The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation

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The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation features engaging and thought-provoking conversations about a range of topics related to federal technology transfer. Each episode reveals insights, expertise and experiences from a professional in the technology transfer ecosystem – including researchers, T2 professionals, entrepreneurs and more.

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57 min

Greg Wolf: From Federal Lab Engineer to Defense Entrepreneur

Federal labs spend years developing new technologies, but what happens when the research is finished and there's no clear path to getting those innovations into use? Sometimes a promising invention gets patented and then sits on a shelf because nobody knows what to do with it next. It's a frustrating situation for the researchers who developed it, and it raises some important questions about how government and industry can work together to make better use of federally funded research. For this episode, I'm handing the microphone over to FLC Vice Chair David Lee, who sits down with Greg Wolf, a former federal engineer who has since moved into the world of defense entrepreneurship. Greg began his career at Picatinny Arsenal's Armament Center, where he worked on remote weapon systems and robotic combat vehicles. After leaving federal service, he joined Firefly Aerospace and later Street Smarts VR, a company developing virtual reality training for military and law enforcement. He's now the founder of Cambrai Systems, a defense technology company focused on helping the government identify and acquire the capabilities it needs. David starts by asking Greg why he left federal service, even though he enjoyed the engineering work. Greg talks about the frustration of trying to move projects along when even something as simple as buying parts could become a bureaucratic headache. They also get into his experience with startups and a problem that doesn't get nearly enough attention. A company can receive federal funding to develop a technology and then be left on its own to figure out how to sell it to the government. David and Greg look at where that process breaks down and what federal labs might be able to do differently to help those inventions actually get used. In This Episode: [02:58] Greg Wolf discusses his engineering background, his education at Stevens Institute of Technology, and how he began his career at Picatinny Arsenal. [05:03] How a cooperative education program at Stevens Institute of Technology led to a career at Picatinny Arsenal and opportunities to pursue advanced engineering degrees. [07:29] Developing government-owned remote weapon systems at the Armament Center and testing concepts for robotic combat vehicles before the technology became widely used. [10:06] The importance of communicating technical requirements across federal labs and acquisition teams, particularly when developing safety-critical, remotely controlled weapons systems. [12:42] What made working as a federal engineer rewarding, including the freedom to experiment, build prototypes, and conduct early live-fire testing with unmanned vehicles. [15:56] The frustration of navigating government purchasing procedures when even obtaining basic parts could delay important research and development projects. [18:07] How bureaucracy affects large organizations and why private companies sometimes have more flexibility to work around obstacles than federal agencies. [20:36] The combination of career limitations, personal circumstances, and government bureaucracy that eventually prompted a move into private industry. [23:22] Working at Firefly Aerospace in Austin, Texas, and discovering that developing rockets wasn't nearly as appealing as working in defense technology. [25:08] How joining the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum led to new career opportunities, including work developing virtual reality training for military and law enforcement. [26:50] The Defense Entrepreneurs Forum's free membership and how its chapters connect government employees, entrepreneurs, and others working in national security. [29:16] Founding Cambrai Systems to help the government identify needed defense capabilities and improve the process of acquiring and deploying new technologies. [32:48] Why leaving federal service for private industry may not be as intimidating as government engineers and scientists sometimes expect. [34:49] The need to improve government acquisition procedures through changes within the workforce rather than relying entirely on reforms directed from the top. [37:01] How identifying specific defense needs and working backward from those requirements could help the government make better purchasing and development decisions. [39:56] Ways federal laboratories could support startups by clearly communicating the problems they need solved and helping entrepreneurs understand what the government is looking for. [42:15] An example of a university spinout developing new drone sensing technology and the difficulties of finding a government customer even after receiving federal research funding. [44:30] Why companies sometimes receive government funding and encouragement to develop technologies but struggle to find support when they're ready to move forward. [46:05] The problem of researchers having to find new funding or a customer for inventions that are ready to leave the lab, and how potentially valuable technologies can end up sitting unused. [48:01] The opportunities and risks associated with licensing federal patents, particularly when entrepreneurs have no guarantee the government will purchase the finished product. [50:14] What's driving the work at Cambrai Systems and how better acquisition tools, improved communication, and artificial intelligence could help move defense innovations into use. [53:00] The historical inspiration behind the name Cambrai Systems and what the early use of tanks can teach us about adapting military operations to new technologies. [55:38] Why successful technology transfer requires more than developing an invention, with clear government needs, industry partnerships, and acquisition pathways helping promising technologies reach the people who need them. Resources: FLC The Transfer Files David Lee - FLC Greg Wolf - LinkedIn Defense Entrepreneurs Forum Street Smarts VR

55 min

Shelly Wyman and Derek Meier: The Future of Uncrewed Systems for Coast Guard Missions

Every time the Coast Guard sends a crew out, it's making a decision about where to put limited people, boats, and resources. And sometimes that decision starts with an alert that turns out to be nothing. What if an uncrewed boat or aircraft could take a closer look first, gather information, and help determine whether a crew needs to respond? That's one of the possibilities the Coast Guard is exploring as it looks for better ways to carry out its missions. My guests today are Shelly Wyman and Derek Meier from the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center. Shelly is a research scientist who graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 2006 with a background in civil engineering. She's worked in Coast Guard sector operations and at headquarters, taught engineering at the Academy, and later moved into aviation research at the R&D Center. Derek is a research engineer who earned his mechanical engineering degree from UConn and worked in submarine construction at Electric Boat before joining the Center in 2019. Much of his work has focused on uncrewed surface vessels and finding ways to put that technology to use in Coast Guard operations. We talk about their work on RIPTIDE, a research initiative exploring how uncrewed aircraft and boats can work together, share information, and help operators make better decisions. Shelly and Derek share what they've learned from field demonstrations, the challenges of adapting technology to the maritime environment, and how partnerships with other military branches and research organizations are helping move the work forward. We also get into what it takes to move a technology from testing into the hands of the people who will actually use it. And throughout our conversation, there's a common theme: the goal isn't to replace Coast Guard crews, but to give them better information and help them focus their time and resources where they're needed most. In This Episode: [02:14] Shelly Wyman shares her path from the Coast Guard Academy through civil engineering, teaching, and aviation research before moving into autonomy. [05:17] Derek Meier discusses early research into maritime domain awareness, uncrewed surface vessels, and a demonstration in Hawaii that helped identify new Coast Guard applications. [08:34] How uncrewed aircraft and surface vessels can work together, with lessons from a demonstration off the coast of Puerto Rico. [11:32] Testing autonomous technology along the Maine-Canada border to improve maritime awareness and help Coast Guard personnel focus their enforcement efforts. [14:21] Using AI and automated target recognition to reduce information overload, identify potential threats, and ease the workload on Coast Guard watchstanders. [17:25] Adapting technology developed for defense applications to support Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue and maritime law enforcement. [20:32] Why reliable sensor data, automated analysis, and reducing the need for constant operator supervision are central to autonomy research. [24:02] Introducing RIPTIDE and its focus on collaborative autonomy, connecting uncrewed systems, and developing capabilities the Coast Guard can put to use. [27:36] Testing autonomous technology under realistic conditions to identify limitations, evaluate performance, and guide further development. [30:15] Building a framework that allows the Coast Guard to integrate autonomous systems, share information, and move research into operational use. [33:02] How AI could learn from mission data, recognize changing patterns, and improve decisions based on conditions in different operational areas. [36:01] Partnering with the Navy, Marine Corps, and other research organizations to share expertise, coordinate technology development, and avoid duplicating efforts. [39:32] Moving autonomy into the field through secure systems and tools such as the Tactical Awareness Kit, which can deliver information directly to responding crews. [42:48] Involving Coast Guard operators in research and testing to make sure new technology addresses practical needs and can be used aboard cutters. [45:39] How RIPTIDE has adapted to funding and procurement challenges, and why flexibility and persistence matter when developing new technology. [48:20] Lessons from earlier demonstrations in Brownsville, Texas, and the importance of making sure successful research can transition into Coast Guard operations. [50:53] How industry partners can connect with the Coast Guard Research and Development Center through research inquiries, technology solicitations, and procurement opportunities. Resources: FLC The Transfer Files Shelly Wyman, PE - LinkedIn Derek Meier - LInkedIn Tech Transfer Stars: Derek Meier’s RDC Work Helps Accelerate Acceptance of Autonomous Technology for USCG Missions United States Coast Guard - RDT&E

52 min

Adam Matalon: Narrative Capital and the Art of Selling Federal Tech Transfer

The way we tell the story of a technology can be just as important as the technology itself. That idea is at the heart of what our guest calls “narrative capital,” the accumulated value of a founder’s experience, reputation, choices, and story. In the world of tech transfer, where complex science has to connect with investors, industry partners, and customers, that narrative can help determine whether an innovation gains traction or gets lost in translation. Adam Matalan is here to bring an unusual perspective to that challenge. Before moving into the innovation economy, Adam spent decades working in theater and television, eventually producing and running television series and working alongside prominent business leaders. Today, as the founder of Message HQ, he works with startups, scientists, and innovators to turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories. His concept of narrative capital reflects the idea that a founder’s past experiences, including the detours and setbacks, can strengthen credibility rather than diminish it. We discuss why great science does not always become a great company and why scientists and investors often hear the same technology very differently. We also talk about identifying real market pain points, looking beyond a technology’s original application to ask “where else?” it might create value, and gather meaningful customer feedback before a formal licensing conversation begins. Adam also shares why understanding the buyer’s perspective, listening closely, and communicating like a real person remain essential parts of successful commercialization. In This Episode: [02:00] Adam Matalan shares how his early career in theater and television taught him to understand audiences, shape stories, and communicate complex ideas clearly. [07:13] The concept of narrative capital shows how a founder’s experiences, choices, setbacks, and reputation can build credibility and strengthen the story behind a company. [09:50] Storytelling connects with commercialization strategy by helping companies understand where their technology can create real value in the market. [11:37] Scientifically strong technologies can still stall when companies hesitate to test them in the marketplace or assume the science alone will drive adoption. [15:43] Three important signs that a technology may be ready for industry engagement are that it is proven, scalable, and capable of solving a meaningful problem. [18:49] Developing and commercializing new technology requires persistence, and innovators sometimes need to stay committed even when progress is slow. [21:23] Scientists and investors often hear the same technology differently because investors are focused on outcomes, adoption, and potential returns. [24:16] Different types of investors have different goals, making it important for founders to understand the perspective of the person hearing their pitch. [28:07] Companies should focus less on technical details and more on how a product can help customers save money, increase revenue, or solve an expensive problem. [30:25] Giving potential buyers the right context helps them understand why technology matters in the market right now. [32:29] Tech transfer offices can begin gathering customer feedback by identifying real pain points before entering a formal licensing or partnership conversation. [34:46] Conversations outside a company’s usual industry can reveal unexpected applications and new commercial opportunities for a technology. [37:36] Approaching potential industry contacts by asking for insight and advice can be more effective than immediately trying to sell them something. [39:20] Authentic human communication is becoming even more important, and AI generated outreach still needs a personal voice and thoughtful editing. [41:28] Customer discovery should extend beyond an innovator’s immediate industry to include the people and organizations affected further downstream. [42:12] There are no simple shortcuts or universal formulas for commercialization, and market development requires the same kind of discipline as scientific research. [45:03] Curiosity, listening, and observation are habits that help innovators better understand markets, customers, and new opportunities. [46:25] Understanding the buyer’s perspective can make it easier for internal champions to explain the value of a technology to decision makers. [48:41] Every company, founder, and technology must ultimately develop its own commercialization approach rather than rely on a single blueprint. Resources: FLC The Transfer Files Adam Matalon Adam Matalon - LinkedIn MessageHQ Adam Matalon - Substack

35 min

Stephen Luckowski: The Patent Holiday Opening Doors for Industry

The Department of War is sitting on a massive portfolio of federally developed technology, including more than 6,000 active patents. The challenge is making sure those inventions don’t just stay in a catalog, but actually find their way into the hands of companies that can turn them into useful products. That’s the thinking behind the Defense Patent Holiday, a new pilot program designed to make government-owned intellectual property easier for industry to explore. In this episode, I talk with Stephen Luckowski, Director of Technology Transfer, Transition, and Commercial Partnerships for the Department of War, about how the Patent Holiday came together and why removing upfront fees can make such a difference for startups and small businesses. Stephen explains how commercial evaluation licenses give companies room to test the market potential of federal technologies, work with government laboratories, and decide whether an invention fits into their product plans. We also discuss how the program is growing beyond patent licensing itself, with manufacturing resources, funding opportunities, and other support intended to help companies move promising technologies toward commercialization. Stephen shares what the department is learning from the pilot, why success means more than simply counting licenses, and how a more intentional approach to commercialization could strengthen both the industrial base and the technologies available to the warfighter. In This Episode: [01:11] Stephen Luckowski introduces his role leading Technology Transfer, Transition, and Commercial Partnerships for the Department of War and explains his responsibilities for patent licensing and intellectual property reporting. [04:13] The department is creating a strategic view of federally funded intellectual property and strengthening commercialization opportunities across its research portfolio. [05:08] Conversations with Undersecretary Emil Michael led to the creation of the Defense Patent Holiday and the idea of making government patents more accessible to industry. [07:52] The first Patent Holiday offered hundreds of curated patents in critical technology areas with no upfront fees to encourage participation from startups and small businesses. [11:00] The program changes the way the department views billions of dollars in research investment by treating patents as dynamic assets with commercialization potential. [13:02] Commercial evaluation licenses allow companies to assess government-owned technology, work with federal laboratories, and determine whether an invention fits their market and product plans. [15:44] The department is learning from the Patent Holiday pilot, and feedback from participating companies could influence future technology transfer policies. [17:13] The NextFlex Industry Day connected companies with curated microelectronics patents, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and additional resources to support commercialization. [22:15] Companies exploring the Patent Holiday portfolio can use curated patent lists, TechLink assistance, and other federal resources to evaluate opportunities. [25:11] Success for the Patent Holiday means moving federally developed technologies into commercial products that can also meet the needs of the warfighter. [28:39] Future Patent Holidays could involve other government agencies while expanding the economic and national security benefits of commercializing federally funded innovation. [31:31] The Innovation for Impact forum provides an opportunity to focus on national security technology transfer, connect with industry, and showcase the department’s evolving commercialization strategy. Resources: FLC The Transfer Files Stephen Luckowski - Department of War Defense Patent Holiday Innovation for Impact: A National Security Technology Transfer Forum

20 min

Paige George: FLC's New Executive Director on Federal Labs, Partnerships, and Tech Transfer

A career in federal technology transfer can take unexpected turns, but for Paige George, stepping into the role of executive director of the Federal Laboratory Consortium felt like the natural next step. After beginning her Navy career as a high school intern, Paige went on to become a mechanical engineer, technology transfer manager and longtime FLC leader. Paige shares how the relationships she built throughout the federal laboratory community prepared her for this new chapter. She also discusses the leadership lessons she learned from Paul Zielinski, the opportunities ahead for the FLC and why connecting people, laboratories and resources remains essential to moving federally funded innovation into the world. In This Episode: [02:00] Paige George explains how a high school internship at the Navy base introduced her to engineering, military technology and the career possibilities available within the federal laboratory system. [05:00] Attending her first FLC national meeting revealed the remarkable range of backgrounds within technology transfer and helped Paige recognize that she had found the professional community where she belonged. [08:25] Stepping into the executive director role felt like a natural progression after years of serving as a regional coordinator, committee chair, board member and technology transfer leader. [11:32] A closer look at the organization’s daily operations has deepened Paige’s appreciation for the staff members who work behind the scenes to deliver programs, resources and major events for federal laboratories. [12:55] New strategic priorities create opportunities for the FLC to expand access to federal laboratory expertise, strengthen partnerships and help federally funded research produce practical benefits for the nation. [15:33] Looking ahead, Paige wants the FLC to remain the leading resource for federal technology transfer while connecting more laboratories, new professionals and national partners to its network. [17:28] Federal laboratory professionals are encouraged to get involved with the FLC because strong relationships can provide career support, institutional knowledge and valuable connections across agencies and regions. [18:51] The conversation closes with a reminder that successful technology transfer depends on connecting people, laboratories, resources, partners and ideas to move innovation into real-world use. Resources: Federal Labs Consortium Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook Inside T2 at the Navy With Paige George Federal Laboratory Consortium Names Paige George Executive Director Paige George - LinkedIn

15 min

Stephen Crutchfield: Inside FLC's T2 Mechanisms Chatbot for Federal Tech Transfer

Federal technology transfer can be difficult to navigate, especially for someone approaching a government laboratory for the first time. From CRADAs and licensing agreements to material transfer agreements, each option serves a different purpose. Simply figuring out where to begin can become a hurdle before a conversation ever takes place. Stephen Crutchfield helped develop the Federal Laboratory Consortium’s T2 Mechanisms chatbot, a tool designed to make that first step easier. Users describe what they hope to accomplish with the government and what resources they need. The chatbot then points them toward a mechanism that may fit their situation while offering a straightforward explanation of how it works. In this episode, Stephen shares how the team turned dozens of federal authorities into a much simpler decision tree. We talk about the work involved in refining the chatbot and why it is meant to guide users rather than replace a technology transfer professional. He also explains how a clearer starting point could make federal laboratory partnerships feel more accessible to companies and researchers. In This Episode: [02:32] Stephen explains how the T2 Mechanisms chatbot helps people outside the federal government find a possible starting point. [04:08] The team reviewed federal laws and agency authorities before narrowing them into simpler concepts. [06:45] An extensive spreadsheet evolved into a decision tree built around what non-federal partners hope to accomplish. [08:25] Each result includes a recommended mechanism with an explanation and references to the authority behind it. [09:02] The tool introduces users to their options while leaving the final recommendation to technology transfer professionals. [11:12] Testing the decision tree required repeated adjustments when certain answers produced the wrong result. [11:40] Feedback from the technology transfer community could help shape future versions of the chatbot. [12:33] The generated recommendation also teaches users about the basics of each mechanism. [13:08] A reminder to explore the chatbot with different inputs and see how its recommendations change. Resources: Federal Labs Consortium Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook Stephen Crutchfield - LinkedIn T2 Mechanisms Chatbot Stephen Crutchfield: Commercializing Navy Research Through Strategic Matchmaking

22 min

David McFeeters-Krone: Finding the Right Partner for Your Toughest Technical Problem

Some technical problems are too specific, too complex, or too far outside a company’s normal day-to-day work to solve alone. A manufacturer might have a product that works at the bench level, but not at scale. A process might be close, but the yield is inconsistent. A team might know what it needs to make, but not who has the equipment, expertise, or research capabilities to help them get there. In this episode, we talk with David McFeeters-Krone about how the Center for Advanced Technology Solutions, or CATS, helps companies work through those kinds of challenges. Through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, his team helps small and medium-sized manufacturers define the real problem, find the right technical resources, and build connections with federal labs, universities, Manufacturing USA Institutes, vendors, and other partners who may already have part of the answer. David also shares why these partnerships matter beyond one company or one technical fix. When a business can get past a production hurdle, improve consistency, shorten a supply chain, or avoid a costly dead end, that progress can support U.S. manufacturing, strengthen competitiveness, and help federal lab technologies create real-world impact. His work is a reminder that successful tech transfer often comes down to connecting the right people, problems, and capabilities at the right time. In This Episode: [02:10] David McFeeters-Krone shares how he entered tech transfer through MIT’s Technology Licensing Office after studying physics and unexpectedly landing a role among a team largely connected to MIT. [03:29] His career expanded into NASA-supported technology commercialization work, where he helped move federal technologies into the marketplace and connected companies with opportunities to collaborate. [04:14] The early tech transfer landscape was still developing after Bayh-Dole, with universities and federal labs working through many of the licensing practices and questions that still shape the field today. [05:21] Current work through NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership focuses on helping small manufacturers improve operations, solve production issues, and strengthen their ability to compete. [06:24] CATS, the Center for Advanced Technology Solutions, supports companies facing technology-related production problems by connecting them with partners who can provide expertise, facilities, capabilities, or research support. [07:31] Licensees, CRADA partners, vendors, and other lab-connected companies are strong candidates for support because they are often trying to scale new technologies or solve unfamiliar manufacturing challenges. [09:10] Many companies struggle because their internal teams are already focused on research, payroll, insurance, customers, and daily operations, while CATS can focus directly on finding the right technical solution. [09:47] Materials, composites, metals, 3D printing, machining, aerospace, biomedical, and agricultural technologies all come up in this work, but the real strength is knowing how to investigate the problem and find the right expert. [10:50] More established companies are often easier to help quickly because they already know their market and have more business structure in place, but early-stage companies can also benefit from technical matchmaking. [12:10] Strong partnerships can help smaller companies build credibility, find the right words to explain their needs, and show that they can work responsibly within a broader commercial ecosystem. [13:32] A soy-wax manufacturer needed help improving formulation consistency while staying within biological requirements, leading to a CRADA with USDA researchers to explore better options. [14:33] A composite air taxi company avoided costly dead ends by connecting with Oak Ridge-related resources that could evaluate manufacturing options and identify a more practical path forward. [15:51] Shortening supply chains is becoming a major priority, especially when companies can bring production closer to home or help existing suppliers build the capability to make what is needed. [17:10] Domestic manufacturing, defense procurement needs, and support for small manufacturers are all creating more urgency around investment, technical connections, and better use of existing U.S. capabilities. [18:14] Federal labs and their partners can move faster by working with organizations like MEP, CATS, Apex Accelerators, and Small Business Development Centers that are already eager to help companies succeed. [19:51] Listeners can learn more about MEP through NIST, follow CATS on LinkedIn, or contact David directly through Intellectual Assets for help finding technical resources and partnership opportunities. Resources: Federal Labs Consortium Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook David McFeeters-Krone - LinkedIn David McFeeters-Krone - Intellectual Assets Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center for Advanced Technology Solutions by MEP (CATS) T2 Stars: David McFeeters-Krone Earns His Title as a T2 Connector

40 min

Deana Jones: Advancing Agricultural Innovation Through Technology Transfer

Agricultural research depends on strong partnerships, practical solutions, and technology transfer strategies that connect federal science with the producers and industries it serves. Dr. Deana Jones brings that perspective to her work as Director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s U.S. National Poultry Research Center, where she leads a broad portfolio spanning poultry food safety, product quality, feed safety, avian viral diseases, and related agricultural research. In this episode we discuss how technology transfer shows up in agricultural research, where collaboration often depends on trust, long-term relationships, and well-structured agreements. She shares how her team works with industry, universities, and other partners to move promising ideas forward while protecting the research, the collaborators, and the path to real-world use. We also talk about building technology transfer into the culture of a research center from the beginning, not as an afterthought. From encouraging scientists to involve OTT early to highlighting a newly approved in-shell peanut moisture meter, she offers a candid look at leadership, partnership, and the work it takes to turn federal research into practical agricultural solutions. In This Episode: [03:04] Dr. Deana Jones shares how growing up around agriculture, poultry farming, and 4-H shaped her path into science [04:02] Leading the U.S. National Poultry Research Center and championing research that delivers practical solutions [06:18] The center’s broad research portfolio, from poultry food safety and feed safety to avian viral diseases [07:42] How technology transfer works in agricultural research through agreements, partnerships, and real-world testing [09:07] The surprising scope of poultry science and the many disciplines involved in supporting the industry [12:21] Why trust, respect, and long-term relationships are essential when working with producers and industry partners [15:46] Becoming the person stakeholders think of when they have a problem, even when the answer is outside your own lab [17:13] Building a culture where scientists think about technology transfer early, not after the research is complete [19:32] Bringing OTT into research planning, equipment decisions, and partnership timelines from the beginning [21:48] A newly approved in-shell peanut moisture meter that gives farmers faster results and supports better grading decisions [25:37] Moving the peanut moisture technology from early field testing to licensing, collaboration, and USDA approval [29:58] What FLC’s Laboratory Director of the Year recognition means to Deana and the team behind the work [31:44] Emerging opportunities in poultry research, including artificial intelligence, diagnostics, and avian disease mitigation [34:07] How federal labs can shorten the path from discovery to practical solutions through stronger partnerships [35:29] Advice for early-career technology transfer professionals on showing up, learning the science, and building trust [38:42] Why agricultural innovation depends on broad, collaborative teams that look at the whole problem [40:11] Making the most of long-term agricultural research projects by gathering as much useful information as possible [42:07] Closing thoughts on Deana’s work, the FLC Learning Center, and resources for listeners Resources: Federal Labs Consortium Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook Dr. Deana Jones: Advancing Feed Safety USDA Agricultural Research Service Dr. Deana Jones - LinkedIn

19 min

Launching Innovation for Impact: A New Forum for National Security Tech Transfer

Technology transfer is already challenging, but it gets even more complicated when national security is involved. Federal labs are trying to move important research and capabilities out into the world, while also protecting sensitive information, managing risk, and making sure the wrong details do not end up in the wrong hands. That is the thinking behind Innovation for Impact: A National Security Technology Transfer Forum, a new FLC event taking place December 1 through 3, 2026, in Leesburg, Virginia. I am joined by FLC Vice Chair David Lee and FLC Promote Committee Chair Annie Bullock Yoder to talk about why this forum was created, who it is meant to serve, and what attendees can expect from the federal-only training tracks and Industry Engagement Day. This conversation looks at the larger moment facing the federal innovation community right now. There is a real need for speed, collaboration, and practical training, but there is also a need to protect the research, resources, and partnerships that matter most. David and Annie share how this new forum is being shaped around those realities and why bringing the right people into the same room could make a meaningful difference. In This Episode: [02:43] Annie Bullock Yoder explains how the idea for Innovation for Impact grew out of the FLC’s post-COVID shift away from regional in-person training events. [03:28] National security has become a critical focus for federal technology transfer, especially as labs balance accelerating innovation with protecting sensitive resources and data. [04:35] David Lee describes the forum as a way to bring together practical in-person training and stronger engagement with industry partners. [05:26] The event is designed to give tech transfer professionals and supporting attorneys focused training, then connect that critical mass of federal lab expertise with industry. [06:57] The event will take place December 1 through 3 at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia. [07:27] The first two days will focus on federal-only legal and tech transfer training tracks, while the third day will serve as an Industry Engagement Day. [08:12] Potential partners include academia, defense contractors, companies interested in entering the defense space, and state or local agencies working in homeland security. [09:19] Possible training topics include handling classified material in CRADAs, working with security offices on DD 254s, and managing university partnerships with foreign collaborators. [10:52] Success will be measured partly through feedback, but also through the longer-term relationships, agreements, and technology outcomes that may follow the event. [12:09] Strong attendance would be an early sign of success and would show whether there is real demand for this kind of focused FLC-led event. [13:16] Survey responses and return attendance would help the FLC understand whether the training and partnering opportunities provided meaningful value. [14:19] If the model works, similar forums could eventually be adapted for other federal lab focus areas such as biotech, pharma, energy, environment, infrastructure, or agriculture. [15:30] Practical reasons to attend include training, knowledge-sharing, networking, and the chance to make industry partners more familiar with federal lab capabilities. [16:51] The planning timeline includes the June 15 topic submission deadline and the goal of opening registration before the end of August. Resources: Federal Labs Consortium Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook Innovation for Impact: A National Security Technology Transfer Forum FLC Vice Chair David Lee FLC Promote Committee Chair Annie Bullock Yoder

35 min

Angela Lewis: What It Takes to Lead a High-Impact Federal Lab

Federal laboratories play a critical role in moving ideas from research into real-world use, but that work depends on more than technical expertise. It takes leadership, strong partnerships, and a clear understanding of how innovation supports the mission. At Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, that mission is centered on delivering capability to the warfighter, and technology transfer has become an important part of how that work gets done. Dr. Angela Lewis, Technical Director at NSWC Crane and the 2025 FLC Lab Director of the Year, brings more than three decades of experience across operations, strategy, and leadership. She has helped shape how one of the Navy’s most mission-critical labs approaches innovation, builds external partnerships, and connects research with outcomes that support national security. She was also featured in last year’s Lab Directors Forum at the FLC National Meeting, where she shared perspective on leading in complex environments and using technology transfer as a strategic tool. This conversation follows Dr. Lewis’ career journey, including how her understanding of technology transfer evolved and why culture matters so much when building a strong innovation ecosystem. She also shares practical lessons for other federal labs, from engaging leadership to creating the structures, incentives, and partnerships that help technology transfer move from good ideas to measurable mission impact. In This Episode: [02:16] Dr. Angela Lewis shares how she first came to Crane as a high school intern, knowing very little about the organization but recognizing it as a place that offered strong career opportunities in her community. [03:10] Her career path at Crane has included continuing education, leadership development, and opportunities to grow while staying connected to the daily mission of supporting warfighters. [06:09] Technology transfer helps Crane build the right team for each phase of a project, from academic research to small business prototyping to large defense partners capable of fielding solutions at scale. [07:07] Dr. Lewis explains that her view of technology transfer changed while serving as chief of staff and hearing Crane’s T2 director explain the range of mechanisms available for working with outside partners. [09:14] Because Crane operates much like a zero-profit business, the organization has to deliver on cost, quality, and schedule in order to maintain demand from program offices. [12:01] Dr. Lewis frames technology transfer as part of being a good steward of taxpayer-funded intellectual property and making sure federally developed ideas have a path to broader impact. [15:17] Crane’s innovation ecosystem includes research and education partnerships across 39 states, 60 universities, and more than 168 industry partners. [16:03] Dr. Lewis says technology transfer could not remain the responsibility of one office if Crane wanted it to become part of the organization’s DNA. [18:50] Building a true innovation ecosystem requires more than a list of contacts; Dr. Lewis describes it as an active process of seeking out the right partners and maintaining meaningful engagement. [20:10] Crane deepens outside relationships through efforts like the Distinguished Lecture Series, temporary faculty programs, and collaborative joint research projects. [21:03] The Indiana Research Consortium shows how shared vision and active collaboration can make a multi-party CRADA work at scale. [22:37] The consortium’s turning point came in 2024, when Purdue University, Indiana University, and Notre Dame signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a formal structure around shared defense technology priorities. [24:53] By its third event in 2024, Silent Swarm had grown from 17 participating technologies to more than 50, creating a larger venue for industry, academia, and government labs to collaborate. [26:34] Silent Swarm brings together realistic environments, platforms, data collection, government subject matter experts, and operators who can evaluate technologies in a warfighting context. [27:35] Dr. Lewis says metrics matter, but the real measure of technology transfer success is whether partnerships are aligned with the Navy’s most pressing mission needs. [29:26] Strong technology transfer culture depends on leadership behavior, especially making T2 visible, measured, and clearly tied to the organization’s priorities. [30:05] During annual strategic alignment discussions, Crane’s leadership team reviews technology transfer and partnership activities alongside budgets, workload, and project planning. [32:09] For technology transfer professionals, Dr. Lewis’ practical advice is to use the Federal Laboratory Consortium network and learn from peers rather than trying to build programs alone. Resources: The Transfer Files - Federal Labs Consortium FLC Learning Center Dr. Angela Lewis - Federal Labs Consortium Dr. Angela Lewis - Naval Sea Systems Command NSWC Crane Announces Its First Female Technical Director Dr. Angela Lewis - LinkedIn