National Media Laboratory

The National Media Laboratory (NML) defines a new model in cooperation between industry and the government. The national lab concept was created in response to the US government awareness that various aspects of critical systems acquisition and support were not being met by the traditional government-contractor relationships. It was recognized that the perspective and access to highly leveraged resources gained from a closer relationship with a consortium of commercially focused, global corporations could benefit many aspects of the government system procurement and support cycle. The NML is discussed with regard to the benefits to industry and government, the organization, continuing tasks, and the critical nature of the NML effort.<>