Air Force, State sign collaboration agreement

  • Published
  • By Larine Barr
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Air Force and the State of Ohio signed an agreement today that will help support the military mission and foster economic development within the state.

Maj. Gen. Bedke, commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, signed the Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony at the lab's headquarters complex.

"This partnership will enable AFRL to engage with the State of Ohio at a higher level to maximize AFRL and State of Ohio collaboration opportunities," said Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, AFRL commander.

In development for about six months, the agreement will work to facilitate a cooperative exchange of technical requirements, science, and technology information to promote and coordinate leveraged program development among participants. It also is intended to improve the cost, schedule, and performance goals associated with developing critical technologies and meeting Air Force research and development goals.

"The Air Force Research Laboratory is an incredible national asset with a heritage that can be traced directly to the Wright Brothers and an entrepreneurial spirit that embodies the Dayton community. In accomplishing its mission AFRL draws upon many Ohio trained scientists, managers and technicians that collaborate with our research universities and Ohio based industries," said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development.

An example of a collaboration opportunity is to raise the awareness of Air Force research and mission requirements among Ohio's Third Frontier Project administration and grantees. This approach is best illustrated by The Institute for Development and Commercialization of Advanced Sensor Technology, a collaborative endeavor between the University of Dayton and the Air Force Research Laboratory. This State-sponsored "Wright Center of Innovation" is developing two types of advanced sensors: biological and chemical, for air and water quality monitoring, and remote, such as infrared cameras and object detection.

According to Jack Blackhurst, technical advisor with the AFRL Plans and Programs directorate, the partnership will raise the visibility of AFRL research opportunities throughout the State of Ohio, and enable AFRL to take advantage of local growth resulting from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission activities.

"We have a real opportunity with BRAC 2005 to significantly increase our presence and impact to the State of Ohio," General Bedke said. "Over the next five years we will bring up to 1000 jobs and add substantial new research capability and infrastructure to Wright-Patterson AFB. This BRAC challenge will enable us to work with our host State of Ohio to directly benefit from this infusion of new capability."

Mr. Blackhurst said one of the primary benefits of the MOU will provide senior level AFRL and State of Ohio endorsement to enter into discussions that will improve opportunities for all parties involved.

"With new growth, resulting from base realignment, it is essential that Ohio formalize its commitment to the continued success and support of the Air Force Research Laboratory through this Memorandum of Understanding. A strong Air Force Research Laboratory means more high quality jobs for Ohioans and growth of supporting jobs in the community," said Lt. Governor Fisher.