More than three dozen commercial startup technology companies have formed a new trade association, the Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government, to speed adoption of new technologies by the federal government.

Former Pentagon official Dave Vorland is executive director of the group.

"Many of the best, most innovative technologies are developed in the private sector with private capital," Vorland wrote Wednesday in a column on news site FedScoop. "But with the time-consuming and costly nature of entering the federal market and with rules requiring consideration of existing off-the-shelf products being routinely ignored; our own government acquisition system is a barrier to progress and innovation.

Vorland outlined four main priorities:

• "Increased and unrestricted funds for innovation and technology purchases and contracts."
• Better processes for commercial off-the-shelf acquisitions.
• Modernization of Small Business Innovation Research program.
• Reformed security clearance process.

The group's website says founding members include former government leaders, startup executives, and venture capitalists.

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