In the May 10, 1996 Issue:

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NIST Seeks Proposals for New Manufacturing Extension Centers
The Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced that approximately $20 million is available to support the establishment of new Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliated centers. MEP centers are locally run, nonprofit organizations designed to help link small and mid-sized manufacturing companies with assistance in improved manufacturing technology and modern business practices.

Currently, there are approximately 60 MEP-affiliated centers in 42 states and Puerto Rico. The eight states that do not have a center affiliated with MEP are Alaska, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington. According to NIST there are five states with at least one MEP center that have regions that are not covered. Those states are California, Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Proposals for new centers must be received by July 8, 1996. Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of an applicant's knowledge and identification of target firms in the proposed service-delivery region, technology resources, technology delivery mechanisms, and management and financial plans. The review includes site visits to verify application data and clarify questions that may arise during proposal evaluation. Award selection will be made in September 1996.

Federal support for the centers may be provided for up to six years. Applicants must be able to provide at least 50 percent of operating costs for the first three years and an increasing percentage in subsequent years.  For further information on submitting a proposal, including the necessary application forms, contact Roger Kilmer at NIST by phone at (301) 975-5020. Contact NIST by e-mail at MEPinfo@micf.nist.gov.

Engineering Research Center to Focus on Environmental Issues in Semiconductor Manufacturing
 The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) have created the NSF/SRC Engineering Research Center for Environmentally Benign Semiconductor Manufacturing. The new center will study the environmental, health, and safety aspects of the semiconductor manufacturing process.

Through the center, which will be housed at the University of Arizona, scientists and engineers from Arizona, MIT, Stanford, and UC-Berkeley will address the semiconductor industry's concern for a more environmentally sound manufacturing process. The Arizona ERC will work in partnership with firms from the semi-conductor industry that will contribute to the strategic planning of the research program.

The semiconductor industry makes microchips for electronic components that power a variety of products including personal computers, medical instruments and cellular phones. A significant issue facing the industry is that semiconductor production requires a large amount of highly purified water to rinse and clean a silicon wafer. The industry is interested in reducing the amount of water and energy needed to manufacture microchips. The industry is also looking for safe alternatives to ethylene-based glycol ethers used as cleaning solvents.

NSF and SRC, the research arm of the Semiconductor Industry Association, will each commit $1 million per year for five years. SEMATECH, a consortium of U.S. semiconductor companies and the Department of Defense, will contribute $750,000 in start-up funds.

Position Available at Florida MEP
 The Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (FMEP) is seeking a Director who possesses the skills that are needed for the corporation to excel. The applicant should be an innovator and entrepreneur as well as a leader and a team builder with excellent communication skills.

This position requires a person with vision and the ability to build a shared vision based on basic principles of leadership, management, and finance. The Director will be required to make FMEP self-supporting within six years.

The position will director FMEP in its primary role of assisting small and mid-sized manufacturers adopt appropriate technologies and technique. The Director will coordinate with Enterprise Florida Innovation partnership as well as state and local service providers that bring a complete spectrum of assistance (including management, finance, and marketing) to its clients.

The position requires a background in sound management principles and successful leadership experience. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to raise funds. The position requires the ability to effectively utilize available resources and create opportunities for future expansion that will result in making manufacturers more competitive and profitable.

The successful applicant will be required to be able to: have a comprehensive knowledge of challenges facing small and mid-sized manufacturers in adopting new technologies and techniques; demonstrate previous fiscal responsibility for multi-million dollar budgets built on sound fiscal practices; work with a variety of institutions, organizations and individuals in consensus building activities; communicate effectively and function as a liaison to business, government agencies, and educational institutions; perform effectively in an entrepreneurial setting; and, effectively market FMEP's capabilities (products).

Requirements
Undergraduate degree in engineering and a Masters degree or equivalent with an emphasis on management. A minimum of 10 years work experience in a number of the following areas: leadership of a multi-functional staff; responsibility for budget development; entrepreneurial experience; experience interfacting with institutional and government entities; manufacturing, engineering, or technical expertise; tema management; management experience involving wealth generation; and, development of programs that reflect modern management philosophies.

For more information on how to apply for the position and a complete position description, contact Carin Crosby at Enterprise Florida at 407/425-5313.

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