SSTI Digest

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. Technology Transfer, Inc. (TTI) and the North Dakota Manufacturing Technology Partnership were closed effective June 30. Staff for the state’s Department of Economic Development & Finance, which inherited administration and oversight of TTI’s outstanding projects, was cut by 30 percent as well. Technology Transfer, Inc. was a nonprofit corporation established by the state in 1991 to foster the innovation and commercialization of new technologies. TTI was the only state-based resource in North Dakota for high-risk R&D funding. Project funding of up to $100,000 was available to companies with marketable ideas for products or manufacturing processes. Repayment of TTI funds was to be made through royalties if the product or process was commercialized successfully. Along with TTI’s portfolio, the North…

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: Performance -- the economic impact of commercialized innovations, Dynamics -- the processes employed to enhance the likelihood of commercializable innovation, and Resources -- the human, intellectual, physical and financial capital or infrastructure available in the state to support innovation. For each of the 42 indicators, the report addresses…

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),…

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. 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.

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.

The State of Arkansas has enacted several initiatives this year to assist science, technology, and research within the state. The two largest efforts are a $10 million research fund and a loan forgiveness program. Arkansas Research Matching Fund In an effort to improve the state’s national ranking of 49th place in research performance, the Arkansas General Assembly created the Arkansas Research Matching Fund. The $10 million fund will be administered by the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority, the state’s lead agency for R&D funding and technology-based economic development. (URL: http://www.state.ar.us/asta/ ) The $10 million appropriation is to fund the program for the next two years. The new fund will provide grants to Arkansas universities and colleges to fulfill all or a portion of the match requirement of federally funded research projects from ten selected federal agencies. The program will complement the improvements made in Arkansas’s academic research capacity through the various federal EPSCoR programs. Only large projects are…