decision makers. Protocols and guidance documents distill key actionable information, but are still limited by their format and medium as technology transfer tools.

In addition to the above methods, technologies developed and demonstrated by SERDP and ESTCP also may transfer via a number of transition methods including but not limited to the following: (1) direct transition of a base of scientific knowledge to improve current management or practices; (2) transition to vendors who provide contracted services to the department; (3) transition to a DoD program of record; (4) acquisition of equipment or services at an individual installation; or (5) implementation of new processes or materials in manufacturing or maintenance facilities. Development of additional innovative technology transfer tools that capitalize on current platforms could greatly enhance technology transition efforts.

ESTCP has supported the development of a number of technology transfer approaches. Proposers should be familiar with the ESTCP portfolio in order to avoid duplication of previous efforts. ESTCP technology transfer project descriptions are available on the ESTCP website.