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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USDA CREATING PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE RURAL VENTURE CAPITAL
A demonstration program using federal loan guarantees to attract venture capital funds to rural areas is being created by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). RBS is seeking public comment on the program by May 9.The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 calls for the Secretary of Agriculture to designate up to 60 community development venture organizations over six years to demonstrate the utility of guarantees in attracting increased private investment in rural companies. The organizations must establish a rural business private investment pool to make equity investment in rural companies. USDA will guarantee up to 30 percent of the total funds in the pool against loss.
USDA will issue up to $90 million in guarantees over a six year period. The term of a guarantee is not to exceed 10 years.
USDA will conduct a competition for the designation and establishment of pools. Preliminary plans are to give priority to organizations that:
- have a demonstrated record of performance or have a board and executive director with experience in venture capital, small business equity investment, or community development finance;
- propose to serve low-income communities;
- propose to maintain an average investment of not more than $500,000;
- will invest funds statewide or in a multicounty region; and,
- propose to target job opportunities resulting from the investments primarily to economically disadvantaged individuals.
Additionally, to be eligible to participate in the program, organizations will have to submit a plan that describes:
- potential sources and uses of the pool to be established by the organization;
- the utility of the guarantee authority in attracting capital for the pool; and,
- mechanisms for notifying state, local and private nonprofit business development organizations and businesses of the pool.
Comments are being sought on a variety of points, including the choice and relative importance of selection criteria, the structure of the guarantee, and rights and restrictions of investors in the pools.
A copy of the Federal Register notice describing the proposed program and the request for comments can be obtained by calling SSTI at 614/421-SSTI (7784).
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR LASER APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
The Office of Health and Environmental Research of the Office of Research in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has funding available for four Centers of Excellence for Laser Applications in Medicine.The Centers of Excellence for Laser Applications in Medicine program began in 1991 to advance the medical use of lasers. The program supports research for new areas for clinical use of lasers and for training and dissemination of information that will increase their use. DOE has particular interest in research leading to applications for non-invasive medicine.
The program requires that a center have existing advanced capabilities for fundamental research in the medical application of lasers. It must be based in a hospital with close ties to a school of medicine and offer a strong program of research that covers a wide range both of scientific and medical disciplines. DOE encourages applicants to use the expertise available at the National Laboratories.
Approximately $1.5 million is anticipated to be available for grant awards to fund up to four centers. Four organizations are currently designated as Centers of Excellence for Laser Applications in Medicine, however, this is an open solicitation.
DOE is accepting pre-applications for this program. The pre-application should be a three-to-five page concept paper describing the proposed center, its major activities, the organization and the setting, and any collaboration with the DOE National Laboratories and other research organizations. Pre-applications must be received by May 30.
For further information, contact Dr. Roland Hirsch at 301/ 903-3213 or by e-mail at roland.hirsch@oer.doe.gov
CDC SEEKING PROPOSALS FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY RESEARCH
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking grant applications for research and demonstration projects related to occupational safety and health. The purpose of the grant program is to develop knowledge that can be used in preventing occupational diseases and injuries.NIOSH will support the following types of applied research projects:
- research to identify and investigate the relationships between hazardous working conditions and associated occupational diseases and injuries;
- methods research to develop more sensitive means of evaluating hazards at work sites, as well as methods for measuring early markers of adverse health effects and injuries;
- control research to develop new protective equipment, engineering control technology, and work practices to reduce the risks of occupational hazards; and,
- demonstrations to evaluate the technical feasibility or application of a new or improved occupational safety and health procedure, method, technique, or system.
The budget is projected to be $10.5 million for FY 1997. Of that amount, $7.7 million is committed to support 41 non-competing continuing awards. Therefore, $2.8 million is available for new and competing renewal awards. The overall budget includes funds for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants and for health and safety research related to the construction industry.
Eligible applicants include domestic and foreign non-profit and for-profit organizations, universities, colleges, research institutions, and other public and private organizations, including state and local governments and small, minority and/or woman-owned businesses.
This is a continuous announcement, consequently, receipt dates are on-going unless further notice is given. Applications are due June 1 and October 1.
To receive a complete program description, information on application procedures, and an application, call the CDC at 404/ 332-4561 and refer to Announcement 729.This and other CDC Announcements can be found on the CDC home page at http://www.cdc.gov.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Position descriptions for three new positions have been posted on the Institute's home page (http://www.ssti.org). The KPB Economic Development District in Alaska is seeking a Chief Executive Officer. The Associate Director position of Iowa State University's Center for Advanced Technology Development is open. Auburn University is accepting applications for the Associate Director of Industrial Programs and Technology Transfer position.
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