The Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association has teamed with MonTEC tenant company, AquilaVision, Inc. to complete the MONTS (Montana Offender Notification and Tracking System) project. AquilaVision’s OTTER system will be a key element in this project. OTTER is an offender tracking system that utilizes GPS signals to track offenders, vehicles or other objects of interest. This system allows for real-time, internet accessible tracking. The notification component of this system, CHAIN, developed by Missoula company, Invizeon, Corp., has the capability to contact a variety of devices simultaneously, including cell phones, pagers, land lines and email addresses, as to the activity of the tracked offender or vehicle. Individual rules are specified for each tracking unit, alerting administrators if offenders cross into forbidden territory or vehicles leave a given route.

The MONTS program has identified several objectives for public safety in the state, the first of which will be a study of the infrastructure in Montana to facilitate offender tracking, need and usage potential. Further objectives will be prioritized using the findings of this study. “What MONTS gives us the opportunity to do is put the tools in the hands of local law enforcement and train them to use it.” Harve Kaufman, Public Relations for AquilaVision, Inc. states about this valuable project.

More information will come available following several meetings between the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and AquilaVision, Inc. For more information about AquilaVision’s offender tracking system, please visit www.aquilavision.com.

The Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology has released the guidelines and Request for Proposals for FY 2009 funding. The program's emphasis is on projects that lead to marketable products or processes. $2.3M is available for fiscal year 2009 (7/1/08 - 6/30/09), however 25% non-state match funding must be provided.  Applications are accepted annually and are due in Helena by March 3, 2008 for 2009 funding consideration.   

Click here to read the RFQ.

In response to this posting, Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP) is offering assistance to those who wish to apply for funding. MTIP’s experienced counselors are available to help applicants:

• understand MBRCT’s mission and the types of projects it funds;

• understand what is required to write a competitive MBRCT grant proposal;

• articulate an appropriate commercialization strategy for the technology being

proposed; and

• determine the completeness of a draft proposal relative to MBRCT guidelines.

To take advantage of this assistance, applicants should complete a Request for Services form at MTIP’s website (www.mt.mtip.gov). Eligible applicants for MTIP’s services—which include individuals and companies, but not university researchers—can receive one-on-one technical assistance with their proposals at no cost. Availability of assistance will be subject to time and demand.

In past years this annual event has featured guest speakers like Governor Brian Schweitzer and demonstrations by local companies like AquilaVision, Inc. This year, MAEDC has a dynamic change of pace planned, which promises to add insight to the Arts community. Other scheduled events include the unveiling of the 2007 MAEDC Annual Report and 2008 Business Plan as well as nominations and approval of new board members.

Formal ‘Save the Date’ post cards will be sent later this month with RSVP instructions. In the mean time, mark your calendars!

What: MAEDC 2007 Annual Meeting

When: February 19, 2008 – 11:30 am

Where: Holiday Inn Park Side – Atrium