Dual-use tech seen as platform for expanding opportunities in S.A.

 

San Antonio Business Journal - September 1, 2006

 

Dual-use technology may not be a new concept, but local business and political leaders say it is a great idea that is gaining traction in San Antonio.

Dual-use technology is simply technology or products that can be applied in a military or government setting as well as in a commercial setting. Commonly, the technologies are developed with government research and development funds and later marketed commercially. However, increasingly in recent years technologies developed in the private sector are being sought out by the government because of their applications for the military or other agencies.

U.S. Rep. Henry Bonilla, R-San Antonio, is jumping on the bandwagon to push the concept at Brooks City-Base, which is now located within his district, District 23. Bonilla, who worked to develop the legislation to create Brooks City-Base, says dual-use technologies are "economic drivers."

Bonilla says he wants to see more partnerships for research and development.

"I think that industry has much to offer the military in the efficient ways that they do business..." he says. "Partnerships provide access to more sources of grants and funding."

As a member of the Appropriations Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, Bonilla says he is continuing to work to foster the growth of Brooks City-Base and local companies.

Ed Shannon, director of public affairs with the 311 Human Systems Wing at Brooks City-Base, says it is also the goal of the U.S. Air Force to foster partnerships with local companies as well as universities.

"The Air Force is collaborating with the community and academia (to use and develop) dual-use technologies," he says.

Targeting small business

Tony Vaticalos, director of the National Sustainment Technology Consortium (NSTC), says dual-use technologies are a great option for the military.

The NSTC was created by the U.S. Navy to be the executing arm to fill contract needs identified by the Defense Sustainment Consortium (DSC) board of directors. The DSC is a group of industry, government and academic leaders focused on improving defense technology and reducing the cost of sustaining existing weapons systems.

Vaticalos says he has been very successful in tapping small, local companies for innovative technologies and products that can be utilized by the military.

"I do a lot of market surveys on companies that have applications for the military," he says. "It's my intention to work with small business."