Increasing Technology Transition is the focus of the Naval Air Systems Command's Small Business Aviation Technology Conference Oct. 28-29 at the Holiday Inn Select, Solomons, Md.

NAVAIR's Chief Technology Office, in partnership with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and the Office of Small Business Programs, is hosting this annual event in an effort to leverage small businesses' abilities to specialize in technological areas of interest to NAVAIR and help transition these technologies to the fleet.

Approximately 46 SBIR companies will have exhibits at the conference displaying a variety of technologies. NAVAIR acquisition professionals and large business representatives will get ample opportunity to discuss the various technologies and how they might enhance their programs. They will also have the opportunity to communicate the technology areas where NAVAIR needs assistance. The conference will enable the NAVAIR acquisition force to delve into the capabilities of the small business technology marketplace.

Small business representatives will get the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with NAVAIR technical personnel and prime contractors, attend panel discussions and break-out sessions, and hear NAVAIR and other government officials explain how to work their technologies in with the Naval Aviation Enterprise Science and Technology strategy and transition products to the fleet. Some of the breakout session topics include best technology transition practices, structuring a technology transition agreement, intellectual property patents and the NAVAIR Mentor/Protégé program as a vehicle for enabling transition.

Panel session topics include aviation technology needs, Navy Chief Technology Office Science and Technology plans, technology transition from the NAVIR acquisition professional perspective and working with original equipment manufacturers.

Vice Adm. David Venlet, NAVAIR commander, is scheduled to kick off the conference with opening remarks. Also speaking at the event is Dr. John Fischer, NAE Chief Technology Officer; Joe Lawrence, from the Office of Naval Research, Emily Harman, of the NAVAIR Office of Small Business and Janet McGovern, of the NAVAIR Small Business Innovation Research Program.

"Pax River has a critically important mission to serve Fleet and Joint warfighters, and we perform that mission with a diverse mix of government, military and civil service employees, as well as large and small businesses," said Rear Adm. Steve Eastburg, NAWCAD commander. "Small businesses, in particular, are important team members. They often provide unique skills in specialized technical and business disciplines, and many times possess a highly valued culture of innovation."

This event is open to all NAVAIR employees, specifically acquisition professionals, and interested small businesses that can meet the Naval Aviation Enterprise science and technology objectives.

Conference details and public registration are available online at: http://www.navair.navy.mil/osbp/atc. On-site registration will be available for NAVAIR technical points of contact interested in visiting only the exhibit area.