Griffiss Business and Technology Park

Griffiss Business and Technology Park is a major hub for advanced technology, defense contracting, and private-sector innovation located in Rome, New York. Developed on the site of the former Griffiss Air Force Base, the park is a premier example of successful Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) conversion. It hosts a diverse mix of tenants including United States Department of Defense agencies, NASA contractors, cybersecurity firms, and manufacturing companies, driving significant economic activity in the Mohawk Valley region.

History

The park's origins trace directly to the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure commission decision to close Griffiss Air Force Base, a strategic Cold War installation that had been home to the 416th Bombardment Wing and later the Rome Air Development Center. Following its closure, the property was transferred to Oneida County, New York under an Economic Development Conveyance from the United States Air Force. The redevelopment effort was spearheaded by the county in partnership with the New York State Department of Economic Development and the United States Department of Commerce. Initial efforts focused on repurposing existing infrastructure, such as the massive B-52 Stratofortress maintenance hangars, for commercial use. A pivotal early milestone was the establishment of the Northeast Cyber Security and Forensics Center, which set the stage for the park's specialization in information assurance and cyber defense.

Facilities and infrastructure

The park encompasses approximately 3,500 acres and features over 2.5 million square feet of leasable space within more than 60 buildings. Key infrastructure includes the Griffiss International Airport, which maintains an 11,800-foot runway capable of handling large cargo aircraft and is a designated Foreign-Trade Zone. The campus is a certified Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate site and contains specialized facilities like the Eastern Air Defense Sector operations center and a Supercomputing center operated by the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute. Other critical assets include a Central Heating and Cooling Plant, extensive fiber-optic networks, and secure facilities designed to meet Department of Defense and Intelligence Community standards for sensitive compartmented information.

Tenants and economic impact

A diverse array of public and private entities call the park home, creating a synergistic ecosystem. Major federal tenants include the Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and a branch of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Private sector anchors feature global firms like Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, alongside significant regional employers such as Rome Research Corporation and Cree, Inc.. The park is estimated to support over 7,000 jobs, making it the largest employment center in Oneida County, New York. Its annual economic impact exceeds $1.5 billion, significantly contributing to the tax base of the City of Rome and surrounding communities in Central New York.

Research and development

The park is a recognized center for cutting-edge Research and development, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity, quantum computing, and unmanned aerial systems. The Air Force Research Laboratory conducts pioneering work in information warfare and network security there. Collaborative ventures are fostered through partnerships with the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, the University at Albany, and the Rome Laboratory legacy. The Innovare Advancement Center, a partnership with the United States Air Force and New York State, accelerates dual-use technology transition between the Department of Defense and commercial industry. Ongoing projects often involve testing at the adjacent Oneida County Airport and collaboration with entities like the National Security Agency and DARPA.

Management and governance

The park is owned and managed by Oneida County, New York through its economic development arm, the Oneida County Industrial Development Agency. Day-to-day operations, leasing, and marketing are handled by the Griffiss Local Development Corporation, a not-for-profit entity established by the county. Strategic planning and advocacy involve coordination with New York State agencies, including Empire State Development and the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. Federal engagement is maintained through the Office of Economic Adjustment and ongoing relationships with the United States Air Force and General Services Administration to facilitate the adaptive reuse of former military facilities.

Category:Business parks in New York (state) Category:Buildings and structures in Oneida County, New York Category:Technology centers in the United States