SMART (Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow) Congressional Initiative Mission
SMART supports and facilitates Mid-Atlantic leadership of both public and private research and development, technology-based opportunities and the related workforce development for economic growth based upon priority National and International requirements.
SMART’s Unique Range and Depth
Our uniqueness is collaboration among the full range & depth of the grass-roots tech community of R&D Academia, Businesses, Government Labs/Field Agencies and Professional Associations; supported by and in collaboration with Federal, State and International Allied Governments (within legal bounds).
Products and Metrics
SMART’s three product categories are addressing tech-based issues, conducting events and conducting projects/programs. Since 1999 we have addressed multiple issues, conducted 346 major events and conducted $625M in projects/programs.
Leadership and Strategic Planning
These efforts are led by the Mid-Atlantic Government and Tech Community leadership and their National and International partners. Capitol Hill Forums are conducted in the Winter and Summer among the SMART leadership to address current priorities (thus “planning” — not a stagnant plan). The SMART NFP membership company staffs the Initiative. See the “About” menu tab for current details.
Current Top Priorities; Event & Program
Our current focus for events are a return to our roots, the 1999 to 2004 TechTrends series of annual R&D focused conventions in the Spring and rotated among the Mid-Atlantic States. Since 2004 we have conducted the successful SMART PROC GOVCON Procurement series held in Frederick (to leverage DC proximity) during the Fall. We are currently planning a TechTrends return to Atlantic City NJ in Spring 2024. This R&D focused event in the Spring will then compliment the Procurement focused event in the Fall. See: www.smartprocgovcon.com for the successful SMART PROC GOVCON series.
Our top priority program is the Drive for Data Across America. This Virginia Tech Alumni founded program will gather and national, grass-roots data on workforce shortage among the related automotive, motorsports and aviation communities (communities meaning both public and private workforce). The data will be presented on Capitol Hill each Fall to Congress, Federal Executive Branch and Private Businesses as source data for their public and private actions. Further, the DDAA has a charity component of funding local Veteran’s Unfunded Healthcare projects at each major stop; also presenting that compiled information.
Joining SMART
Click on the “Membership” menu tab and please feel free to contact SMART Executive Director, Robert Carullo at [email protected] or 609-304-2904 to further address collaboration. We look forward to your participation.