- Establish the firm's knowledge about market size and potential
expansion of the market through related applications of the technology.
Discuss the strategy it has for reaching consumers, and identify any
existing channels and dealer networks that might be involved.
- Get some idea of what the firm will need from the VA. Clarify the
constraints that the VA places on the use of its resources and how staff
time is charged.
- Explain the Federal government's right-to-use regulation. If
appropriate, you may indicate that the VA has indicated an interest in
purchasing products of this type (if you know this to be true),
but do not commit to purchases for the VA as a whole even if you
believe the possibility exists. Similarly, if you are not authorized to
commit the Center, you should either make that clear to the firm or
bring along someone who is able to make such a commitment.
- Discuss assumptions about royalties or fees that might be paid to the
VA. Confirm these assumptions with the director of the RR&D Center.
Have a good idea of what is appropriate and permissible (consider past
precedent and the unique opportunity presented with this product) before
entering into a discussion of royalties and fees.
- Indicate the next steps to be taken by both the VA and the firm and
the expected timetable for these steps.
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Investigator |
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Transfer Officer |
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Center Director |
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