How We Work

Initial Discussion

Once an inquiry for assistance is made, the C-TAP coordinator will contact you to discuss the problem in more detail. Assistance can be provided in many ways, depending on the problem. Often you will get the answers you need through testing or analytical work performed for a Boise State lab. If your question is of a  general nature, it might be solved with a simple consultation. Lastly, C-TAP may refer you to another entity at Boise State or beyond that has the solutions you require. In this way, C-TAP is able to assist in providing  a myriad of technical and business services.

Contact us today to see if we can help you find a solution for you.

Technical Services

C-TAP has strong connections to the labs at Boise State as well as those in the CAES affiliate universities. Often, C-TAP will provide project oversight and contract administration to allow a lab to focus on the technical and scientific aspects of the work. By matching the right lab to the clients problem, C-TAP facilitates the delivery of sophisticated analyses and other services to solve complex issues. In particularly, we have a much experience in mechanical testing, materials characterization, and chemical analysis.

We are sensitive to the needs of industry. We often contract lab services work through a short simple contract that enables work to be begin quickly. Where appropriate, our Office of Tech Transfer is available to oversee the signing of non-disclosure agreements and discuss intellectual property opportunities and options.

Please click on the following links to learn more about our short Services Agreement contract and Guidance in determining its use.

Research Projects

For industry clients that seek the research expertise of Boise State or have larger-scale, ongoing work, a sponsored program agreement is a good option. C-TAP will facilitate a meeting between the client and the appropriate faculty and staff at Boise State to see what resources will be needed to properly address the research need. C-TAP will ensure the proper agreements are in place to protect confidential information and intellectual property. If the project moves forward, budgets, schedule, contracts and other aspects of this type of work can be set up quickly and will be managed by Boise State’s Office of Sponsored Programs.

Referral To Other Entities

C-TAP will work hard to identify the best option to solve a client’s problem. Some projects are find fertile ground as a course-based work where students are able to devote considerable time in delivering a solution to the client while gaining real-world concept generation, design and fabrication skills.

Product prototyping and refinement can be provided through Boise State’s New Product Development Lab. In cases where the problems are more business-oriented, we reach out to entities such as TechHelp or the Idaho Small Business Development Center.

If there are problems that require expertise found outside of Boise State, or there is a need to solve the problem in a particular region of the state, we look to assistance from the CAES affiliate entities. More information about these centers, institutes and labs can be found on the CAES Affiliate Entities page.