Introduction
This procedure outlines the process for submitting innovative ideas to improve wildland fire fighter safety, operating efficiency and reducing cost. The National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) encourages the submission of innovative ideas or product proposals (collectively, Innovation Proposal) that will contribute to its mission. The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) is chartered under NWCG and is responsible to receive and review these proposals as part of the innovation and program lifecycle process. ETC will review innovative proposals to determine whether the innovation can be practically implemented into wildland fire suppression, prevention or rehabilitation operations. Innovative ideas include new technology, significant improvement to existing products or new application of existing technology.
The FEWT has developed a process available to individual, companies, and other government agencies to facilitate the requests for new products that might assist the wildland fire agencies with their fire program responsibilities.
This process will allow the agencies to evaluate new ideas, technologies, or improvements to existing equipment and supplies in a manner that will support our life cycle planning we have established for equipment and supplies, as well as incorporate new technologies into our systems.
A product questionnaire has been developed for an individual to utilize to submit their information on. It is important that the form be completed as much as possible as well as any additional information be provided.
The product questionnaire will be reviewed to determine if further evaluation or information is warranted. The review panel consists of subject matter experts within the Technology & Development Program and other cooperating agencies. The review panel will recommend one of the following:
a. No further action – The product does not meet agency needs, is not a new product, or application of an existing product, or implementation is beyond the scope of the agency.
b. Evaluate as part of product lifecycle – The product can be included in a current specification and will be evaluated as part of the lifecycle to improve products covered in that specification.
c. Evaluate product under the Technical Services program. The product meets an immediate need and will be evaluated further.
d. The product meets a need however, further development is needed. Refer to Small Business Innovation Research for consideration if the submitter is looking for funding assistance. Funding for further development of a concept of product is not available through the Forest Service Technology & Development Program.
The panel will review and provide a written response back to the submitter within two weeks.
Ready To Submit Your Proposal?
1. Create a My Fire Community Account
2. Complete Innovation Proposal Questionnaire.
3. Save Innovation Proposal to a file on your computer.
4. Follow instructions to post in "Steps to Post Questionnaire" below.
Innovation Proposal Questionnaire
***Please Note: You Must Have A My Fire Community Account To Post Your Questionaire. Please Scroll To The Top Of The Page To Create One***