Tester Secures More Than $900,000 in Funding for Montana State University Defense Technology Programs

Senator helped acquire funding for MilTech and Montana State University to provide Department of Homeland Security with cutting-edge technology

U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today that Montana State University’s MilTech program will receive $937,157 over six months, and $4,648,500 over five years, to assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in acquiring cutting-edge defense technology.

“Our defense agencies need to have the most cutting-edge technology available to keep us safe from changing threats,” Tester said. “MilTech is on the front lines of research and technology in Montana, and has already helped the Defense Department acquire technological advances. Extending that service to the Department of Homeland Security will ensure that the agencies charged with keeping us safe are equipped for new threats that come our way.”

This funding, which Tester helped secure through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, will help DHS meet high-priority technology needs by allowing MilTech to scout for new, innovative technologies, establish license agreements for DHS to utilize DOD-licensed or privately-licensed technologies, and provide product design, prototyping, and manufacturing assistance to companies that are commercializing new technology for DHS.

MSU has assisted the DOD in acquiring technology needs through programs like MilTech for 15 years, and has been trying to establish a similar partnership with DHS. By funding Partnership Intermediary Agreements, Tester linked MilTech with the DHS Science and Technology Directorate so that the DHS can meet its critical technology needs.

Tester has continually supported cooperation between federal agencies and Montana’s higher education institutions. In last year’s budget negotiations, he secured millions in funding for Montana universities to conduct defense research and develop technology partnerships between the DOD and small businesses. He also applauded the 2017 decision to provide Montana’s two largest universities with $1,600,000 in NASA research funding.