Air Force Research Lab seeks more national approach for innovation

Lab officials give a first glimpse at how they want to expand on a pilot program for turning dual-use technology into operational capability.

The Air Force Research Laboratory is asking industry, investors and academia to weigh in on how a national research network can be stood up and aid in efforts to accelerate dual-use technology development.

"Dual-use" is the common lingo used to describe products, services and research primarily designed for civilian and commercial applications that can also be adapted for national security purposes. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, computer chips and software are often spoken about in that context.

In a sources sought notice posted Wednesday, AFRL says it is looking to expand on a previous regional hub network pilot focused on turning dual-use tech into operational capability for the Air Force and Space Force.

AFRL essentially wants to take a more national approach to that network’s operating model ...