CIC will be housed in leased space at 175 Admiral Cochrane Dr., and will be developed in two separate phases that will consist of about 12,000 sf each. The financial details of the three-year lease agreement are not being disclosed, but industry insiders speculate CIC will pay abut $11 per-sf for its space in the business complex.

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp. has been tapped to head the creation of CIC. Businesses specializing in homeland security technology are being encouraged to apply for space in the center where they will be privy to start-up services and flexible office facilities, according to a statement. While the main focus is on homeland security businesses, the incubator will also solicit communications and information technology businesses.

"By developing partnerships in the region, our incubator will be a powerful tool in developing security-based technology businesses," Anne Arundel County executive Janet S. Owens says. "I am certain that the Chesapeake Innovation Center will solidify Anne Arundel County and Maryland's leadership in this fast-growing technology sector." CIC is scheduled to open its doors in June.