PRO© (Professional Registered ORTAs)
The FLC’s PRO© (Professional Registered ORTAs) program recognizes and supports the people who make technology transfer happen.
The PRO© program is a professional designation for federal technology transfer professionals. It recognizes individuals who meet a peer-reviewed standard of experience, competency, and continuing education in federal technology transfer.
Earning the PRO© designation signals verified expertise in moving innovations from federal laboratories to the marketplace through licensing, partnerships, and commercialization activities.
The PRO© program helps tech transfer professionals document, validate, and showcase their career achievements, including professional experience, continuing education, and participation in FLC training and events. PRO© -verified practitioners also receive information about professional development opportunities, partner resources, and industry-specific news.
The PRO© program strengthens the federal technology transfer workforce by establishing a consistent, peer-reviewed standard of professional competency and supporting continued learning and career advancement across the community.
Who should apply for PRO© ?
- Experienced technology transfer professionals with at least three years of service at FLC member laboratories and agencies
- Senior technology transfer professionals in leadership and management roles at FLC member laboratories and agencies
Benefits of the PRO© Designation
- Professional recognition: A nationally recognized credential within the federal technology transfer community
- Career documentation: A centralized record of experience, training, and FLC participation
- Continued learning: Ongoing access to FLC educational offerings and professional development opportunities
- Leadership visibility: Clear evidence of qualifications for agency leadership and partners
- Competitive differentiation: Verified competencies that distinguish you from peers
PRO© Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the PRO© designation, applicants must:
- Be a member of an FLC member lab or agency with an active role in federal technology transfer.
- Submit a CV/resume showing at least three years of experience in federal tech transfer.
- Submit a written statement (up to 1,000 words) summarizing relevant achievements, projects, and/or research (optional).
- Demonstrate competencies across one or more FLC career paths (Intellectual Property Management, Agreements, Marketing/Business Development, Operations/Administration). Competency requirements may also be met by completing designated CRADA and Foundation courses through the FLC Learning Center.
- Attend at least three FLC educational webinars OR serve as a trainer/subject matter expert in at least one FLC training within the past three years.
- Attend one FLC National Meeting within the past three years.
PRO© Application Process
What documents should I submit?
Interested members should submit an online application that includes a CV/resume and a written statement (up to 1,000 words) outlining relevant experience and competencies.
Who reviews the PRO© applications?
Applications are reviewed by a cross-agency peer review panel of senior technology transfer professionals from FLC member laboratories and agencies.
How long does the application process take? 
The peer review panel meets quarterly to review applications. Applicants will be notified of the final decision within four weeks of the review meeting.
Are there application fees?
There is no fee to apply for the PRO© designation. The program is offered as a member benefit and supported through participating agencies’ annual research and development budgets. These funds are used to initiate and support activities and programs that benefit federal tech transfer offices and their employees.
2026 Submission Deadlines
| Application Opens | Deadline to Apply | Decision By |
|---|---|---|
| March 30, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | June 22, 2026 |
| September 14, 2026 | October 12, 2026 | November 9, 2026 |
| December 14, 2026 | January 11, 2027 | February 8, 2027 |
| March 15, 2027 | April 12, 2027 | May 10, 2027 |
| June 14, 2027 | July 12, 2027 | August 9, 2027 |
| September 13, 2027 | October 11, 2027 | November 8, 2027 |
PRO© Commitee and Members
