IC Partners
As the strategic investment firm that works to identify, adapt, and deliver innovative technology solutions to support the mission of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), In-Q-Tel’s operations are driven by the technology challenges facing the operators and analysts of the IC.
IQT’s insight into the technology problem sets of the IC is the result of a close working relationship with the agencies within the IC. As part of its initiative in 1999 to create IQT, the CIA established the In-Q-Tel Interface Center (QIC). Experienced CIA officers inside CIA headquarters serve as on-site partners, providing In-Q-Tel a direct connection to the IC's technology leaders and front-line users. The QIC not only informs the In-Q-Tel technology strategy, but also helps ensure relevant technology development, transition, and acceptance within the agency.
Since 1999, IQT has broadened its scope of operations, and now supports multiple agencies within the IC such as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and DoD’s Defense HUMINT Management Office (DHMO). And through the CIA’s role as the executive agent for IQT’s work with the federal government, IQT is a resource for the complete IC, and many organizations in the IC have benefitted from technology developments discovered and delivered by IQT.
Most IQT engagements with new companies are now supported by multiple agencies within the IC, allowing each organization to benefit from technology developments that are jointly funded. By investing together in new technologies, they are also reducing risk and fostering better information sharing and inter-agency communications, as well as more seamless inter-agency operations.
Delivering Solutions
With the core mission of identifying and partnering with companies developing cutting-edge technologies that serve the national security interests of the United States, the IQT strategy begins with an annual, evolving problem set, which identifies the most critical technology needs of IC intelligence professionals. The Problem Set maps both strategic and tactical needs of fast moving mission components and the evolving technology architecture. With this insight, IQT is able to translate IC needs into commercial equivalents, and then actively identify areas where commercial development intersects U.S. Intelligence Community needs.
The QIC and other interface centers also connect IQT's commercial solutions with IC customers. Working closely with technology users and decision makers, the interface teams facilitate technology pilots and demonstrations and promote adoption and dissemination. This interactive process also allows the IC’s own expertise to inform IQT’s network of investment and technology resources, ensuring the development of technologies with strategic impact on U.S. Intelligence Community missions.
