R 081933Z AUG 12

ALCOAST 365/12
COMDTNOTE 5224
SUBJ: INNOVATION EXPOSITION 2012
A. Coast Guard Innovation Program, COMDTINST 5224.13 (series)
1.  The Coast Guard Innovation Program was established in November
2000 to champion innovation within our Service. As outlined in
Reference A, Service participation in an annual Innovation Exposition
has been an integral part of the Innovation Program, providing an
environment and platform for the exchange of ideas and collaboration
within the Coast Guard and between the Coast Guard and its
government, industry, and academic partners. The Innovation
Exposition has also served as the mechanism through which the
exemplary efforts of teams and individuals who have created and
implemented innovative solutions to Coast Guard challenges are
recognized, both formally, with the presentation of the Captain Neils
P. Thomsen Innovation Awards, and informally.
2.  The initial Innovation Exposition hosted by the Coast Guard
Academy in 2001 was modest. From 2002 to 2011, the Innovation
Exposition has steadily grown as a non-governmental hosted event with
over 250 exhibits, drawing attendees from all components of Team
Coast Guard, including Active Duty, Reserve, Civilian,
Non-Appropriated Fund Employees, and Auxiliarists.
3.  The Coast Guard remains firmly committed to the goal of creating
and fostering innovation, and recognizes that collaborative exchange
of ideas remains the single most important element of successful
innovation.  However, we must re-examine and refresh the Innovation
Exposition to ensure it best accomplishes that goal, given the
current fiscal environment.  Accordingly, the next Innovation
Exposition is postponed.
4.  Postponing the next Innovation Exposition provides an opportunity
to fully examine the appropriate purpose and scope of Innovation
Program outreach and engagement.  To this end, a team will perform a
full analysis to evaluate all options relating to future Coast Guard
Innovation Expositions. After the analysis has been completed and
reviewed, the way ahead will be announced via ALCOAST.
5.  The Innovation Exposition is only one element of the Coast Guard
Innovation Program.  Other key components include the Innovation
Database, found at http://cgweb.mlcpac.uscg.mil/paic/default.asp, and
the Innovation Fund, which provides seed capital to explore promising
initiatives. To recognize the incredible and innovative work
completed by our Coast Guard units, the 2012 Captain Neils P. Thomsen
Innovation Awards results will be announced via separate
correspondence.
6.  Additional information regarding Coast Guard participation in
Innovation Expositions and other Innovation Program activities can be
obtained by contacting CDR Marty Sarch, (202) 372-3020, or
martin.g.sarch(at)uscg.mil.
7. RDML T. W. Jones, Director of Coast Guard Enterprise Strategic
Management and Doctrine sends.
8. Internet release authorized.