NEW ORLEANS, LA. -- Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic recently signed a partnership agreement with Greater New Orleans Development Foundation, Inc. (GNODF) intended to increase economic competitiveness in Louisiana and support innovation ecosystems that help develop critical capabilities for the warfighter.

The Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) establishes GNODF as an official intermediary of NIWC Atlantic and aims to support the development of warfighter solutions by connecting project owners with innovators working with emerging technologies.

With the agreement, GNODF — through collaboration opportunities with NIWC Atlantic — can support small business and academic institution partners who either need, or can make demonstrably productive use of, technology-related assistance from a federal lab.

“GNODF is ideally positioned within the rapidly growing maritime technology development area that is New Orleans, Louisiana to support NIWC Atlantic’s mission,” said Daniel Harris, NIWC Atlantic Director of Office of Research and Technology Applications. “NIWC Atlantic’s industry partnership efforts will be enhanced by our partnership with GNODF and we are already looking forward to working together on several upcoming DoW and Industry Engagement events.”

GNODF is a regional economic development nonprofit organization serving the 10-parish region of Southeast Louisiana that includes Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. Its mission is to create a region with a thriving economy and an excellent quality of life for its communities.