DefTech Consultants- Specific to Technical Disciplines

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) provides funding, resources, and connections that early‑stage technology and life sciences companies in Maryland need to grow and thrive. AUTM is currently looking for independent contractors to support TEDCO’s Federal Programs, and must have expertise in one of three technical fields:

• In the life sciences field: Computational Biology
• In the information technology fields: Quantum Sciences
• In the aerospace and defense field: Precision, Navigation, Timing

The consultants will support the activities of a TEDCO program – DefTech – designed to connect businesses with the Federal Laboratories and Technology Transfer (T2) offices in the state. TEDCO anticipates a flexible weekly timetable that will fall in the range of 5–15 hours per week. The anticipated contract planned start timeframe will be early 2026.

Overview

Technical Expert Consultants will be responsible for the following activities for portfolio companies working in quantum sciences:

• DefTech program outreach to – and engagement between – companies and Federal Labs
• Developing, producing, and delivering training and educational programming for businesses, partners, and lab scientists and engineers on T2 topics
• Providing technical assistance and mentoring to companies that engage with Federal Labs to reduce risks and help bolster project success

Most support can be provided virtually; travel to conferences and meetings across the state will be required.

Expectations and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Strengthen and build new relationships with Federal Laboratories and Technology Transfer / Partnership Offices in Maryland
• Identify the technology transfer needs of federal labs
• Work with ecosystem stakeholders to identify businesses qualified for DefTech engagement, to include TEDCO portfolio companies
• Prepare Maryland companies to engage with federal Labs
• Develop and deliver DefTech‑relevant education / training
• Organize, participate in, and attend in‑person and virtual workshops and other events
• Identify, track, and report on critical success metrics as identified in the Maryland DefTech Center Expansion Statement of Work (to be provided upon selection)

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated credentials in technical field of expertise
• Minimum of 10 years of experience working with Department of Defense laboratories or other federal laboratories to include knowledge of T2 mechanisms; broader federal lab experience and/or experience in STEM research field or related legal experience highly desirable
• First‑hand knowledge of the challenges life science and tech startups and small businesses face and experience with one‑on‑one and group mentoring
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite of applications
• Fluency in virtual meeting applications such as Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet and experience using Salesforce CRM, YouTube, and other learning management system (LMS) training platforms is beneficial

Please respond with:

• An overview of experience describing work performed in similar projects, qualifications, and relevant experience
• A list of references, with names and contact information, from organizations or businesses for which similar work was performed
• You must indicate which of the three technical fields for which you are seeking to apply