THE PROBLEM: Defense subcontractor numbers are in decline nationally and small business contracts specifically are down 70%. In south-central Indiana, very few of the 575 manufacturing or service businesses that align with the efforts of the Strategic Defense Accelerator (SDA) – an ongoing effort by several regional entities to expand the number of small businesses in the defense and manufacturing sectors — have any defense business, due to limited resources and training to meet defense contracting requirements. To drive growth, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s defense and manufacturing industries, a new partnership had to be formed. 

THE SOLUTION: The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) Technology Transfer Office collaborated with the Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship at the Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington campus to help small businesses in five rural counties build capacity, capability, and a better understanding of how to conduct business with the Department of Defense (DoD). Because most T2 training material available is oriented toward the practitioner, NSWC Crane’s role in the collaboration focused on developing T2 curriculum designed for the user. As part of this effort, NSWC Crane’s T2 Office developed a free “T2 for Beginners” course for the Ivy Tech learning management system. 

THE TECH TRANSFER MECHANISM: Over the past few years, NSWC Crane’s T2 Office prioritized strategically engaging with the local economic development ecosystem in the Indiana Uplands area, building strong relationships that have led to pitch competitions, a startup accelerator, and greater engagement with entrepreneurs. At the same time, regional partners have sought to engage NSWC Crane to stimulate economic growth and increase Crane’s connection with the region’s defense industrial base. These connections led to NSWC Crane’s participation in the Indiana SDA Defense Procurement Accelerator. 

THE OUTCOMES: Since the launch of T2 for Beginners in April 2024, 62 students have enrolled in the program. This effort has created opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to learn about technology transfer at their own pace from anywhere. It raises awareness and opens doors for them to integrate T2 mechanisms into their business strategies, allowing them to work with the DoD on its technical challenges for the warfighter. By growing their knowledge, these businesses are better able to leverage the tools and expertise available in a federal lab.