SSTI Digest

The Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics of the Department of Defense seeks comments on the department’s design for the new Challenge program. This program, required in the FY 2000 National Defense Authorization Act, is designed to increase the adoption of innovative technologies in acquisition programs. Consistent with a 1997 Defense Science Board study, the Challenge program design team has found that there is little competitive pressure -- in fact, there are internal disincentives -- for prime contractors to adopt outside, innovative technologies into an acquisition program after award has been made. The Challenge program, then, would foster competition among alternative technological approaches and suppliers wherever possible in the development of subsystems of DOD acquisition programs and to create other incentives and opportunities for insertion of new technology throughout the acquisition cycle.

Established in 1978 and entirely self-supported beginning in 1988, the Massachusetts Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) has one of the longest records of success for state-sponsored venture capital corporations. SSTI has completed an eight-page profile of MTDC as the fourth in an occasional series examining the diversity of approaches to technology-based economic development.

The MTDC profile includes background on the creation of the corporation, description of MTDC activities and funds, information concerning organizational structure and staffing, a summary of accomplishments, and lessons learned over MTDC's 22 year history. Challenges, future plans, and sample success stories are also highlighted in the Program Brief.

President Clinton has named 60 researchers as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Established in 1996, the PECASE award is the highest honor that is given to exceptional scientists and engineers who are in the preliminary stages of their independent research careers. The award is also designed to help sustain the nation’s leading edge in scientific research.

Eight federal departments participate in the nominations process by selecting individuals who advance science and technology projects that will help to further the agencies’ missions. Nominations from all eight departments were awarded. The participating federal agencies and their number of awards are as follows:

The National Institutes of Health and the Department of the Navy have published lists of six inventions and three inventions, respectively, that are owned by the federal government and are available for licensing. Foreign patent applications may be filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing. Both the lists and contact information are available for review on the SSTI website at: http://www.ssti.org/Digest/Tables/042100t.htm

Encouraging venture capital investments, creating R&D tax exemptions, and establishing three new technology-based organizations are just a few of the recommendations included in the first annual report of ITFlorida.com. The 34-member Information Service Technology Development Task Force was created by state legislation last year to assess the health of Florida's information technology industry. The Task Force also was required to recommend policies and legislation that would advance telecommunication networks and information technologies within the state.

Digital Government: The Next Step to Reengineering the Federal Government, a report issued by the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), recommends principle and policy changes that the federal government should take to further develop digital government. The report also describes the means that the government can use to integrate information technology into its operations. Most of the findings and recommendations may be useful for state agencies, programs and departments.

The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), a national think tank focusing on the development of a new governing philosophy and an agenda geared toward the information age, first addresses the obstacles that block the quick, efficient development of a digital government. These include: lack of political support for digital government, focus on agencies and their needs versus customers and their convenience, and a lack of competitive pressures that force a shift toward a digital economy.

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the world's largest organization dedicated to the improvement of science teaching, and ExxonMobil Foundation today announced a $3.9 million grant from the Foundation to expand the Building a Presence for Science initiative.

A primary objective of the program is to help science teachers implement state and national science education standards in their schools. A second goal is to create a network through which science teachers can share the latest ideas about effective science teaching.

The Technology Administration (TA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce seeks written comments on the application process used for the National Medal of Technology. The National Medal of Technology is the highest honor bestowed by the President to America's leading innovators. The Medal is given to individuals, teams, or companies for accomplishments in the innovation, development, commercialization, and management of technology, as evidenced by the establishment of new or significantly improved products, processes, or services.

The National Institutes of Health have announced the availability of the following two patents for licensing: "Therapeutic Method to Treat Cancer and Define Cellular Regulatory Processes--Transcription Factor Decoy and Tumor Growth Factor'' Licensing information and a copy of the U.S. patent application referenced above may be obtained by contacting J. R. Dixon, Ph.D., at the Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, Maryland 20852-3804 (telephone 301/496-7056 ext 206; fax 301/402-0220; E-Mail: jd212g@NIH.GOV). A signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement is required to receive a copy of any patent application. "Adenovirus Mediated Transfer of Genes"

Earlier this week, President Clinton announced 400 companies and non-profit organizations have signed on to a "National Call to Action to Close the Digital Divide." The document outlines two goals, each with four specific actions to bring the digital opportunity presented by the New Economy to youths, families, and communities around the country. The goals are : "GOAL ONE: 21st Century Learning Tools for Every Child in Every School For children to succeed, they need to master basic skills at an early age. A critical element of this is the need for information and technological literacy. To help achieve these aims, we must focus on a comprehensive approach to integrating technology into teaching and learning while recognizing that -- as powerful as technology is -- it is no substitute for an inspiring teacher or a loving parent. "Together, we must:

In the last days of a special legislative session, the New Mexico Legislature unanimously passed two technology tax credit bills. Entitled the “Technology Jobs Tax Credit Act” and the “Laboratory Partnership with Small Business Tax Credit Act,” these measures are intended to assist New Mexico’s technology-based businesses with the development of increased research investments and laboratory partnerships, especially in rural areas.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released the first request for proposals under the new Partnerships for Innovation Program (PFI). The program intends to support 15-25 collaborative efforts, totaling $8 million, that emphasize "productive links among relevant parties to enable innovation." Anticipated participants may include colleges and universities, not-for-profit institutions, state and local governments, trade and professional associations, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, federal laboratories, and other relevant organizations and businesses.