Contact Information:
Richard Meyer
Manager of Faculty and Innovation Services
rgmeyer@purdue.edu
Office: (765) 404-2128
Purdue’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) offers confidential consulting on a full range of business and technical issues, including:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Business management and strategy
- Data analysis
- Environmental health and safety
- Facility addition and layout
- Human resources
- Information technology and security assessments
- Material selection and part-failure analysis
- Product design and engineering
The Technical Assistance Program is a powerful partner to help you reach your goals. TAP connects Indiana businesses with the full range of Purdue expertise for up to five days of no-cost consulting.
Frequently asked questions
Q:How do I qualify for confidential, no-fee assistance?
A:The project must have the
potential to strengthen an existing Indiana company or governmental unit, help a
new venture get started in our state, or improve the quality of life for our citizens.
Q:What are the steps for a typical project?
A:
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A company should request a project by contacting TAP’s Rich Meyer, Manager of Faculty and Innovation Services, via email rgmeyer@purdue.edu or phone (765) 404-2128. TAP quickly determines if the request meets the criteria for assistance.
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TAP schedules a meeting with the client (often at the client site) to obtain detailed project information and to define the project scope and timing. In most cases a Purdue faculty member attends the meeting.
- The company agrees to the project scope and timing
- TAP personnel work with the client to complete the project
- Project conclusions provided in writing and/or in person
- Client completes an evaluation of assistance provided
Q:Who performs the assistance projects?
A:Purdue faculty, professional staff, and graduate students. Over 40 are involved in projects each year.
Q:How much assistance is available?
A:No-fee assistance is limited in scope by the type of assistance that can be provided through Purdue faculty members, professional staff, and graduate students. More extensive services are available for fee if we are unable to fulfill project requirements through this process.
Q:How quickly can I get started?
A:Most projects begin one to three weeks after contacting TAP.
Q:Is product design and prototyping available?
A:TAP supports many steps of the design process including design advice, review, limited product analyses, testing methodologies, material selection, input on modeling and simulation and drawings, reliability, quality, and other factors. TAP does not perform work that develops patents or other intellectual property. Such work can be performed at Purdue by working directly with our schools and research centers on a contract basis.
Q:Is testing and analysis available?
A:Limited testing and analysis is available to support product development and problem-solving projects. Costs for testing are quoted in advance. TAP refers companies to testing laboratories for routine testing and for testing to industry standards. ASTM International has an excellent directory of testing laboratories.
Q:Can I call TAP with short questions?
A:Yes. We are usually able to respond quickly by phone or e-mail.
Q:What is the TAP confidentiality policy?
A:TAP keeps all project information strictly confidential and provides a confidential disclosure agreement if requested. Project success stories are presented with permission, and TAP does release the names of companies served.
Q:Can TAP perform work that requires a professional engineer's approval or involves litigation?
A:TAP cannot support these requests but may be able to provide referrals.