Warner Robins AFB Technology Insertion Manager, Frank Zahiri Receives Prestigious Award
Frank Zahiri was selected as a winner of the Small Business Technology Council’s (SBTC) 2017 Champion of Small Business Technology Commercialization Award.
Earlier this year, SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) companies were asked around the country to nominate PMs, PEOs, COs, and other government workers who, in their determination, went above and beyond their responsibilities in helping their company develop and receive commercialization and follow-on funding for their technology. As venture capital and bank lending continue to decline, small businesses increasingly rely on government funding to help commercialize their technology.
After reviewing all the nominations, the judges agreed Frank Zahiri was most deserving of special recognition. The judges cited that through Frank’s extraordinary effort and support, a Zahiri-sponsored SBIR company was able to fill a critical technology critical gap in the Air Force Sustainment community. Frank helped the technology provider navigate to completion the required SBIR Tech Transition Plans (STTPs) for the Air Force Commercialization Readiness Program (CRP) Office, followed by lining up Business Development opportunities to present to the Robins AFB Information Technology Council & Safety Personnel. Frank was further credited with providing further opportunities to promote the technology across all DoD services, boosting their technology transition even further.
Frank has been instrumental in testing and transitioning new technologies developed through the CTMA program for the past several years including a new advanced ATE (Automated Test Equipment) for testing electrical subsystems and most recently, the application of a new Voice-enabled Inspection System, VIMS (winner of the 2016 CTMA Partners Technology Challenge). Additionally, Frank moderated a high level Cross Services Panel on Sustainable Innovation at this year’s CTMA Partners Meeting at Hill Air Force Base. Mr. Zahiri is a strong government advocate of the CTMA program.
Frank was recognized at an SBTC Award Ceremony held in Washington DC on June 20th in the Senate Small Business Committee Hearing Room. Congratulations, Frank!
SBTC is the high-tech arm of the National Small Business Association, the nation’s longest running small-business advocacy organization. Staunchly nonpartisan, SBTC is a member-driven organization dedicated to promoting America’s high-tech, innovative small companies.