properties. Central to this is a multi- function environmental chamber capable of creating salt fog, high temper- ature, and high-humidity environments for cyclic corrosion testing.
t Metallurgical Test Laboratory—The ARDEC Corrosion Office also has an on-site facility for metallurgical analy- ses. The lab can conduct a number of analytical techniques for metallo- graphic, compositional, and failure of metal specimens.
Partnering With Industry ARDEC's Corrosion Testing Facility can offer industrial partners a chance to participate in joint test protocols, benefit- ting both the DOD and participating companies. ARDEC has a public/private partnering focus to build joint programs that leverage both defense and commercial investment and technology. "One example is the Defense Ordnance Technology Center, or DOTC, which is a collabora- tion of world-class technologists, facilities, and expertise operating in an integrated consortium of industry, academia, and DOD agencies," Schmidt said. "The DOTC fosters partnering throughout the life cycle, from basic research to manufactur- ing and demilitarization." Although ARDEC's principal mission
is oriented toward mature technologies for armaments applications, it also looks for ways to transfer beneficial technologies to public use — corrosion preventative technologies being no exception. ARDEC's manufacturing technology program transfers a variety of technologies to U.S. industries, such as model-based control and environmentally safer manufacturing methods. Companies may partner with ARDEC and other federal labs through a test services agreement, in which the lab has expertise, and the company pays personnel to conduct testing. Alternatively, individual companies may enter into collaborative research and development agreements, in which companies working on technologies of interest serve a near- term need or an identified military need. Under this type of agreement, both the company and its government partner put forth resources, collaborating and sharing
in the results. At present, ARDEC has more than 80 such agreements in place with its industrial partners. ARDEC also offers numerous contract-
ing opportunities for small businesses, either as partners or contractors. Picatinny Arsenal is canvassing industries to develop a comprehensive listing of Small- and Small Disadvantaged Businesses, HUBZone Businesses, Women-Owned Smal l
Businesses, and Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Businesses, for example. Companies wishing to participate in this canvassing initiative may do so online by accessing http://www.pica.army.mil/small- businessprogram/CanvasDoc.aspx. To learn more about how small companies may do business with the Army, access http://www.pica.army.mil/ smallbusinessprogram/. CP
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