Office of Research

The Dean of Faculty Office of Research (DFQR) serves as the support hub for the research and development programs at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Our vibrant program provides cadets with the knowledge, skills, and responsibilities necessary to succeed as leaders in the Air Force and Space Force. DFQR provides support to both cadet and faculty researchers.

Research at a Glance

Technology, Transfer, and Transition (T3) Program

The Air Force Technology, Transfer, and Transition (T3) Program was created to ensure Air Force science and engineering activities are transferred or internally shared with state and local governments, academia, and industry. The exchange of knowledge, expertise, equipment, and testing facilities leverages research and development investment made by the Department of Defense (DoD). The Office of Research is a designated Air Force Laboratory and Office of Research Technology Applications (ORTA). The Office of Research supports faculty, staff, and cadets through the T3 process. In the past 5 years alone, the United States Air Force Academy has submitted 30 invention disclosures and has received 30 patents.

T3 Services Provided:

• Assistance with Patent Searches, Invention Disclosures, and Patents.
• Coordination with TechLink, C-TRAC, and Purdue Foundry for commercialization opportunities
• Guidance on educational partnerships: Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, the National Research Council/Research Associate Programs, etc.

Agreements

The Office of Research (DFQ) provides administrative guidance on agreements and assists with research and tech transfer tasks, inquires, and deliverables. Three of the most common agreements are CRADAs, MOUs/MOAs, and EPAs.

The Office of Research Budget Team exists to offer financial management support to Research Centers and Institutes. The Budget Analysts are responsible for assisting researchers to execute nearly $40M in annual funding.

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) – Legal agreement between an Academy laboratory and a non-federal party to offer both parties the opportunity to leverage each other’s resources when conducting research and development; resulting royalty income is shared between the inventors and the laboratory.

Memorandum of Understanding / Agreement (MOU/MOA) – Legal documents describing a bilateral agreement between parties describing intent to cooperatively work together on an agreed-upon project or meet an agreed-upon objective. The use of an MOU or MOA is dependent on the mutual obligations of the parties.

Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) – A formal agreement allowing the Academy and a K–12 facility or any non-profit institution that is dedicated to improving science, mathematics, and engineering education the opportunity to access equipment and resources which may be unavailable

For more information about Technology Transfer Programs or Agreements please contact Ms. Teresa Whinnery, DFQR T3 Program Manager

Services Provided

• Accepting and obligating funds
• Processing purchase requisitions and funds reconciliation
• Providing contract support
• Provide primary communication to researchers regarding budget policies and procedures