navy insights
Center leverages Hawaii's unique assets for
Capt. Edward Lundquist, USN (Ret.), is a senior science advisor for Alion Science and Technology in Washington, D.C. He supports the Navy's Surface Warfare Directorate.
Maritime Research
By Edward Lundquist Senior Science Advisor Alion Science and Technology
If Mark Twain said that Hawaii was "the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean," he would be also describing the unique advantages of the 50th state-with ideal weather, a significant military presence, and surrounded by deep ocean-for defense research. The National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences (CEROS) was created under a initial $5 million grant provided by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 1993 to evaluate innovative concepts and new approaches to technology while fully leveraging existing facilities and infrastructure in Hawaii and demonstrating beneficial commercial utility for the Department of Defense (DoD). The goal is to match research with requirements and advance the most promising prospects to become operational. CEROS, with DARPA guidance and oversight, focuses a core technical program on maritime military technology needs as well as the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) through innovative technical development and demonstrations.
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The center has strong support from the Hawaii congressional delegation and state government because the research and subsequent technologies promote advanced commercial capabilities in the state. "CEROS is a tremendous asset for promoting the growth of Hawaii's ocean science and technology industry," says Elizabeth Corbin, science & technology manager for the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. "This is a key sector in our efforts to promote economic activity based on human capital and innovation." According to technical director Richard Hess, the center publishes solicitations each year for competitive bids. The center awards contracts, rather than grants, that usually fall between $300,000 and $600,000. There are typically between 15 and 20 contracts in place at any given time; with 15 contracts awarded in 2007. The center will award close to $10 million is contracts this year. Hess says CEROS works closely with industries and the military, to leverage the assets that Hawaii offers. Nearly 70 companies -- most of them local to Hawaii -- attended the recently held "industry day" briefings to learn about the research opportunities available from numerous Navy and
January 2008
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