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Pittsburgh, PA and
Wilmington, MA– November 30, 2006
– RE2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), a woman-owned
Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense
robotics, and Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc.
(NYSE: TXT) company and provider of innovative global aerospace
and defense technology solutions, announced today that the
companies have been accepted into the Department of Defense
(DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program. The Mentor-Protégé
Program encourages large prime contractors, such as Textron
Systems, to share their technical expertise and knowledge
of government contracting with minority and women-owned small
businesses. The Textron Systems and RE2 Mentor-Protégé
agreement was approved by the Army’s Office of Small
and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and awarded by the
Air Force Research Labs at Tyndall AFB, FL.
“We are thrilled
about being accepted into this prestigious program,”
stated Jorgen Pedersen, president and chief executive officer
for RE2, Inc. “We forged a Mentor-Protégé
relationship with Textron Systems due to our complimentary
products and skills. For example, we focus on developing JAUS
compliant unmanned systems and robotic technologies, whereas
Textron Systems creates manned vehicles, such as the Armored
Security Vehicle (ASV), and sensor technologies. Together,
we will be able to create applications to benefit the DoD’s
unmanned systems programs.”
"At Textron Systems, our goal is to
understand the needs of our military customers and provide
the best possible solutions. The Mentor-Protégé
Program allows us an opportunity to access new technology
areas, like those provided by RE2, and pursue exciting new
programs and capabilities. Together, Textron Systems and RE2
will gain insight into improved processes, expand the scope
of knowledge within the realm of defense contracting, and
learn how to access new and expanding markets," stated
Dr. John Boness, Textron Systems' vice president for applied
technology.
A key goal of this program is to develop
a technology baseline, which will allow the Mentor-Protégé
team to successfully bid and win DoD programs. It is anticipated
that combined, both organizations will be able to expand their
capabilities into ventures in which they would not ordinarily
be able to participate. One of the specific objectives of
this program is the submittal of proposals for joint contract
award. The specific technology focus for the partnership will
be to advance and evolve the Joint Architecture for Unmanned
Systems (JAUS). In turn, Textron Systems will receive DoD
funding to support the training and knowledge transfer necessary
to achieve these goals.
“This Mentor-Protégé relationship
is considered an important long-term partnership for both
Textron Systems and RE2,” said Jessica Jordan-Pedersen,
chief operating officer of RE2, Inc. “We look forward
to collaborating on DoD programs with Textron Systems and
gaining new knowledge regarding their proven processes and
procedures. In turn, we will provide Textron Systems with
our unmanned systems expertise, including access to our JAUS
Software Development Kit, tele-operational and autonomous
navigation experience, and talented team of robotics engineers.”
In addition to the mentor and protégé,
the program also benefits from the participation of the Center
for Applied Research and Technology Transfer (CART) at Bluefield
State College (BSC). BSC is a Historically Black College or
University (HBCU) located in Bluefield, West Virginia. CART
at BSC was selected to partner with Textron Systems and RE2
for its in-depth knowledge of unmanned systems and mobile
robotic technologies. Team CART was an entrant in the 2005
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Grand Challenge
and has a proven track record of success in international
Intelligent Ground Robotic Vehicle competitions. The role
of CART in the Mentor-Protégé relationship is
to provide the protégé with education and training
opportunities. Such training includes courses in technical
project management, engineering economics, and advanced robotics
topics.
“Bluefield State’s CART is certainly
excited about the opportunity to work with Textron Systems
and RE2, Inc. in facilitating the development of their Mentor-Protégé
relationship,” stated Bruce Mutter, vice president of
operations, Bluefield State College Center for Applied Research
and Technology. “It is an honor to be part of a project
that will continue to strengthen our national defense contracting
capabilities, while working with talent of their caliber.”
The obvious benefit to the DoD from this
Mentor-Protégé relationship will be the development
of a woman-owned small business in the field of robotics,
qualified and experienced in working on DoD programs, ready
to pursue and execute contracts or subcontracts, while concurrently
expanding the domestic U.S. industrial base.
“The new Mentor-Protégé
relationship between Textron Systems and RE2, Inc. is representative
of the type of collaborative partnerships between small, innovative
agile robotics technology companies and major defense industry
corporations that are critical to the growth of the defense
robotics industry base in Pittsburgh’s RoboCorridor and
beyond,” remarked Bill Thomasmeyer, president of the
National Center for Defense Robotics and executive vice president
of The Technology Collaborative.
About RE2, Inc.
RE2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), is a Carnegie
Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics
with an emphasis on JAUS software development and unmanned
systems components. RE2’s feature products include the
RE2 JAUS Software Development Kit (SDK) and the SHERPA unmanned
ground vehicle platform. RE2 also provides a broad range of
unmanned systems services, including system integration, software
development, robotics engineering and semi-autonomous navigation.
RE2’s expertise lends itself to several markets, including
defense, law-enforcement, homeland security and EOD. For more
information, please visit www.resquared.com or call (412)
681-6382.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation (“Textron Systems”)
provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs
of the global aerospace and defense industries. The company
supports military and homeland security missions with strike
weapons, as well as mobility and surveillance systems, and
provides commercial and general aviation with engines and
actuation systems. The Textron Systems name is well known
in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft
control components, piston engines, specialty marine craft
and armored vehicles. Textron Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation is wholly-owned subsidiary
of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating
in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees. The company
leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance
businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions
and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful
brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen,
Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More
information is available at www.textron.com.
About CART at BSC
CART’s mission is to produce outstanding financial returns
by providing efficient and effective research contracting,
program development, and revenue generation for the BSC School
of Engineering Technology and Computer Science. CART, Inc.
will focus on innovation through applied research, transferring
technologies to markets, continuing education, and raising
funds that will enhance the overall competitiveness of Bluefield
State College http://www.cartlink.org/.
RE2, Inc. Media Contact:
Jessica Jordan Pedersen
Tel: 412-681-6382
jessica@resquared.com
Textron Systems Media Contact:
Joanne Walsh
978-657-2100
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