Cuyamaca College
Environmental Technology Program
Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC)
The Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) was organized in 1974 and formally chartered by the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 to promote and strengthen technology transfer nationwide. All major Federal laboratories and centers and their parent agencies are members. The Consortium creates an environment that adds value to, and supports the efforts of, its members and their potential technology transfer partners. The FLC provides a link between the individual laboratory members and the potential users of technologies developed by the government.
The needs of technology-based firms are usually diverse and, in the case of smaller businesses, their resources for obtaining technical information are scarce. Regardless of the size of the organization, dealing with a resource as large and diverse as the Federal laboratory system can sometimes be a cumbersome and time consuming process.
The strength of the FLC network is the ability to put a potential user in contact with a Federal laboratory person with expertise in a specific area of interest. Once the contact is found, the arrangements for transfer are the responsibility of the parties involved.
Hard copy directories have been developed by the FLC. These directories focus on resources available to the domestic user of government technology and provide guidelines on how to find and use the various resources and services available both within the region and nationally. Information on major state programs and resources directed at science, technology and economic development are also summarized for the states within the region.
Services provided by the FLC include:
Information Services
Computerized searches of Federal technology databases and other technology sources; identification of U.S. government patent licensing opportunities; database searches of government research in progress and Federal procurement opportunities; identification of secondary information to determine target markets and commercialization potential; gathering of support data for proposals.
Technical Services
Problem identification and definition; new and/or enhanced product or process development assessment of technology requirements; analysis of technology applications; identification of appropriate (leading edge, state-of-the-art, off-the-shelf) technology; and engineering reports.
Commercialization Services
Market and needs assessments; resource referral assistance for clients seeking strategic alliances, joint ventures, or partnerships; procurement assistance by highlighting markets of interest, quantifying target markets and identifying specific opportunities; and business development (including product development and growth strategies), and funds sourcing.
One of the most significant contributions the FLC has made to technology transfer is the establishment of the Legal Issues Committee. This committee encourages technology transfer through committees that oversee five areas: Standards of Conduct and Conflict of Interest, CRADAs and Patent and Licensing Agreements, Fiscal Law, Intellectual Property, and Freedom of Information Act.
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 Last update 05/12/98 by Cuyamaca Web Team |