Labs agreement leverages R&D capabilities

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kevin S. Brown
  • HQ Air Force Research Laboratory
Air Force Research Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory officials signed a memorandum of understanding March 23 to begin cooperation in exchanging technical requirements and science and technology information with the goal to leverage program development between the two national labs.

The commander of AFRL, Maj. Gen. Ted Bowlds and director of ORNL, Jeff Wadsworth signed the MOU and expect the agreement to improve the cost, schedule and performance goals associated with developing critical technologies for the nation through the coordination of related efforts and information exchanges.

"This is a great opportunity to leverage technologies and competencies among our government labs and help solve our mutual national challenges," said General Bowlds. "The Oak Ridge Lab has a long proven history of overcoming obstacles with robust scientific and technical solutions. This collaboration will enable both labs to build better technology solutions for our customers."

Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducts basic and applied research as well as rapid prototyping to create scientific knowledge and technical solutions to meet national demands. The Department of Energy lab develops technologies in the key areas of physical and biological sciences, clean and abundant energy sources, restoration and protection of the environment and national and homeland security.

"This agreement provides an opportunity to establish a common and consistent path into our respective technology bases," said Tim Vane, a member of the national security directorate and manager of USAF programs for the Oak Ridge lab. "In some cases AFRL will be able to leverage prior government investment in technologies under development at Oak Ridge, and in other cases ORNL may be able to utilize Air Force technologies to meet the needs and requirements of emerging national and homeland security challenges."

The initial period for the MOU is three years with meetings scheduled at regular intervals to share technical information and review progress toward identified goals.