SSTI Digest

Dr. Lura Powell, Director of the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) since 1995, has decided to take early retirement from the National Institute of Standards & Technology and pursue career opportunities in the private sector. Because of the voluntary early retirement option deadline, Dr. Powell’s retirement was effective September 30.

While many states are adding multi-million programs to their science and technology portfolio, state-led S&T efforts in much of the North Central United States are still suffering. The latest example was the elimination of North Dakota’s two largest programs this summer.

With last week’s release of “The Maryland Innovation and Technology Index 1999,” Maryland became the latest state to release an “S&T report card” as they are also sometimes called. Indices have become popular tools for benchmarking a state’s or region’s comparative position across several technological, economic, and social

statistical indicators. Interest in using broad metrics to assist in the definition of specific state science and technology policy has grown so rapidly that the subject was one of the most requested sessions for the upcoming SSTI annual conference.



The Maryland Index compares the state to five other East Coast states along 42 statistical indicators categorized among three groups:

On September 9, the Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC) released a Request for Proposals entitled "Research and Development of Technologies for the Management of Greenhouse Gases" (Program Solicitation DE-PS26-99FT40613). Deadlines of January 3, 2000 and May 1, 2000 have been set for two separate evaluation periods.



Projects must address the objectives of the FETC’s Carbon Sequestration Program. Six topic areas are identified and described in the Request for Proposals. Selected projects may last up to 36 months. Total funding available is $15-18 million. Cost sharing, although not required, is encouraged. For more information visit the Federal Energy Technology Center's Electronic Business Center at: http://www.fetc.doe.gov/business/  and click on 1999 Solicitations under the heading, Business Opportunities. Comments and questions regarding the solicitation should be addressed electronically to Deborah J. Boggs, Contracts Specialist, at dboggs@fetc.doe.gov

The Undersecretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Defense (DOD) recently released A Review of the Technology Reinvestment Project, a study of 112 of the 133 technology development projects funded through the Technology Reinvestment Program (TRP). TRP projects funded under the Technology Deployment and Manufacturing Education and Training components were not included in the study.



TRP, the largest dual-use technology development effort undertaken by DOD, was managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from 1993 - 1997. Nearly $1 billion was awarded through three annual solicitations. While the last solicitation was held in Fiscal Year 1995, many projects are still in progress.



The study found TRP was beneficial at several levels:



* The program proved the feasibility of a new model for Defense research, development and procurement along the lines of dual-use technologies. This model has been incorporated into new DOD programs such as the Dual Use Science & Technology Program (DUS&T), Commercial Operations and Support Savings Initiative (COSSI), and Commercial technology Insertion Program (CTIP).

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking to fill two positions at its Gaithersburg headquarters. Both positions — an Evaluation Program Leader and an Evaluation Specialist — will work on MEP program evaluation, economic impact measurement, and data interpretation efforts. Resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.



Full position descriptions are available for review on the SSTI website (follow the S&T Job Corner link at http://www.ssti.org )

The following people in the S&T field have announced or made career changes recently:



Anne Armstrong has been named CEO for the Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology.

Anne Armstrong has been named CEO for the Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology.

Joe Blanco has been appointed the Hawaii Technology Advisor.

Christopher Hagen is serving as Nevada’s Science & Technology Advisor for the next 18 months. The position will be completely funded by Bechtel Nevada, Mr. Hagen’s employer of 22 years.

Chris Hedrick has announced his resignation as the Executive Science & Technology Policy Advisor in the Washington Governor’s Office to join an Internet education company.

Tom Thornton is resigning his position as President of the Illinois Coalition to join a Midwest Venture Capital firm.