PROGRAMSObjectives
The CCAT Program employs an academic-industry-government collaborative process to define Department of Defense (DoD) priority requirements, identify candidate technology solutions, and promote their transition to both the commercial and government marketplaces, including government programs of record (POR). The primary objectives for the CCAT Program are: 1) to accelerate the fielding of cutting edge technology to military personnel in support of military operations, homeland defense, and other DoD-defined requirements; 2) to promote the multi-use development of technology for use in disasters of mass proportions (man-made and natural); and 3) to provide a competitive opportunity and comprehensive approach to fast-track the commercialization of DoD sponsored technological advances from academia, industry, and government that might not otherwise make it out of the laboratory.
Requirements
The CCAT team in collaboration with SSC Pacific and other military agencies reviews military requirements and selects several focus areas for which there is a priority need for technology solutions. For example, military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq marked the first time that robotic systems are playing a meaningful role in combat operations, supporting cave and bunker reconnaissance, chemical and radiological detection, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and other military missions. In particular, EOD units from all four military services are currently using a variety of teleoperated systems on missions ranging from scouting unsecured bunkers, buildings, or caves, to neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Based on this initial success, there is increasing demand for more unmanned ground vehicles with additional capabilities and greater autonomy. Similarly, energy requirements for field operations and military installations are of increasing concern. New and more capable batteries, alternative energy sources, etc. are in demand, as are better personnel protective gear, communications tools to enhance situational awareness, and other technical solutions.
Opportunities
Periodically, CCAT issues a nationwide solicitation specifying several focus areas of interest and seeking technical solutions to one or more priority military requirements. To learn about these solicitation opportunities, application process, services offered to awardees, and other key information, see the "Solicitation" and "Services" links in this site. You may also contact the Program Director or register in our Solicitation Notification List as noted below.
Contact
For information on the CCAT Program initiative and other Program activities, contact:
Thomas Sheffer, CCAT SD Program Director
phone: 619.594.4135 or email: tsheffer@foundation.sdsu.edu
Join the SNL
To be notified by email for future nationwide solicitations, sign up by completing the form on the Solicitations page.
