Frequently Asked Questions
Who We Are
Who makes up the Northwest Regional Technology Center (NWRTC)?
Where is it located?
Why is Pacific Northwest National Laboratory stewarding the NWRTC?
Who funds the NWRTC?
Who makes up the Northwest Regional Technology Center (NWRTC)?
The NWRTC is operated by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory staff members who have experience in homeland security and relevant technology expertise.
Where is it located?
The NWRTC is a virtual center, operated in Washington and headquartered on Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's main research campus is in Richland.
Why is Pacific Northwest National Laboratory stewarding the NWRTC?
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is the selected steward for the NWRTC for many reasons:
- Institutionally, the Laboratory has made a commitment to become a valued resource in the Northwest and established the center as a vehicle to achieve that goal. In short, it's the right thing to do, and the Laboratory is paying for it.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) challenged the Laboratory to establish the center because it has the technological expertise; relationships and contacts within the regional networks; and experience in the field. This combined experience enables Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to see the technology gaps and drivers for homeland security – information that will help DHS deliver on its mission.
- The Laboratory has the support and encouragement of major regional stakeholders, such as Major General Timothy Lowenberg, Adjutant General of the Washington State National Guard and Director of the Washington Military Department. General Lowenberg has expressed his support for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory taking a more active role in the Northwest to support the region.
- Laboratory is an internationally recognized research institution that has been engaged in national security R&D for decades, and its presence in the Northwest makes this a natural role.
- Bring in resources to region that all can benefit from enhancing security in Northwest
Who funds the NWRTC?
DHS provides funding on a project basis, while Pacific Northwest National Laboratory provides base funding for operations. As the NWRTC continues to develop and demonstrate its value to the region and to DHS, the intent is to acquire sustained funding through DHS to fund operations at a level that will allow substantial growth and expansion of capabilities.