The Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) manages the technology Transfer Program, providing a function that is central to NGA’s strategic partnerships. ORTA is responsible for providing guidance in applying the activities of technology transfer, which are formal agreements that permit collaboration between NGA and non-federal entities, such as corporations, academic institutions, and non-profits.

The activities of the ORTA are Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA), Education Partnership Agreements (EPA), Partnership Intermediary Agreements (PIA) and Patent Licensing (PL). ORTA plays a significant role because NGA is a federal laboratory by virtue of the size of its scientific and engineering workforce and is therefore required by law to have an ORTA.

Benefits to Non-Federal Parties / Non-federal Entities include participation in joint research and development efforts where the government provides scientists, engineers, and resources; develops new intellectual property; receives insight into government trends and needs and facilitates transfer of technology with the government.

The intentional sharing of knowledge, expertise, facilities, equipment, and other resources that benefit the DoD and/or non-DoD entities.

“Spin In" is the transfer of technology into the Government in support of a planned or projected capability advancement by the Government, which may be useful in any project or effort typically involving technology selection and/or technology maturation. Sources of Spin In technologies include non-Government originated technology, as well as Government-originated technology.

“Spin Out" is the transfer of Government-originated technology to non-Government activities including the private sector and other public sectors for conversion into new products and services.