15 Spring 2025 Proceedings rigorous report that has been provided to the Office of Cyberspace Forces and other programs within the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy directorate. The Polar Research Technology Evaluation (PRTE) partnership engages multiple commands, other agen- cies, and academia to collaborate in high-latitude experi- mentation. During the 2023 PRTE summer deployment on CGC Healy, the RDC supported 18 multidisciplinary projects from 17 partner organizations. The areas of research focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning, machine vision, high-latitude communica- tions and connectivity, maritime domain awareness, operator performance, and ice characterization and observation. Results from projects like measurement of NO2 and ozone in the Arctic from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s physics department are being used to develop a baseline against which future levels can be compared to determine the impact of increased maritime In February 2023, the RDC was featured in a lab show- case and the command hosted the Northeast regional event four months later. The RDC was also recognized in a National FLC Technology Transfer Innovation Award and in an individual Researcher Northeast FLC Regional Award. Internal Coast Guard Partnerships The RDC routinely partners within the Coast Guard. In addition to our sponsors and stakeholders, we work closely with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the CGA. The RDC, working with Coast Guard District 1, estab- lished the first-ever virtual Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit. The new unit provides personnel, boats, and specialized technical and communication skills in support of the Coast Guard’s research portfolio. The Auxiliary’s impact has been significant, as evidenced by the developments like a computer application to record the information required to properly position and verify private aids to navigation. The application had an immediate impact on effectiveness and efficiency. Separated by less than 2.5 miles, the RDC and the CGA share a 50-year relationship of collaboration and mutual growth. This partnership encompasses both commands’ faculty, staff, researchers, and support staff, as well as CGA cadets. While RDC collaborations with research institutions and academies are not uncommon, the RDC and CGA partnership stands out due to their proximity, size, and potential impact on the service. CGA faculty and students have worked on proj- ects with the RDC team for decades. The collaboration between the two has significantly enhanced innova- tion, research, and education within the Coast Guard. Exemplified through cadet capstone projects, this part- nership showcases the benefits of strategic alliances and has resulted in recent CGA capstone projects focused on natural language processing for maritime distress signals, the effects of windfarms on SAR, and an electric P6 Portable Fire Pump project. Cooperative Research and Development Agreements Under the authority of the U.S. Federal Technology Transfer Act, the RDC has been delegated the authority to enter into CRADAs with the private sector to collabo- rate when there is mutual interest in technology devel- opment. The RDC has used these agreements in support of portfolio execution for many years. Examples include the development of diesel outboard motors, autono- mous control systems, and the use of biodiesel fuel. A notable example of the impact of a CRADA partnership was an effort to support search and rescue operations by improving the accuracy and speed at which cellular traffic in that region. This is just one example of many that will impact future Arctic operations and systems. Federal Laboratory Consortium The RDC is a member of the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for technology transfer, a nationwide network connecting more than 300 federal laboratories and research centers. Through taxpayer-funded R&D, the consortium fosters scientific breakthroughs that con- tribute to economic growth by creating new industries, businesses, and jobs through technology transfer. As a member of the FLC, the RDC benefits include: • Access to more than 300 federal labs and all of their subject matter experts • Ability to leverage research that is already completed or ongoing by other labs • Access to multiple tools and techniques in technology transfer A polar bear investigates a research partner’s communication experimentation during Polar Research Technology Evaluation 2023, where the Research and Development Center was the science lead. Coast Guard photo
