Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2002. Information in this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest was prepared under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Redistribution to all others interested in tech-based economic development is strongly encouraged — please cite the State Science & Technology Institute whenever portions are reproduced or redirected. Any opinions expressed in the Digest do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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In the January 3, 1997 Issue:

ATP Competition in Two Technology Areas

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced the opening of competitions for the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) in two technology areas: information infrastructure for healthcare and motor vehicle manufacturing technology. Approximately $10-15 million is available for each technology area in first-year funding for the multi-year awards.

This competition is in addition to the recently opened general competition.

ATP awards help private industry pursue innovative, high-risk technologies that have substantial potential for creating U.S. economic growth. Funded projects focus on enabling technologies that underlie potential products, industrial processes or services. The due date for submission of full proposals is April 30, 1997.

Individual for-profit companies and consortia including at least two for-profit companies may qualify for ATP awards. Non-profit research organizations, universities, and federal laboratories may participate as sub-contractors or partners in consortia.

A public meeting will be held on February 13 in Gaithersburg, MD to provide potential applicants with general information on the ATP, proposal selection criteria, the evaluation process, and other information.

For more information, contact ATP for additional information by phone: 1-800-ATP-FUND, fax: 301/926-9524 or e-mail: atp@nist.gov or at http://www.atp.nist.gov

Overcapacity in Defense Labs


Department of Defense figures show there is approximately 35 percent excess capacity in its laboratory infrastructure, according to a General Accounting Office (GAO) report.

The finding comes in a GAO long term study of the Department of Defense's progress in reducing infrastructure costs to offset increases in spending for readiness and weapons modernization. As part of that study, GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) infrastructure and, in the fall of 1996, conducted briefings on the results. A summary of those briefings has been released as a GAO report, Defense Acquisition Infrastructure: Changes in RDT&E Laboratories and Centers.

According to GAO, there are 55 military service research, development, engineering, test, and evaluation laboratories and centers world wide. Efforts to reduce the capacity have focused on management and operating changes. GAO suggests that DOD must do more in terms of RDT&E consolidations and reductions.

The report also indicates that GAO is reviewing laboratory reductions undertaken in the United Kingdom and by private industry in the U.S. for lessons that may be applicable to the federal laboratory infrastructure.

Copies of the report (GAO/NSIAD-96-221BR) are available from GAO at 202/512-6000 or through the GAO home page at http:// www.gao.gov

Home Page, Digest Changes Made


In a continuing effort to improve the services the State Science and Technology Institute provides to its users, SSTI has made changes to its World Wide Web home page and the SSTI Weekly Digest.

The home page has moved to a new site (http://www.ssti.org) and expanded its offerings. In addition to continuing to provide access to state profiles, archived FYI messages, links to SSTI sponsors and other organizations, and technical assistance provided by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the home page will now offer:

In the coming weeks, watch for these additional changes on the home page:

Meanwhile, a survey of Digest readers indicates a high level of satisfaction with the content, length, and frequency of the newsletter. Eighty percent of the respondents indicated that they had followed up on information that they had learned about through the Digest. Almost ninety percent approved of the two-page length and wanted the Digest to stay a weekly publication.

Respondents encouraged more stories on: federal program changes, federal solicitations, and state program changes. To help make room for those stories, the job announcements that are run occasionally will be cut to a paragraph, but will be available through the home page or via fax to interested parties.

Additionally, the Digest will be available through three means of distribution: fax, e-mail, or the SSTI home page. If you would like to receive the Digest, by e-mail rather than fax, please e-mail us at berglund@ssti.org

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