In the last two columns I've addressed the reborn military market. I'd like to now offer insights into how to get the money.

The culture that was military spending has definitely changed. The days of the $600 toilet seat are gone. The DoD is looking to spend your tax dollars more efficiently now than ever before. If you would like to challenge that idea, don't offer political dogma but facts. I will do the same. Witness the demise of the U.S. Army's proposed new artillery weapon. The U.S. Army fought to kill it. Congress fought to save it. But it is gone.

To be efficient, the DoD needs help from those industries that can help. You're in one. So how do you do it and find where the money is?

First of all, educate yourself on upcoming DoD contracts. While searching the Web may get you some info, I suggest you have it come to you. Sign up for the daily DoD e-mail update. Go to www.defenselink.mil/news/e-mail.html. The newsletter updates contract awards and pending awards. Also, check www.defenselink.mil/news/contracts.html.

To quote Buckaroo Banzai, “No matter where you go, there you are.” No matter where your company is, there is a military R&D facility within reach. Find the one(s) that would have interest in your product. Here is a sample to get you started:

U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (www.afrl.af.mil) — AFRL is involved in just about everything from electronics to airframes.

U.S Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Adelphi, MD (www.arl.army.mil) — ARL's Collaborative Technology Alliance programs looks to team with industry to develop new capabilities. Prime among its efforts is advanced communications.

U.S. Navy Office of Naval Research (ONR), Arlington, VA (www.onr.navy.mil) — ONR's focus is to develop technologies such as sensors, surveillance, robotics and other electronic systems.

These are the primary research and development centers, but within each are a number of other centers. Start with these three and you can target a specific R&D focus.

This is my last column as the editor of RF Design. Thank all of you for the past five years. I've met so many wonderful professionals and unique individuals who have let me learn from them (Thank you Phil, Don, Mercy, Marty, John, Katherine. And you too, Bruce.).

I am answering the call to be an educator. I started out to be an educator but met a road block that was the Vietnam War. After 21 years in the service of my country and 10 years as a magazine editor, I've decided it's time for Professor Lesser. By the time you read this, I'll be teaching at one of the local colleges. I wish all of you a rebound (that will come) and success.