Innovating National Security: A Deep Dive into Concurrent Technologies Corporation

In the fast-paced world of technology and innovation, some organizations stand out due to their monumental contributions to national security and technological advancements. One such organization is Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific and research development organization based in Johnstown, Pa. CTC's mission extends beyond the ordinary, delving into advanced technology-based solutions that ensure national security, foster technological innovation, and bolster American manufacturing.  

A Legacy of Innovation  

Established in 1987 as a subsidiary of the University of Pittsburgh Trust, CTC is forged from and maintains its deep ties between academia and industry. This connection has allowed CTC to leverage educational resources, benefiting from a constant influx of fresh talent and ideas. Over the years, the company has evolved, adapting to the changing technological landscape while maintaining its focus on innovative solutions applicable to national defense.  

"Our mission as an organization is to develop and deliver advanced technology-based solutions that protect national security, preserve the U.S.’s technological advantage, and strengthen American manufacturing,” said Ed Sheehan, President and CEO at CTC. “Because we know that's such a critical part of our economy, and when we talk about national security, we think about defense systems and protecting our nation's borders.”  

“But it's also very important to have a strong vibrant economy,” he continued. “And manufacturing jobs are very important because you're building things. And so, for every manufacturing job that's created, there are spinoff jobs. And the economists estimate that there may be six spinoff jobs for every one manufacturing job.”  

Core Mission and Values  

CTC's dual focus ensures that while defense systems are optimized for maximum effectiveness, the economy also benefits from job creation and technological innovation.  

Notably, each innovation is designed with an understanding of its real-world implications, thanks to the strong military ethos shared by many of CTC's employees.  

"We do a lot of work in readiness preparation, force protection, energy, environment, resilience, and sustainability. They are very important because they contribute to the overall mission assurance activities of our war fighters,” said Sheehan. "I think the thing that we're so good at is being able to conceive a solution, design the solution, test it and then develop it. Then we move into low-rate initial production or testing or creating a minimum viable product. We then turn to our for-profit technology transition affiliate, Enterprise Ventures Corporation (EVC), where we can transition solutions to market.”  

Technological Marvels  

Leadership at CTC is characterized by authenticity, with a commitment to a clear vision and mission. This leadership style fosters an environment where employees are motivated by a shared purpose. The organization's nonprofit status empowers it to tackle challenging projects without the constraints faced by traditional for-profit companies, allowing for risk-taking and innovation that can span generations.  

"Because of our nonprofit status, we are accountable to our clients and their best interests, not to shareholders,” said Sheehan. “We don't have to be concerned about reputational risk. If a for-profit company that makes products tries to do something and they're not successful, it’s a big reputational hit for them and their shareholders. Whereas we're able to take on really challenging problems and evolve a solution based on unbiased and objective analyses, assessments, recommendations, and advice.”  

CTC's work spans various domains, including digital mission solutions, energy resilience, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and readiness solutions. Along with the EVC,the organization excels in transitioning solutions from conception to full-scale production while integrating unparalleled capabilities in cybersecurity, ensuring that innovations are both groundbreaking and secure. CTC is among the early organizations in the defense industrial base to successfully achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 status.

One area of significant impact is additive manufacturing, which CTC leverages to address complex engineering problems. By focusing on design for manufacturability, CTC ensures its innovations are not just theoretical but applicable and transformative in protecting lives and enhancing defense mechanisms.  

"Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing as some call it, is transforming how we approach low-volume, high-precision parts. It is especially helpful for legacy systems where the original manufacturer is out of business and the original designs for the parts likely don't exist,” said Tim Tibbits, Vice President, Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Division. “There are a lot of issues with process parameters on various machines to get those things qualified, particularly in environments that are risky, like flying or space travel. And we do a lot of work in that area. So, I think additive manufacturing is a really exciting space that really hasn't reached its potential yet.”  

Workforce and Collaboration  

CTC's success is undoubtedly tied to its emphasis on workforce development. The organization not only hires top talent but nurtures an environment of continuous learning.  

Through collaborations with higher education institutions and a focus on internal training, CTC ensures that its employees are equipped to tackle emerging challenges. This commitment to cultivating talent is reflected in the numerous experienced professionals who have dedicated decades to the organization, often following in the footsteps of family members who also serve in the military.  

"About 15 to 20% of our employees are veterans and active guard and reserve employees. And they influence, not only from a leadership perspective, but the mission as well. And that's really important,” said Tibbits.  

"We also try whenever we can to get uniformed people into our facilities to talk about what the end result of the things that we make or build have on the military. And I think that just makes them personally understand what's at stake because our solutions have to work. A lot of times somebody's life depends on it.”  

A Unique Industry Position  

CTC's unique approach, combining a military ethos with cutting-edge technology and a nonprofit status, sets it apart. By fostering a culture where innovation is encouraged and failures are seen as learning opportunities, CTC continues to lead the charge in fields critical to national security and technological advancement. CTC is more than just a technology company; it has become a cornerstone of innovation and security, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible. For those interested in learning more about their work and potential opportunities, visit their website at http://www.ctc.com.