Funding

U.S. Government Support
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U.S. Government Funding

After talking to virtually hundreds of people from many organizations, it is clear that the U.S. Government is really the only organization who can fund this project. Here are the basic reasons:

  • It is responsible to protect the citizens of the U.S. from catastrophe (when possible). Earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes can't be stopped. Wildfires can.
  • Several Federal agencies have a legacy of "develop-to-requirement," unlike the states, insurance companies or others who might be generally interested in this project.*
  • They have the money and are already spending $Billions on ineffective wildfire fighting. **

Intellectual Property (IP)

The sole purpose of FITERAD is to collect the IP needed to make RAIN work. Since virtually all parts of the RAIN System are proven technologies, there exists many companies that are already supplying such technology on other projects, many funded by the U.S. Government. These companies will make excellent members for creating the needed IP, oftentimes by interfacing what already exists. Considerable savings for the taxpayer will result.

Sole Source Procurement

The government can legally issue contracts on a "sole source" basis (non-competitive) when there exists IP that needs relatively minor modification/interfacing which is owned by the contractor. Since considerable existing IP is out there in candidate member businesses and individuals, sole-source procurement should be possible in many instances, saving time and money.

More Issues Regarding Government Support

Please see the paper addressing additional reasons the U.S. Government should support the development of the RAIN System.
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*Government laboratories hire highly-trained technical people who can understand the system and know what is needed to get it developed. Lower organizations in states, counties, cities and others such as insurance companies and victim groups (e.g., farm bureau) simply do not know what to do about a high-tech project like this.

**The RAIN System will save $Billions a year in the U.S. and equal amounts in other countries around the world, both in money spent to fight fires (ineffectively) and to repair the damage they cause.