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LEVEL 1 - 1 OF 1 DOCUMENT
FULL TEXT OF BILLS
103RD CONGRESS; 1ST SESSION
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
AS INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE
S. 4
1993 S. 4;
SYNOPSIS:
A BILL
To promote the industrial competitiveness and economic growth of the
United States by strengthening and expanding the civilian technology
programs of the Department of Commerce, amending the Stevenson-Wydler
Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to enhance the development and
nationwide deployment of manufacturing technologies, and authorizing
appropriations for the Technology Administration of the Department of
Commerce, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
and for other purposes.
DATE OF INTRODUCTION: JANUARY 21, 1993
DATE OF VERSION: JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
SPONSOR(S):
Mr. HOLLINGS (for himself, Mr. MITCHELL, Mr. ROCKEFELLER, Mr.
BINGAMAN,
Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. RIEGLE, Mr. ROBB, Mr. WOFFORD, Mr. KERRY, Ms.
MOSELEY-BRAUN, and Mr. LEAHY) introduced the following bill; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
TEXT:
* Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United*
*States of America in Congress assembled, *
TITLE I-GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) SHORT TITLE.-This Act may be cited as the "National Competitiveness
Act of 1993".
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.-
TITLE I-GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 101. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 102. Findings.
Sec. 103. Purposes.
Sec. 104. Definitions.
TITLE II-MANUFACTURING
Sec. 201. Short title.
Subtitle A-Manufacturing Technology and Extension
Sec 211. Findings and purpose.
Sec 212. Manufacturing technology and extension amendments to the
Stevenson-Wydler Act.
Sec 213. Miscellaneous and conforming amendments.
Sec 214. Manufacturing Technology Centers.
Sec 215. State Technology Extension Program.
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
Sec 216. American workforce quality partnerships.
Sec 217. Report on options for accelerating the adoption of new
manufacturing equipment.
Subtitle B-National Science Foundation Manufacturing Program
Sec 221. National Science Foundation manufacturing activities.
TITLE III-CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES
Sec 301. Findings.
Subtitle A-Advanced Technology Program and Related
Sec 311. Development of plan for the Advanced Technology Program.
Sec 312. Advanced Technology Program support of large-scale joint
ventures.
Sec 313. Technical amendments.
Sec 314. Technology monitoring and competitive assessment.
Sec 315. Commerce Technology Advisory Board.
Sec 316. Study of semiconductor lithography technologies.
Subtitle B-Technology Financing Pilot Programs
Sec 321. Findings and purpose.
Sec 322. Civilian Technology Loan Program.
Sec 323. Assistance to critical technology investment companies.
Sec 324. Assistance to State technology development programs.
TITLE IV-ADDITIONAL COMMERCE DEPARTMENT PROVISIONS
Sec. 401. International standardization.
Sec. 402. Malcolm Baldrige Award amendments.
Sec. 403. Cooperative research and development agreements.
Sec. 404. Clearinghouse on State and Local Initiatives.
Sec. 405. Use of domestic products.
Sec. 406. Severability.
Sec. 407. Wind engineering research program.
TITLE V-AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS
Sec. 501. Technology Administration.
Sec. 502. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Sec. 503. Additional activities of the Technology Administration.
Sec. 504. National Science Foundation.
Sec. 505. Availability of appropriations.
TITLE VI-INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 603. Information Infrastructure Development Program.
Sec. 604. Applications for education.
Sec. 605. Applications for manufacturing.
Sec. 606. Applications for health care.
Sec. 607. Applications for libraries.
Sec. 608. Access to scientific and technical information.
SEC. 102. FINDINGS.
Congress finds and declares the following:
(1) In an increasingly competitive world economy, the companies and
nations which lead in the rapid development, commercialization, and
application of new technologies, and in the low-priced, high-quality
manufacture of products based on those technologies, will lead in
economic growth, employment, and high living standards.
(2) While the United States remains the world leader in science
and invention, it has not done as well as it should in
commercializing and manufacturing new inventions. This lag and the
unprecedented competitive challenge that the Nation has faced from
abroad have contributed to a drop in real wages and living standards.
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(3) While the private sector must take the lead in the development,
application, and manufacture of new technologies, the Federal
Government should-
(A) assist industry in the development of high-risk, long-term
precommercial technologies which promise large economic benefits
for the Nation;
(B) support industry-led efforts to develop and refine advanced
manufacturing technologies;
(C) work with States, the private sector, and worker
organizations to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers
throughout the Nation to adopt best current manufacturing
technologies and practices, to improve worker skills, and
prepare, as appropriate, to adopt the advanced
computer-controlled manufacturing technologies of the 21st
century; and
(D) cooperate with industry and academia to help create an
advanced information infrastructure for the United States.
(4) In working with industry to promote the technological
leadership and economic growth of the United States, the Federal
Government also has a responsibility to consult with business leaders
on industry's long-term technological needs, to monitor technological
trends and technology targeting efforts in other nations, and
generally to ensure that Federal technology programs help United
States to remain competitive and create good domestic jobs.
(5) The Department of Commerce, and particularly its Technology
Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology, is
and should remain the civilian government agency which helps
commercial industry to speed the development and commercialization of
new technologies, improve manufacturing, and ensure a growing and
healthy national industrial base and good manufacturing jobs. To
promote the long-term economic growth of the Nation, these Department
of Commerce programs should be strengthened and expanded.
SEC. 103. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are to-
(1) strengthen and expand the ability of Federal technology
programs, particularly those of the Department of Commerce, to
support industry-led efforts to improve the technological
capabilities, manufacturing performance, information infrastructure,
and employment opportunities of the United States;
(2) promote and facilitate, particularly through the Advanced
Technology Program of the Department of Commerce the creation,
development, and adoption of technologies that will contribute
significantly to United States economic competitiveness, employment,
and prosperity;
(3) develop a nationwide network of sources of technological advice
for manufacturers, particularly small- and medium-sized firms, and to
provide high quality, current information to that network;
(4) encourage the development and rapid application of advanced
manufacturing technologies and processes;
(5) create pilot programs to stimulate and supplement the flow of
capital to business concerns engaged principally in development or
utilization of critical civilian and other advanced technologies;
(6) ensure the widest possible application of high-performance
computing and high-speed networking and to aid United States
industry to develop an advanced national information infrastructure;
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
and
(7) enhance and expand the core programs of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology.
SEC. 104. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act-
(1) the term "advanced manufacturing technology" includes-
(A) numerically-controlled machine tools, robots, automated
process control equipment, computerized flexible manufacturing
systems, associated computer software, and other technology for
improving manufacturing and industrial production which advance
the state-of-the-art; and
(B) novel techniques and processes designed to improve
manufacturing quality, productivity, and practice, and to promote
sustainable development, including engineering design, quality
assurance, concurrent engineering, continuous process production
technology, energy efficiency, waste minimization, design for
recyclability or parts reuse, inventory management, upgraded
worker skills, and communications with customers and suppliers;
(2) the term "Director" means the Director of the Institute;
(3) the term "Institute" means the National Institute of Standards
and Technology;
(4) the term "modern technology" means the best available proven
technology, techniques, and processes appropriate to enhancing the
productivity of manufacturers;
(5) the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Commerce; and
(6) the term "Under Secretary" means the Under Secretary of
Commerce for Technology.
TITLE II-MANUFACTURING
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the "Manufacturing Technology and Extension
Act of 1993".
Subtitle A-Manufacturing Technology and Extension
SEC. 211. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) FINDINGS.-Congress finds and declares the following:
(1) United States manufacturers, especially small businesses,
require the adoption and implementation of both modern (that,
appropriate and currently available) technologies and advanced
manufacturing and process technologies to meet the challenge of
foreign competition.
(2) The development and deployment of modern and advanced
manufacturing technologies are vital to the economic growth,
environmental sustainability, standard of living, competitiveness in
world markets, and national security of the United States.
(3) New developments in flexible, computer-integrated
manufacturing, electronic manufacturing communications networks, and
other new technologies make possible dramatic improvements across all
industrial sectors in productivity, quality, and the speed with which
manufacturers can respond to changing market opportunities.
(4) The Department of Commerce's Technology Administration can
continue to play an important role in assisting United States
industry to develop, test, and deploy modern and advanced
manufacturing technologies.
(b) PURPOSE.-It is the purpose of this subtitle to help ensure the
continued leadership of the United States in manufacturing by enhancing
the Department of Commerce's technology programs to-
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(1) provide domestic manufacturers, especially small- and
medium-sized companies, with ready access to high quality Federal
advice and assistance in the development, deployment, and improvement
of modern manufacturing technology, and in solving their specific
technology-based problems; and
(2) encourage, facilitate, and promote the development and adoption
of advanced manufacturing technologies by the private sector.
SEC. 212. MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND EXTENSION
AMENDMENTS TO THE
STEVENSON-WYDLER ACT.
The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title:
"TITLE III-MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
"SEC. 301. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
"Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States that-
"(1) Federal agencies, particularly the Department of Commerce,
shall work with industry and labor to ensure that within 10 years of
the date of enactment of this Act the United States is second to no
other nation in the development, deployment, and use of advanced
manufacturing technology;
"(2) all the major Federal research and development agencies shall
place a high priority on the development and deployment of advanced
manufacturing technologies, and shall work closely with United States
industry and with the Nation's universities to develop and test those
technologies; and
"(3) other Federal departments and agencies which work with
civilian industry and labor shall be encouraged, as appropriate and
consistent with applicable statutes and duties, to work with and
through the programs of the Department of Commerce.
"SEC. 302. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.
"(a) IN GENERAL.-The Department of Commerce shall, consistent with the
policies and purposes of section 301, work with United States commercial
industry and labor to-
"(1) help develop new generic advanced manufacturing technologies,
including advanced flexible computer-integrated manufacturing systems
and electronic communications networks; and
"(2) assist the States and the private sector to help United States
manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized manufacturing
enterprises, to adopt best current manufacturing technologies and
practices and, as appropriate, new advanced manufacturing equipment
and techniques.
"(b) TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY MANUFACTURING INFRASTRUCTURE
PROGRAM.-(1) As
one important step to carry out the responsibilities of the Department of
Commerce under subsection (a) of this section, there is established
within the Institute a Twenty-First Century Manufacturing Infrastructure
Program, which shall include-
"(A) the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Program
established under section 303 of this title; and
"(B) the National Manufacturing Outreach Program established under
section 304 of this title and the associated programs established
under sections 25 and 26 of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k-l).
"(2) The Secretary, through the Under Secretary and the Director, may
accept the transfer of funds from any other Federal agency and may use
those funds to implement the Twenty-First Century Manufacturing
Infrastructure Program and support its activities.
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"SEC. 303. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM.
"(a) PROGRAM DIRECTION.-The Secretary, through the Under Secretary and
the Director, shall establish an Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Development Program which shall include advanced manufacturing systems
and networking projects.
"(b) PROGRAM GOAL.-The goal of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Development Program is to create collaborative multiyear technology
development programs involving United States industry and, as
appropriate, other Federal agencies, the States, worker organizations,
universities, and other interested persons, in order to develop, refine,
test, and transfer design and manufacturing technologies and associated
applications, including advanced computer integration and electronic
networks.
"(c) PROGRAM COMPONENTS.-The Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Development Program shall include-
"(1) the advanced manufacturing research and development activities
at the Institute; and
"(2) one or more technology development testbeds within the United
States, selected in accordance with procedures, including cost
sharing, established for the Advanced Technology Program under
section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act
(15 U.S.C. 278n), whose purpose shall be to develop, refine, test,
and transfer advanced manufacturing and networking technologies and
associated applications through a direct manufacturing process.
"(d) ACTIVITIES.-The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development
Program, under the coordination of the Secretary, through the Director,
shall-
"(1) test and, as appropriate, develop the equipment, computer
software, and systems integration necessary for the successful
operation within the United States of advanced design and
manufacturing systems and associated electronic networks;
"(2) establish at the Institute and the technology development
testbed or testbeds-
"(A) prototype advanced computer-integrated manufacturing
systems; and
"(B) prototype electronic networks linking manufacturing
systems;
"(3) assist industry to develop, and implement voluntary consensus
standards relevant to advanced computer-integrated manufacturing
operations, including standards for networks, electronic data
interchange, and digital product data specifications;
"(4) help to make high-performance computing and networking
technologies an integral part of design and production processes
where appropriate;
"(5) conduct research to identify and overcome technical barriers
to the successful and cost-effective operation of advanced
manufacturing systems and networks;
"(6) facilitate industry efforts to develop and test new
applications for manufacturing systems and networks;
"(7) involve in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development
Program, to the maximum extent practicable, both those United States
companies which make manufacturing and computer equipment and a broad
range of company personnel from those companies which buy the
equipment;
"(8) identify training needs, as appropriate, for company managers,
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
engineers, and employees in the operation and applications of
advanced manufacturing technologies and networks, with a particular
emphasis on training for production workers in the effective use of
new technologies;
"(9) work with private industry, universities, and other interested
parties to develop standards for the use of advanced computer-based
training systems, including multi-media and interactive learning
technologies;
"(10) involve small- and medium-sized manufacturers in its
activities; and
"(11) exchange information and personnel, as appropriate, between
the technology development testbeds and the electronic network
created under section 303.
"(e) TESTBED AWARDS.-(1) In selecting applicants to receive awards
under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall give
particular consideration to applicants that have existing computer
expertise in the management of business, product, and process information
such as digital data product and process technologies and
customer-supplier information systems, and the ability to diffuse such
expertise into industry, and that, in the case of joint research and
development ventures, include both suppliers and users of advanced
manufacturing equipment.
"(2) An industry-led joint research and development venture applying
for an award under subsection (c)(2) of this section may include one or
more State research organizations, universities, independent research
organizations or Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing
Technology (as created under section 25 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act) and other organizations as the Secretary
considers appropriate.
"(f) ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE.-(1) Within 6 months after the date of
enactment of this title, and before any request for proposals is issued,
the Secretary shall hold one or more workshops to solicit advice from
United States industry and from other Federal agencies, particularly the
Department of Defense, regarding the specific missions and activities of
the testbeds.
"(2) The Secretary shall, to the greatest extent possible, coordinate
activities under this section with activities of other Federal agencies
and initiatives relating to Computer-Aided Acquisition and Logistics
Support, electronic data interchange, flexible computer-integrated
manufacturing, and enterprise integration..
"(3) The Secretary may request and accept funds, facilities, equipment,
or personnel from other Federal agencies in order to carry out
responsibilities under this section.
"(g) APPLICATION OF ANTITRUST LAWS.-Nothing in this section shall be
construed to create any immunity to any civil or criminal action under
any Federal or State antitrust law, or to alter or restrict in any matter
the applicability of any Federal or State antitrust law.
"SEC. 304. NATIONAL MANUFACTURING OUTREACH PROGRAM.
"(a) ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE.-There is hereby established a National
Manufacturing Outreach Program (hereafter in this section referred to as
the 'Outreach Program'). The Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary and the Director, shall implement and coordinate the Outreach
Program in accordance with an initial plan to be prepared and submitted
to Congress within 6 months after the date of enactment of this title and
a 5-year plan for the Outreach Program to be submitted to the Congress
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
within a year after the date of enactment of this title and to be updated
annually. The purpose of the Outreach Program is to link and strengthen
the Nation's manufacturing extension centers and activities in order to
assist United States manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized
firms, to expand and accelerate the use of modern manufacturing
practices, and to accelerate the development and use of advanced
manufacturing technology. "(b) COMPONENTS.-The Outreach Program shall be
a partnership of the Department of Commerce, the States, the private
sector, and, as appropriate, other Federal agencies to provide a national
system of manufacturing extension centers and technical services to
United States companies, particularly small and medium-sized
manufacturers. The Outreach Program shall include the following
components-
"(1) Manufacturing Outreach Centers, as provided for under
subsection (c) of this section;
"(2) Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology,
as established under section 25 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act, and the State Technology Extension
Program, as established under section 26 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act;
"(3) an organization, coordinated and funded by the Institute,
which links and supports Manufacturing Outreach Centers and Regional
Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology, and which
operates the Technology Extension Network and Clearinghouse
established under subsection (d) of this section; and
"(4) such technology and manufacturing extension centers supported
by other Federal departments and agencies as the Secretary may deem
appropriate for inclusion in the Outreach Network.
"(c) MANUFACTURING OUTREACH CENTERS.-(1) Government and private
sector
organizations, actively engaged in technology or manufacturing extension
activities, may apply to the Secretary to be designated as Manufacturing
Outreach Centers. Eligible organizations may include Federal, State, and
local government agencies, their extension programs, and their
laboratories; small business development centers; and appropriate
programs run by professional societies, worker organizations, industrial
organizations, for-profit or nonprofit organizations, universities,
community colleges, and technical schools and colleges, including, where
appropriate, vendor-supported demonstrations of production applications.
"(2) The Secretary shall establish terms and conditions of
participation and may provide financial assistance, on a cost-shared
basis and through competitive, merit-based review processes, to
nonprofit or government participants throughout the United States to
enable them to-
"(A) join the Outreach Program and disseminate its technical and
information services to United States manufacturing firms,
particularly small and medium-sized firms; and
"(B) strengthen their efforts to help small and medium-sized United
States manufacturers to expand and accelerate the use of modern and
advanced manufacturing practices.
"(3) Each Manufacturing Outreach Center shall have the option of
affiliating or not affiliating with one or more Regional Centers for the
Transfer of Manufacturing Technology. If such a Manufacturing Outreach
Center chooses to make such an affiliation, the Secretary, through the
Director, shall take such steps as appropriate to ensure a productive
working partnership between such center and the Regional Center or
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
Centers with which it affiliates.
"(d) TECHNOLOGY EXTENSION COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.-The
Department of
Commerce shall provide for an instantaneous, interactive communications
network to serve the Outreach Program, to facilitate interaction among
Manufacturing Outreach Centers, Regional Centers for the Transfer of
Manufacturing Technology, and Federal agencies and to permit the
collection and dissemination in electronic form, in a timely and accurate
manner, of information described in subsection (e). Such communications
infrastructure shall, wherever practicable, make use of existing computer
networks, data bases, and electronic bulletin boards. Communications
infrastructure arrangements, including user fees and appropriate
electronic access for public and private information suppliers and users
shall be addressed in the 5-year plan prepared under subsection (a) of
this section.
"(e) CLEARINGHOUSE.-(1) The Secretary shall develop a clearinghouse
system, using the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the
National Technical Information Service, and private sector information
providers and carriers where appropriate, to-
"(A) identify expertise and acquire information, appropriate to the
purpose of the Outreach Program stated in subsection (a), from all
available Federal sources, and where appropriate from other sources,
providing assistance where necessary in making such information
electronically available and compatible with the electronic network;
"(B) ensure ready access by United States manufacturers and other
interested private sector parties to the most recent relevant
available such information and expertise; and
"(C) to the extent practicable, inform such manufacturers of the
availability of such information.
"(2) The clearinghouse shall include information available
electronically on-
"(A) activities of Manufacturing Outreach Centers, Regional Centers
for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology, the State Technology
Extension Program, and the users of the electronic network;
"(B) domestic and international standards from the Institute and
private sector organizations and other export promotion information,
including conformity assessment requirements and procedures;
"(C) the Malcolm Baldrige Quality program, and quality principles
and standards;
"(D) manufacturing processes minimizing waste and negative
environmental impact;
"(E) federally-funded technology development and transfer programs;
"(F) responsibilities assigned to the Clearinghouse for State and
Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation under
section 102 of this Act;
"(G) how to access data bases and services; and
"(H) other subjects relevant to the ability of companies to
manufacture and sell competitive products throughout the world.
"(f) PRINCIPLES.-In carrying out this section, the Department of
Commerce shall take into consideration the following principles:
"(1) The Outreach Program and the electronic network shall be
established and operated through cooperation and co-funding among
Federal, State, and local governments, other public and private
contributors, and end users.
"(2) The Outreach Program and the electronic network shall utilize
and leverage, to the extent practicable, existing organizations, data
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
bases, electronic networks, facilities, and capabilities, and shall
be designed to complement rather than supplant State and local
programs.
"(3) The Outreach Program should, to the extent practicable,
involve key stakeholders at all levels in the planning and governance
of modernization strategies; concentrate on assisting local clusters
of firms; promote collaborative learning and cooperative action among
small and large manufacturers; link industrial modernization programs
tightly to existing and future Federal training initiatives,
including those for youth apprenticeship programs; encourage small
firms to seek modernization services by working with major
manufacturers to strengthen and coordinate their supplier assessment,
certification, and development programs; identify and honor best
practices by firms and the programs that support them; provide
funding based on performance and ensure rigorous evaluation of
extension services; as appropriate, coordinate Federal programs that
support manufacturing modernization; and work with Federal, State,
and private organizations so that Outreach Centers and Regional
Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology can provide
referrals to other important business services, such as assistance
with financing, training, and exporting.
"(4) The Outreach Program and the electronic network and
communications infrastructure provided for under subsection (d),
shall be subject to all applicable provisions of law for the
protection of trade secrets and business confidential information.
"(5) Local or regional needs should determine the management
structure and staffing of the Manufacturing Outreach Centers. The
Outreach Program shall strive for geographical balance with the
ultimate goal of access for all United States manufacturers.
"(6) Manufacturing Outreach Centers should have the capability to
deliver outreach services directly to manufacturers; actively work
with, rather than supplant, the private sector; and to the extent
practicable, maximize the exposure of manufacturers to demonstrations
of modern technologies in use.
"(7) Manufacturing Outreach Centers shall focus, where possible, on
the development and deployment of flexible manufacturing practices
applicable to both defense and commercial applications.
"(8) The Department of Commerce shall develop mechanisms for-
"(A) soliciting the perspectives of manufacturers using the
services of the Manufacturing Outreach Centers and Regional
Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology; and
"(B) evaluating the effectiveness of the Manufacturing Outreach
Centers.
"SEC. 305. INDUSTRY-LED MANUFACTURING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
"(a) ESTABLISHMENT.-The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy, after consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and
other appropriate Federal officials, shall establish within that office a
Manufacturing Advisory Committee (hereafter in this section referred to
as the 'Committee'), led by industry officials, to provide advice and, as
appropriate, guidance to Federal manufacturing programs.
"(b) FUNCTIONS.-The Committee shall-
"(1) collect and analyze information on the range of factors which
determine the success of United States-based manufacturing
industries, and particularly factors regarding the development and
deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies and the application
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
of best manufacturing practices;
"(2) identify areas where appropriate cooperation between the
Federal Government and the private sector, including Government
support for industry-led joint research and development ventures and
for manufacturing extension activities, would enhance United States
industrial competitiveness, and provide advice and guidance for such
cooperative efforts;
"(3) provide guidance on what Federal policies and practices are
necessary to strengthen United States-based manufacturing,
particularly Federal policies and practices regarding research
budgets, interagency coordination and initiatives, technology
transfer, regulation, and procurement; and
"(4) generally develop recommendations for guiding Federal agency
and interagency activities related to United States-based
manufacturing.
"(c) MEMBERSHIP AND PROCEDURES.-(1)(A) The Committee shall be
composed
of 13 members, 7 of whom shall constitute a quorum.
"(B) The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the
Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of the National
Science Foundation, or their designees, shall serve as members of the
Committee.
"(C) The President, acting through the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, shall within 120 days of the date of
enactment of this Act appoint 9 additional members from the private
manufacturing industry, worker organizations, State technology agencies,
and academia. At least 1 such member shall be from small business.
"(2) The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy or the
Director's designee shall chair the Board.
"(3) The chairman shall call the first meeting of the Board within 30
days after the appointment of members is completed.
"(4) The Board may use such personnel detailed from Federal agencies as
may be necessary to enable it to perform its functions.
"(5) Members of the Board, other than full-time employees of the
Federal Government, while attending meetings of the Board or otherwise
performing duties of the Board while away from their homes or regular
places of business, shall be allowed travel expenses in accordance with
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
"(6) The Board shall submit a report of its activities once every year
after its establishment to the President, the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
"(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.-There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for
the fiscal years 1994 and 1995.".
SEC. 213. MISCELLANEOUS AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) DEFINITIONS.-Section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703) is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraphs:
"(14) 'Director' means the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology.
"(15) 'Institute' means the National Institute of Standards and
Technology.
"(16) 'Assistant Secretary' means the Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Technology Policy.
"(17) 'Advanced manufacturing technology' includes-
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
"(A) numerically-controlled machine tools, robots, automated
process control equipment, computerized flexible manufacturing
systems, associated computer software, and other technology for
improving manufacturing and industrial production which advance
the state-of-the-art; and
"(B) novel techniques and processes designed to improve
manufacturing quality, productivity, and practices, and to promote
sustainable development, including engineering design, quality
assurance, concurrent engineering, continuous process production
technology, energy efficiency, waste minimization, design for
recyclability or parts reuse, inventory management, upgraded worker
skills, and communications with customers and suppliers.
"(18) 'Modern technology' means the best available proven
technology, techniques, and processes appropriate to enhancing the
productivity of manufacturers.".
(b) REDESIGNATIONS.-The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.) is amended-
(1) by inserting immediately after section 4 the following new
title heading:
"TITLE I-DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS";
(2) by redesignating sections 5 through 10 as sections 101 through
106, respectively;
(3) by striking section 21;
(4) by redesignating sections 16 through 20, and 22, as sections
107 through 112, respectively;
(5) by inserting immediately after section 112 (as redesignated by
paragraph (4) of this subsection) the following new title heading:
"TITLE II-FEDERAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER";
(6) by redesignating sections 11 through 15 as sections 201 through
205, respectively;
(7) by redesignating section 23 as section 206;
(8) in section 4-
(A) by striking "section 5" each place it appears and inserting
in lieu thereof "section 101";
(B) in paragraphs (4) and (6), by striking "section 6" and
"section 8" each place they appear and inserting in lieu thereof
"section 102" and "section 104", respectively; and
(C) in paragraph (13), by striking "section 6" and inserting in
lieu thereof "section 102";
(9) in section 105 (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this
subsection) by striking "section 6" each place it appears and
inserting in lieu thereof "section 102";
(10) in section 106(d)-(as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this
subsection) by striking "7, 9, 11, 15, 17, or 20" and inserting in
lieu thereof "103, 105, 108, 111, 201, or 205";
(11) in section 202(b) (as redesignated by paragraph (6) of this
subsection) by striking "section 14" and inserting in lieu thereof
"section 204";
(12) in section 204(a)(1) (as redesignated by paragraph (6) of this
subsection) by striking "section 12" and inserting in lieu thereof
"section 202";
(13) in section 112 (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of this
subsection) by striking "sections 11, 12, and 13" and inserting in
lieu thereof "sections 201, 202, and 203";
(14) in section 206 (as redesignated by paragraph (7) of this
PAGE 13
1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
subsection)-
(A) by striking "section 11(b)" in subsection (a)(2) and inserting
in lieu thereof "section 201(b)"; and
(B) by striking "section 6(d)" in subsection (b) and inserting in
lieu thereof "section 102(d)"; and
(15) by adding at the end of section 201 (as redesignated by
paragraph (6) of this subsection) the following new subsection:
"(j) ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER MECHANISMS.-In addition to
the
technology transfer mechanisms set forth in this section and section 202
of this Act, the heads of Federal departments and agencies also may
transfer technologies through the technology transfer, extension, and
deployment programs of the Department of Commerce and the Department of
Defense.".
SEC. 214. MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTERS.
Section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act
(15 U.S.C. 278k), is amended-
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
"MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTERS";
(2) in subsection (c)(5), by striking "which are designed" and all
that follows through "operation of a Center" and inserting in lieu
thereof "to a maximum of one-third Federal funding. Each Center which
receives financial assistance under this section shall be evaluated
during its sixth year of operation, and at such subsequent times as
the Secretary considers appropriate, by an evaluation panel appointed
by the Secretary in the same manner as was the evaluation panel
previously appointed. The Secretary shall not provide funding for
additional years of the Center's operation unless the evaluation is
positive and the Secretary finds that continuation of funding
furthers the goals of the Department. Such additional Federal funding
shall not exceed one-third of the cost of the Center's operations";
(3) by striking subsection (d); and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
"(d) If a Center receives a positive evaluation during its third year
of operation, the Director may, any time after that evaluation, contract
with the Center to provide additional technology extension or transfer
services above and beyond the baseline activities of the Center. Such
additional services may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the
development and operation of the following:
"(1) Services focused on the testing, development, and application
of manufacturing and process technologies within specific technical
fields such as advanced materials or electronics fabrication for the
purpose of assisting United States companies, both large and small
and both within the Center's original service region and in other
regions, to improve manufacturing, product design, workforce
training, and production in those specific technical fields.
"(2) Industrial service facilities which provide tools to help
companies with the low-cost, low-volume, rapid prototyping of a range
of new products and the refinement of the manufacturing and process
technologies necessary to make these products.
"(3) Programs to assist small and medium-sized manufacturers and
their employees in the Center's region to learn and apply the
technologies, techniques, and processes associated with systems
management technology, electric commerce, or improving manufacturing
productivity.
"(4) Industry-lead demonstration programs that explore the value of
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
innovative nonprofit manufacturing technology consortia to provide
ongoing research, technology transfer, and worker training assistance
for industrial members. An award under this paragraph shall be for no
more than $500,000 per year, and shall be subject to renewal after a
1-year demonstration period.
SEC. 215. STATE TECHNOLOGY EXTENSION PROGRAM.
(a) Section 26(a) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Act (15 U.S.C. 2781(a)), is amended-
(1) by inserting immediately after "(a)" the following new
sentence: "There is established within the Institute a State
Technology Extension Program."; and
(2) by inserting "through that Program" immediately after
"technical assistance".
(b) Section 26 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Act (15 U.S.C. 2781) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
"(c) In addition to the general authorities listed in subsection (b) of
this section, the State Technology Extension Program also shall, through
merit-based competitive review processes and as authorizations and
appropriations permit-
"(1) make awards to States and conduct workshops, pursuant to
section 5121(b) of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988,
in order to help States improve their planning and coordination of
technology extension activities;
"(2) assist States, particularly States which historically have had
no manufacturing or technology extension programs or only small
programs, to plan, develop, and coordinate such programs and to help
bring those State programs to a level of performance where they can
apply successfully for awards to establish Manufacturing Outreach
Centers, Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing
Technology, or both;
"(3) support industrial modernization demonstration projects to
help States create networks among small manufacturers for the purpose
of facilitating technical assistance, group services, and improved
productivity and competitiveness;
"(4) support State efforts to develop and test innovative ways to
help small and medium-sized manufacturers improve their technical
capabilities;
"(5) support State efforts designed to help small manufacturers in
rural as well as urban areas improve and modernize their technical
capabilities, including, as appropriate, interstate efforts to
achieve such end;
"(6) support State efforts to assist interested small defense
manufacturing firms to convert their production to nondefense and
dual-use purposes;
"(7) support worker technology education programs in the States at
institutions such as research universities, community colleges, labor
education centers, labor-management committees, and worker
organizations in production technologies critical to the Nation's
future, with an emphasis on high-performance work systems, the skills
necessary to use advanced manufacturing systems well, and best
production practice; and
"(8) help States develop programs to train personnel who in turn
can provide technical skills to managers and workers of manufacturing
firms.".
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
SEC. 216. AMERICAN WORKFORCE QUALITY PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.-(1) The Secretary, after consultation with the
Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education, may make awards to
eligible applicants to establish and operate American workforce quality
partnerships in accordance with the provisions of this section. The
purpose of these partnerships is to provide training to industrial
employees, particularly in order to enable them to utilize best current
manufacturing technologies and practices, including total quality
management techniques.
(2) An American workforce quality partnership shall be a collaboration
between-
(A) one or more technology-based or manufacturing sector firms, in
conjunction with a labor organization when appropriate or worker
representatives or employee representatives; and
(B) a local community or technical college, other appropriate
institution of higher education, a vocational training institution, a
Regional Center for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology, a
Manufacturing Outreach Center, or a consortium of such institutions,
to train the employees of the participating industrial firms through both
workplace-based and classroom-based training programs.
(b) AWARDS.-(1) Awards made under this section may be for a period of 5
years. The Federal share of the cost of an American workforce quality
partnership may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the
partnership. The non-Federal share of such costs may be provided in-cash
or in-kind, fairly valued.
(2) The Secretary shall make awards under this section on a
competitive basis.
(c) USE OF FUNDS.-(1) An American workplace quality partnership may use
Federal funds for-
(A) the direct costs of workplace-based and classroom-based
training in advanced technical, technological, and industrial
management, skills, and training for the implementation of total
quality management strategies, or other competitiveness strategies,
contained in the plan;
(B) the purchase or lease of equipment or other materials for the
purpose of instruction to aid in training;
(C) the development of in-house curricula or coursework or other
training-related programs, including the training of teachers and
other eligible participants to utilize such curricula or coursework;
and
(D) reasonable administrative expenses and other indirect costs of
operating the partnership which may not exceed 10 percent of the
total cost of the program.
(2) Federal funds may not be used for nontraining related costs of
adopting new competitive strategies including the replacement of
manufacturing equipment, product redesign and manufacturing facility
construction costs, or salary compensation of the partners' employees.
Grants shall not be made under this section for programs that will impair
any existing program, contract, or agreement without the written
concurrence of the parties to such program, contract, or agreement.
(d) ADVISORY BOARDS.-Each partnership receiving assistance under this
section shall establish an advisory board, which shall-
(1) include representatives from participating firms, labor
organizations or worker representatives, and the education partners;
and
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(2) advise the partnership on the direction, policies, and
activities of the partnership, including training, instruction, and
related issues.
SEC. 217. REPORT ON OPTIONS FOR ACCELERATING THE ADOPTION OF
NEW
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT.
Within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report on-
(1) the degree to which both small and large manufacturing
enterprises in the United States have difficulty obtaining financing
for the purpose of purchasing new equipment and modernizing
operations;
(2) the policies and practices followed in other industrialized
countries to help manufacturing firms obtain financing for
modernization;
(3) the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of major options by
which the Federal Government might help stimulate the flow of capital
to manufacturers and thus accelerate industrial modernization,
including-
(A) creation of a Government-sponsored enterprise to stimulate
the flow of capital to manufacturing;
(B) increasing technical advice to banks and other financial
institutions, perhaps through the National Manufacturing Outreach
Program, in order to increase their ability to judge whether or
not individual manufacturers have sound modernization plans; and
(C) tax incentives.
Subtitle B-National Science Foundation Manufacturing Programs
SEC. 221. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION MANUFACTURING
ACTIVITIES.
(A) IN GENERAL.-The Director of the National Science Foundation, after,
as appropriate, consultation with the Secretary, the Under Secretary, and
the Director, shall-
(1) work with the United States industry to identify areas of
research in manufacturing technologies and practices that offer the
potential to improve United States productivity, competitiveness, and
employment;
(2) support research at United States universities to improve
manufacturing technologies and practices; and
(3) work with the Technology Administration and the Institute and,
as appropriate, other Federal agencies to accelerate the transfer to
United States industry of manufacturing research and innovations
developed at universities.
(b) ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS AND INDUSTRY/UNIVERSITY
COOPERATIVE
RESEARCH CENTERS.-The Director of the National Science Foundation shall
strengthen and expand the number of Engineering Research Centers and
strengthen and expand the Industry/University Cooperative Research
Centers Program with the goals of increasing the engineering talent base
versed in technologies critical to the Nation's future, with emphasis on
advanced manufacturing, and of advancing fundamental engineering
knowledge in these technologies. At least one Engineering Research Center
shall have a research and education focus on the concerns of traditional
manufacturers, including small and medium-sized firms that are trying to
modernize their operations. Awards under this subsection shall be made on
a competitive, merit review basis. Such awards may include support for
acquisition of instrumentation, equipment, and facilities related to
research and education activities of the Centers and support for
undergraduate students to participate in the activities of the Centers.
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(c) GRADUATE TRAINEESHIPS.-The Director of the National Science
Foundation, in consultation with the Secretary, may establish a program
to provide traineeships to graduate students at institutions of higher
education within the United States who choose to pursue masters or
doctoral degrees in manufacturing engineering.
(d) MANUFACTURING MANAGERS IN THE CLASSROOM PROGRAM.-The
Director of
the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Secretary, may
establish a program to provide fellowships, on a cost-shared basis, to
individuals from industry with experience in manufacturing to serve for 1
or 2 years as instructors in manufacturing at 2-year community and
technical colleges in the United States. In selecting fellows, the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall place special emphasis
on supporting individuals who not only have expertise and practicable
experience in manufacturing but who also will work to foster cooperation
between 2-year colleges and nearby manufacturing firms.
(e) PROGRAMS TO TEACH TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT.-The Director
of the
National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Secretary, the
Under Secretary, and the Director, may establish a program to develop
innovative curricula, courses, and materials for use by institutions of
higher education for instruction in total quality management and related
management practices, in order to help improve the productivity of United
States industry.
TITLE III-CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES
SEC. 301. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that-
(1) the rapid, effective use of advanced technologies in the design
and production of products is a key determinant of economic
competitiveness;
(2) investment in the development and adoption of advanced
technology contributes significantly to long-term economic growth and
employment;
(3) the governments of our most successful competitor nations in
the global marketplace have created supportive structures and
programs that have been effective in helping their domestic
industries increase their global market shares;
(4) agriculture and aerospace are two examples of industries that
have achieved commercial success with strong support from the United
States Government; and
(5) the United States Government must promote and facilitate the
creation, development, and adoption of advanced technologies to
ensure long-term economic prosperity for the United States.
Subtitle A-Advanced Technology Program and Related
SEC. 311. DEVELOPMENT OF PLAN FOR THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM.
The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary and the Director,
shall, within 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, submit to
the Congress a plan for the expansion of the Advanced Technology Program
established under section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n), with specific consideration given to-
(1) closer coordination and cooperation with the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency and other Federal research and development
agencies as appropriate;
(2) establishment of staff positions that can be filled by
industrial or technical experts for a period of one to two years;
(3) broadening of the scope of the program to include as many
critical technologies as is appropriate;
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(4) changes that may be needed when annual funds available for
grants under the Program reach levels of $200,000,000 and
$500,000,000; and
(5) administrative steps necessary for Program support of
large-scale industry-led consortia similar to, or possibility
eventually including, the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
Institute.
SEC. 312. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM SUPPORT OF LARGE-
SCALE JOINT
VENTURES.
Section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act
(15 U.S.C. 278n) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
"(k) In addition to the general authority under this section to provide
financial assistance to joint ventures, the Secretary, through the
Director, also may, as permitted by levels of authorizations and
appropriations, provide financial support to large-scale joint ventures
requesting $20 million or more a year in Department funds. Any such
support shall be subject to the matching funds requirements of in
subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii) of this section, except that the Secretary may
provide assistance to such large-scale joint ventures for up to 7 years.
The Secretary may work with industrial groups to develop such proposed
large-scale joint ventures and shall give preference to proposals which
represent a broad spectrum of companies for a given industry and which
focus on either speeding the commercialization of important new
technologies or in accelerating the development, testing, and deployment
of valuable new process technologies. The Secretary and Director, as
appropriate, shall obtain independent technical review of industry
proposals submitted under this subsection.".
SEC. 313. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
Section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act
(15 U.S.C. 278n) is amended-
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii), by striking "provision of a
minority share of the cost of such joint ventures for up to 5 years"
and inserting in lieu thereof "the option of provision of either-
"(I) a minority share of the cost of such joint ventures
for up to 5 years; or
"(II) only direct costs, and not indirect costs, profits,
or management fees, for up to 5 years"; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
"(k) Notwithstanding subsections (b)(1)(B)(ii) and (d)(3) the Director
may grant an extension of not to exceed 6 months beyond the deadlines
established under those subsections for joint venture and single
applicant awardees to expend Federal funds to complete their projects, if
such extension may be granted with no additional cost to the Federal
Government.".
SEC. 314. TECHNOLOGY MONITORING AND COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENTS.
Section 101(e) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980, as redesignated by section 213(b)(2) of this Act, is amended to
read as follows:
"(e) OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY MONITORING AND COMPETITIVE
ASSESSMENT.-(1)
The Secretary, through the Under Secretary, shall establish within the
Technology Administration an Office of Technology Monitoring and
Competitive Assessment, to collect, evaluate, assess, and disseminate
information on-
"(A) foreign science and technology, specifically information
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
assessing foreign capabilities relative to the United States; and
"(B) policies and programs used by foreign governments and
industries to develop and apply economically important critical
technologies, how these policies and programs compare with public and
private activities in the United States, and the effects that these
foreign policies and programs have on the competitiveness of United
States industry; and
"(C) the way in which the economic competitiveness of United States
industry can be enhanced through Federal programs, including
Department of Commerce programs, and evaluations of the effectiveness
of Federal technology programs in helping to promote United States
industrial competitiveness and economic growth.
"(2) Based on the information gathered under paragraph (1) of this
subsection, the President, with the assistance of the Secretary, shall
submit to Congress an annual report on United States technology and
competitiveness analyzing the condition of United States technology
relative to major trading partners, key trends in foreign technology and
competitiveness policies and targeting, and the degree to which Federal
programs are helping the United States to stay competitive with other
countries.
"(3) The Office of Technology Monitoring and Competitive Assessment is
authorized to-
"(A) act as a focal point within the Federal Government for the
collection and dissemination, including electronic dissemination, of
information on foreign process and product technologies, including
information collected under the Japanese Technical Literature
Program;
"(B) coordinate the extensive foreign technology monitoring and
assessment activities already under way in the Federal Government;
"(C) act as an electronic clearinghouse for this information or
otherwise provide for this function;
"(D) direct and fund the collection of additional information;
"(E) direct and fund analysis of foreign research and development
activities and technical capabilities, particularly in those
technical areas where the United States is considered to be at par or
lagging foreign capabilities;
"(F) establish a program to identify technical areas needing a
full-scale technical evaluation, and provide grants, on a cost-shared
basis, to private sector or government-industry joint ventures, to
conduct the evaluation;
"(G) establish and administer a fellowship program to support
Technology Fellows in those countries that are major competitors of
the United States in critical technologies to collect and provide
initial analysis of information on foreign science and technology
capabilities; and
"(H) work with the Department of State to place technical experts
from the Institute and other Federal laboratories into United States
embassies to serve as technology attaches and counsellors.
SEC. 315. COMMERCE TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY BOARD.
Title I of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (as
amended by title II of this Act) is further amended by adding at the end
thereof the following new section:
"SEC. 113. COMMERCE TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY BOARD.
"(a) ESTABLISHMENT.-There is established a Commerce Technology Advisory
Board (hereafter in this section referred to as the 'Advisory Board'),
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary, Under Secretary, and
Director regarding ways in which to-
"(1) promote the development and rapid application of advanced
commercial technologies, including advanced manufacturing
technologies;
"(2) strengthen the programs of the Technology Administration; and
"(3) generally improve the global competitiveness of industries
within the United States.
"(b) COMPOSITION.-The Advisory Board shall be composed of at least 17
members, appointed by the Under Secretary from among individuals who,
because of their experience and accomplishments in technology
development, business development, or finance are exceptionally qualified
to analyze and formulate policy that would improve the global
competitiveness of industries in the United States. The Under Secretary
shall designate 1 member to serve as chairman. Membership of the Advisory
Board shall be composed of-
"(1) representatives of-
"(A) United States small businesses;
"(B) other United States manufacturers;
"(C) research universities and independent research institutes;
"(D) State and local government agencies involved in industrial
extension;
"(E) national laboratories;
"(F) industrial, worker, and professional organizations; and
"(G) financial organizations; and
"(2) other individuals that possess important insight to issues of
national competitiveness.
"(c) MEETINGS.-(1) The chairman shall call the first meeting of the
Advisory Board not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act.
"(2) The Advisory Board shall meet at least once every 6 months, and at
the call of the Under Secretary.
"(d) TRAVEL EXPENSES.-Members of the Advisory Board, other than
full-time employees of the United States, shall be allowed travel
expenses in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United
States Code, while engaged in the business of the Advisory Board.
"(e) CONSULTATION.-In carrying out this section, the Under Secretary
shall consult with other agencies, as appropriate.
"(f) TERMINATION.-Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act
shall not apply to the Advisory Board.".
SEC. 316. STUDY OF SEMICONDUCTOR LITHOGRAPHY TECHNOLOGIES.
Within 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Critical
Technologies Institute established under section 822 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (in this section referred
to as the "Institute") shall, after consultation with the private sector
and appropriate officials from other Federal agencies, submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report on advanced lithography technologies for the
production of semiconductor devices. The report shall include the
Institute's evaluation of the likely technical and economic advantages
and disadvantages of each such technology, an analysis of current private
and Government research to develop each such technology, and any
recommendations the Institute may have regarding future Federal support
for research and development in advanced lithography.
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
Subtitle B-Technology Financing Pilot Programs
SEC. 321. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) FINDINGS.-Congress finds and declares the following:
(1) In recent years, financing from venture capitalists and banks
appears to have become more difficult for technology firms in the
United States to obtain.
(2) While tax incentives are often the preferred method to help
firms accelerate the development, commercialization, and production
of advanced technology products, these incentives are of limited
value to those firms, including start-up firms, which have limited
revenues but nonetheless provide much of the Nation's innovation and
new employment.
(3) Difficulties in obtaining financing particularly hurts those
technology firms which face foreign competitors which have received
substantial direct or indirect financial help from their governments.
(4) The Nation would benefit from pilot programs which involve
Government-industry partnerships to develop and test innovative
industry-led methods to increase the amount of financing available to
United States technology firms.
(b) PURPOSE.-It is the purpose of Congress in this subtitle to
establish, under the Department of Commerce's Technology Administration,
three experimental technology financing pilot programs.
SEC. 322. CIVILIAN TECHNOLOGY LOAN PROGRAM.
(a) AUTHORITY TO MAKE LOANS.-The Secretary of Commerce may make
loans-
(1) acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for technology,
to small and medium sized businesses eligible for assistance under
section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act
(15 U.S.C. 278n), to the extent provided in section 504(b) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974; or
(2) acting through critical technologies development companies
licensed under section 323 of this title, to small and medium sized
businesses.
(b) PURPOSE.-Loans under this section shall be for growth,
modernization, and expansion of small and medium sized businesses engaged
in research, development, demonstration, or exploitation of advanced
technologies and products, including those in fields such as automation,
electronics, advanced materials, biotechnology, and optical technologies.
(c) INTEREST RATE, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS.-Loans under this section
shall be made at an interest rate equal to the Government borrowing rate
plus an insurance surcharge of up to 2 percent, and shall be subject to
such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe.
SEC. 323. ASSISTANCE TO CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT
COMPANIES.
(a) IN GENERAL.-(1) The Secretary, through the Under Secretary, is
authorized to provide financial assistance to critical technology
investment companies licensed under this section, for the purpose of
stimulating and expanding the flow of private capital to qualified joint
ventures and qualified individual firms in order to help them finance the
development and commercialization of critical civilian technologies.
(2) Each critical technology investment company licensed under this
section may provide venture capital to qualified joint ventures and
qualified individual firms, in such manner and under such terms as the
licensee may fix in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary.
Venture capital provided to incorporated qualified joint ventures and
individual firms may be provided directly or in cooperation with other
investors, incorporated or unincorporated, through agreements to
PAGE 22
1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
participate on an immediate basis.
(3) Each licensee may make loans, directly or in cooperation with other
lenders, incorporated or unincorporated, through agreements to
participate on an immediate or deferred basis, to qualified joint
ventures and qualified individual firms to provide such ventures and
firms with funds needed for sound financing related to development or
utilization of critical civilian technologies.
(4) This section shall be carried out in a manner that will ensure the
maximum participation of private financial sources and ensure prudent
diversification and sound management of operations.
(b) REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORITIES.-Except as provided in subsections
(c)
and (d) of this section, the Secretary shall, in providing financial
assistance to licensees under the provisions of this section, follow the
statutory requirements and use the statutory authorities which apply to
the Small Business Administration's Small Business Investment Program, as
set forth in subchapter 14B of title 15, United States Code (15 U.S.C.
681 et seq.). Any amendments to subchapter 14B enacted after the date of
enactment of this title shall not apply to this section unless explicitly
provided for in statute.
(c) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES.-In addition to the authorities provided to
the Secretary under subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary is
authorized to-
(1) purchase nonparticipating preferred securities from licensed
critical technology investment companies as one way to provide
financial assistance to those companies;
(2) issue trust certificates representing ownership of all or a
fractional part of preferred securities issued by licensees and
guaranteed by the Secretary under this section, with such trust
certificates based on and backed by a trust or pool approved by the
Secretary and composed of preferred securities and such other
contractual obligations as the Secretary may undertake to facilitate
the sale of such trust certificates;
(3) guarantee, upon such terms and conditions as are deemed
appropriate, the timely payment of the principal of and interest on
trust certificates issued by the Secretary or the Secretary's agent
for purposes of this section, provided that such guarantee shall be
limited to the extent of the redemption price of and dividends on the
preferred securities, plus any related contractual obligations, which
compose the trust or pool; and
(4) issue its own rules and regulations concerning how it will
carry out this section under the applicable requirements and
authorities.
(d) OTHER PROVISIONS.-(1) Amounts received by the Secretary from the
payment of dividends and the redemption of preferred securities pursuant
to this section, and fees paid to the United States by a licensee
pursuant to this section, shall be deposited in an account established by
the Secretary and shall be available solely for carrying out this
section, to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
(2) Nothing in this section or in any other provision of law imposes
any liability on the United States or the Secretary with respect to any
obligations entered into, or stocks issued, or commitments made by any
licensee operating under this section.
SEC. 324. ASSISTANCE TO STATE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMS.
(a) IN GENERAL.-The Secretary, through the Under Secretary, may provide
financial, technical, and business assistance to programs run by or
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
chartered by State governments for the purpose of accelerating the
development and commercialization of critical civilian technologies,
including technologies developed by universities and colleges within the
States. Such State technology development programs may-
(1) directly fund critical civilian technology development projects
at qualified joint ventures and qualified individual firms; and
(2) when appropriate, assist intermediary organizations, including
universities, to develop new critical civilian technologies to the
point where qualified joint ventures and qualified individual firms
will invest in their further development and commercialization.
(b) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.-(1) The Secretary may make awards for up to
three years to any State technology development program which meets the
eligibility requirements of paragraph (2). State programs which win
awards may reapply if they still meet eligibility requirements. Any
financial assistance from the Secretary to State technology development
programs shall be made only through a competitive, merit-reviewed
process.
(2) A State technology development program must meet the following
requirements before it shall be eligible to apply for and receive
assistance under this section:
(A) at least one-third of the cost of the proposal to which such
assistance applies must be provided by such State program; and
(B) the State program must demonstrate that any technology or
intellectual property developed under the program shall be made
available only to joint ventures and individual firms which legally
commit to manufacture substantially in the United States any
products resulting from any project funded in whole or in part by
Federal funds provided under this section.
TITLE IV-ADDITIONAL COMMERCE DEPARTMENT PROVISIONS
SEC. 401. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDIZATION.
(a) FINDINGS.-The Congress finds that-
(1) private sector consensus standards are essential to the timely
development of competitive products;
(2) Federal Government contribution of resources, more active
participation in the voluntary standards process in the United
States, and assistance, where appropriate, through government to
government negotiations, can increase the quality of United States
standards, increase their compatibility with the standards of other
countries, and ease access of United States-made products to foreign
markets; and
(3) the Federal Government, working in cooperation with private
sector organizations including trade associations, engineering
societies, and technical bodies, can effectively promote United
States Government use of United States consensus standards and, where
appropriate, the adoption and United States Government use of
international standards.
(b) STANDARD PILOT PROGRAM.-Section 104(e) of the American Technology
Preeminence Act of 1991 is amended-
(1) by inserting "(1)" before "Pursuant to the"; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
"(2) As necessary and appropriate, the Institute shall expand the
program established under section 112 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1989 (15
U.S.C. 272 note) by extending the existing program and by entering into
additional contracts with non-Federal organizations representing United
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
States companies, as such term is defined in section 28(d)(9)(B) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278n(d)(9)(B)). Such contracts shall require cost sharing between Federal
and non-Federal sources for such purposes. In awarding such contracts,
the Institute shall seek to promote and support the dissemination of
United States technical standards to additional foreign countries, in
cooperation with governmental bodies, private organizations including
standards setting organizations and industry, and multinational
institutions that promote economic development. The organizations
receiving such contracts may establish training programs to bring to the
United States foreign standards experts for the purpose of receiving
in-depth training in the United States standards system.".
(c) REPORT ON GLOBAL STANDARDS.-The Secretary, in consultation with
the
Institute and the Commerce Technology Advisory Board established under
section 204 of this Act, shall submit to the Congress a report describing
the appropriate roles of the Department of Commerce in aid to United
States companies in achieving conformity assessment and accreditation and
otherwise qualifying their products in foreign markets, and in the
development and promulgation of domestic and global product and quality
standards, including a discussion of the extent to which each of the
policy options provided in such Office of Technology Assessment report
contributes to meeting the goals of-
(1) increasing the international adoption of standards beneficial
to United States industries; and
(2) improving the coordination of United States representation to
international standards setting bodies.
(d) FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ROLE.-Section 508(a) of the American
Technology
Preeminence Act of 1991 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
"(6) The appropriate role of the Federal Government in aid to
United States companies in achieving conformity assessment and
accreditation and otherwise qualifying their products in foreign
markets, and in the development and promulgation of domestic and
global product and quality standards, including a discussion of the
extent to which each of the policy options provided in the Office of
Technology Assessment report on global standards contributes to
meeting the goal of improving the coordination of United States
representation to international standards-setting bodies.
SEC. 402. MALCOLM BALDRIGE AWARD AMENDMENTS.
(a) Section 108(c)(3) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act
of 1980, as so redesignated by section 206(b)(4) of this Act, is amended
to read as follows:
"(3) No award shall be made within any category or subcategory if there
are no qualifying enterprises in that category or subcategory.".
(b)(1) Section 108(c)(1) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3711a(c)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
"(D) Educational institutions.".
(2)(A) Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report containing-
(i) criteria for qualification for a Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award by various classes of educational institutions;
(ii) criteria for the evaluation of applications for such awards
under section 108(d)(1) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980; and
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(iii) a plan for funding awards described in clause (i).
(B) In preparing the report required under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary shall consult with the National Science Foundation and other
public and private entities with appropriate expertise, and shall provide
for public notice and comment.
(C) The Secretary shall not accept applications for awards described in
subparagraph (A)(i) until after the report required under subparagraph
(A) is submitted to the Congress.
SEC. 403. COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS.
Section 202(d)(1) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(1)), as redesignated by section 206(b)(6) of
this Act, is amended by inserting "(including both real and personal
property)" after "or other resources" both places it appears.
SEC. 404. CLEARINGHOUSE ON STATE AND LOCAL INITIATIVES.
Section 102(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980, as so redesignated by section 206(b)(2) of the Act, as amended by
striking "Office of Productivity, Technology, and Innovation" and
inserting in lieu thereof "Institute".
SEC. 405. USE OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTS.
(a) PROHIBITION AGAINST FRAUDULENT USE OF "MADE IN AMERICA"
LABELS.-(1)
A person shall not intentionally affix a label bearing the inscription of
"Made in America", or any inscription with that meaning, to any product
sold in or shipped to the United States, if that product is not a
domestic product.
(2) A person who violates paragraph (1) shall not be eligible for any
contract for a procurement carried out with amounts authorized under
this Act and the amendments made by this Act, including any subcontract
under such a contract pursuant to the debarment, suspension, and
ineligibility procedures in subpart 9.4 of chapter 1 of title 48, Code of
Federal Regulations, or any successor procedures thereto.
(b) COMPLIANCE WITH BUY AMERICAN ACT.-(1) Except as provided in
paragraph (2), the head of each agency which conducts procurements shall
ensure that such procurements are conducted in compliance with sections 2
through 4 of the Act of March 3, 1933 (41 U.S.C. 10a through 10c,
popularly known as the "Buy American Act").
(2) This subsection shall apply only to procurements made for which-
(A) amounts are authorized by this Act, and the amendments made by
this Act, to be made available; and
(B) solicitations for bids are issued after the date of enactment
of this Act.
(3) The Secretary, before January 1, 1994, shall report to the Congress
on procurements covered under this subsection of products that are not
domestic products.
(c) DEFINITIONS.-For the purposes of this section, the term "domestic
product" means a product-
(1) that is manufactured or produced in the United States; and
(2) at least 50 percent of the cost of the articles, materials, or
supplies of which are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United
States.
SEC. 406. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person
or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act and the
application thereof to other persons or circumstances shall not be
affected thereby.
SEC. 407. WIND ENGINEERING RESEARCH PROGRAM.
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(a) SHORT TITLE.-This section may be cited as the "Wind Engineering
Program Act of 1992".
(b) FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.-Congress finds the following:
(1) Hurricanes and tornadoes kill more Americans and destroy more
property than any other natural disaster.
(2) Each year, in the United States, extreme winds cause billions
of dollars of damage to homes, schools, and other buildings, roads
and bridges, electrical power distribution networks, and
communications networks.
(3) Research on wind and wind engineering has resulted in improved
methods for making buildings and other structures less vulnerable to
extreme winds, but additional research funding is needed to develop
new, improved, and more cost-effective methods of wind-resistant
construction.
(4) Federal funding for wind engineering research has decreased
drastically over the last 20 years.
(5) Wind research has been hampered by a lack of data on
near-surface wind speed and distribution during hurricanes,
tornadoes, and other severe storms.
(6) Many existing methods for wind-resistant construction are
inexpensive and easy to implement but often they are not applied
because the construction industry and the general public are unaware
of such methods.
(7) Various Federal agencies have important roles to play in wind
engineering research, but at present there is little interagency
cooperation in this area.
(8) Establishment of a Federal Wind Engineering Program would
result in new technologies for wind-resistant construction, broader
application of such technologies in construction, and ultimately
decreased loss of life and property due to extreme winds.
(c) PURPOSE.-The purpose of this Act is to create a Wind Engineering
Program within the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which
would-
(1) provide for wind engineering research;
(2) serve as a clearinghouse for information on wind engineering;
and
(3) improve interagency coordination on wind engineering research
between the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science
Foundation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other
appropriate agencies.
(d) ESTABLISHMENT.-Within the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, there shall be established a Wind Engineering Program which
shall-
(1) conduct research and development, in cooperation with the
private sector and academia, on new methods for mitigating wind
damage due to tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe storms;
(2) fund construction and maintenance of wind tunnels and other
research facilities needed for wind engineering research;
(3) promote the application of existing methods for, and research
results on, reducing wind damage to buildings that are usually
incompletely- or non-engineered, such as single family dwellings,
mobile homes, light industrial buildings, and small commercial
structures;
(4) transfer technology developed in wind engineering research to
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
the private sector so that it may be applied in building codes,
design practice, and construction;
(5) conduct, in conjunction with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, post-disaster research following
hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms to evaluate the
vulnerability of different types of buildings to extreme winds;
(6) serve as a point of contact for dissemination of research
information on wind engineering and work with the private sector to
develop education and training programs on construction techniques,
developed from research results, for reducing wind damage;
(7) work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
the Federal Aviation Administration, and other agencies as is
appropriate, on meteorology programs to collect and disseminate more
data on extreme wind events; and
(8) work with the National Science Foundation to support and expand
basic research on wind engineering.
TITLE V-AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS
SEC. 501. TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION.
(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.-There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary, to carry out the activities of the Under
Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy-
(1) for the Office of the Under Secretary, $5,000,000 for fiscal
year 1994 and $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1995;
(2) for Technology Policy $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and
$6,000,000 for fiscal year 1995;
(3) for Japanese Technical Literature, $2,000,000 for fiscal year
1994 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1995; and
(4) for the Office of Technology Monitoring and Competitive
Assessment, $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $2,500,000 for fiscal
year 1995.
(b) TRANSFERS.-(1) Funds may be transferred among the line items listed
in subsection (a), so long as-
(A) the net funds transferred to or from any line item do not
exceed 10 percent of the amount authorized for that line item in such
subsection;
(B) the aggregate amount authorized under subsection (a) is not
changed; and
(C) the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation of the
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives are notified in advance of any such
transfer.
(2) The Secretary may propose transfers to or from any line item listed
in subsection (a) exceeding 10 percent of the amount authorized for such
line item, but such proposed transfer may not be made unless-
(A) a full and complete explanation of any such proposed transfer
and the reason therefor are transmitted in writing to the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the
appropriate authorizing Committees of the House of Representatives
and the Senate; and
(B) 30 days have passed following the transmission of such written
explanation.
(c) NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE FACILITIES STUDY.-
As part of
its modernization effort and before signing a new facility lease, the
National Technical Information Service, in consultation with the General
Services Administration, shall study and report to Congress on the
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
feasibility of accomplishing all or part of its modernization by signing
a long-term lease with an organization that agrees to supply a facility
and supply and periodically upgrade modern equipment which permits the
National Technical Information Service to receive, store, manipulate, and
print electronically created documents and reports and to carry out the
other functions assigned to the National Technical Information Service.
SEC. 502. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY.
(a) INTRAMURAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND
SERVICES.-(1)
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary, to carry out
the intramural scientific and technical research and services activities
of the Institute, $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $300,000,000 for
fiscal year 1995.
(2) Of the amount authorized under paragraph (1)-
(A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year
1995 are authorized only for the evaluation of nonenergy-related
inventions;
(B) $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $10,000,000 for fiscal year
1995 are authorized only for the technical competence fund; and
(C) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year
1995 are authorized only for the standards pilot project established
under section 104(e) of the American Technology Pre-eminence Act of
1991.
(b) Facilities.-In addition to the amounts authorized under subsection
(a), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
$105,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1993 and 1995, for the renovation
and upgrading of the Institute's facilities. The Institute may enter into
a contract for the design work for such purposes only if Federal
Government payments under the contract are limited to amounts provided in
advance in appropriations Acts.
(c) EXTRAMURAL INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES.-In addition to
the
amounts authorized under subsections (a) and (b), there are authorized to
be appropriated to the Secretary, to carry out the extramural industrial
technology services activities of the Institute-
(1) for the National Manufacturing Outreach Program, $150,000,000
for fiscal year 1994 and $280,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, of which-
(A) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $80,000,000 for fiscal
year 1995 are authorized only for the support of Regional Centers
for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology;
(B) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $100,000,000 for
fiscal year 1995 are authorized only for the support of
Manufacturing Outreach Centers;
(C) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $70,000,000 for fiscal
year 1995 are authorized only for the State Technology Extension
Program;
(D) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and $30,000,000 for fiscal
year 1995 are authorized only for the Institute activities in
support of the Outreach Program, including support of the
Technology Extension Communications Network and the associated
Clearinghouse; and
(2) for the Advanced Technology Program, $210,000,000 for fiscal
year 1994 and $420,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, of which $30,000,000
for fiscal year 1994 and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1995 are
authorized only for support of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Development Program established under section 303 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(d) WIND ENGINEERING.-(1) There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Institute for the purposes of title V of this Act, $1,000,000 for
fiscal year 1994 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1995.
(2) Of the amounts appropriated under paragraph (1), no less than 50
percent shall be used for cooperative agreements with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation,
and Federal Aviation Administration, or other agencies, for wind
engineering research, development of improved practices for structures,
and the collection and dissemination of meteorological data needed for
wind engineering.
SEC. 503. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE TECHNOLOGY
ADMINISTRATION.
In addition to the amounts authorized under sections 601 and 602, there
are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary-
(1) for the Civilian Technology Loan Program established under
section 322 of this Act, $60,000,000 for the period encompassing
fiscal years 1994 and 1995;
(2) for the Civilian Technologies Venture Capital Program
established under section 323 of this Act, $105,000,000 for the
period encompassing fiscal years 1994 and 1995;
(3) for assistance to State Technology Assistance programs, as
provided under section 324 of this Act, $25,000,000 for fiscal year
1994 and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1995; and
(4) for carrying out the American workforce quality partnership
program established under section 216 of this Act $50,000,000 for
fiscal year 1994 and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1995.
Amounts appropriated under paragraph (1) or (2) shall remain available
for expenditure through September 30, 1996. Of the amounts made available
under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, not more than $2,000,000 or 10
percent, whichever is greater, shall be available for administrative
expenses. Of the amounts made available under paragraph (2) for a fiscal
year, not more than $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is greater, shall
be available for administrative expenses. The Secretary, through the
Under Secretary and the Director, may accept the transfer of funding
appropriated to any other agency for purposes similar or related to those
of the programs established and carried out under title III of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, or the programs
established and carried out under sections 25 and 26 of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act, and to use those funds to
implement such programs as provided in those statutory provisions.
SEC. 504. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.
In addition to such other sums as may be authorized by other Acts to be
appropriated to the Director of the National Science Foundation, there
are authorized to be appropriated to that Director, to carry out the
provisions of section 221 of this Act, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1994
and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1995.
SEC. 505. AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Appropriations made under the authority provided in this title shall
remain available for obligation, for expenditure, or for obligation and
expenditure for periods specified in the Acts making such appropriations.
TITLE VI-INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the "Information Infrastructure and
Technology Act of 1992".
SEC. 602. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) FINDINGS.-The Congress finds the following:
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
(1) High-performance computing and high-speed networks have proven
to be powerful tools for improving America's national security,
industrial competitiveness, and research capabilities.
(2) Federal programs, like the High-Performance Computing Program
established by Congress in 1991, have played a key role in
maintaining United States leadership in high-performance computing,
especially in the defense and research sectors.
(3) High-performance computing and high-speed networking have the
potential to revolutionize many fields, including education,
libraries, health care, and manufacturing, if adequate resources are
invested in developing the technology needed to do so.
(4) The Federal Government should ensure that the technology
developed under research and development programs like the
High-Performance Computing Program can be widely applied for the
benefit of all Americans.
(5) A coordinated, interagency program is needed to identify and
promote development of applications of high-performance computing and
high-speed networking which will provide large economic and social
benefits to the Nation. Those so-called "Grand Applications" should
include tools for teaching, digital libraries of electronic
information, computer systems to improve the delivery of health care,
and computer and networking technology to promote United States
competitiveness.
(6) The Office of Science and Technology Policy is the appropriate
office to coordinate such a program.
(b) PURPOSE.-It is the purpose of this Act to help ensure the widest
possible application of high-performance computing and high-speed
networking. This requires that the United States Government-
(1) expand Federal support for research and development on
applications of high-performance computing and high-speed networks
for-
(A) improving education at all levels, from preschool to adult
education, by developing new educational technology;
(B) building digital libraries of electronic information
accessible over computer networks like the National Research and
Education Network;
(C) improving the provision of health care by furnishing health
care providers and their patients with better, more accurate, and
more timely information; and
(D) increasing the productivity of the Nation's workers,
especially in the manufacturing sector; and
(2) improve coordination of Federal efforts to deploy these
technologies in cooperation with the private sector as part of an
advanced, national information infrastructure.
SEC. 603. INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
The National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and
Priorities Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following new title:
"TITLE VII-INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM
"SEC. 701. The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy,
through the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and
Technology (hereafter in this title referred to as the 'Council'), shall,
in accordance with this title-
"(1) establish an Information Infrastructure Development Program
(hereafter in this title referred to as the 'Program') that shall
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
provide for a coordinated interagency effort to develop technologies
needed to apply high-performance computing and high-speed networking
in education, libraries, health care, manufacturing, and other
appropriate fields; and
"(2) develop an Information Infrastructure Development Plan
(hereafter in this title referred to as the 'Plan') describing the
goals and proposed activities of the Program.
"SEC. 702. (a) The Plan shall contain recommendations for a five-year
national effort and shall be submitted to the Congress within one year
after the date of enactment of this title. The Plan shall be resubmitted
upon revision at least once every two years thereafter.
"(b) The Plan shall-
"(1) establish the goals and priorities for the Program for the
fiscal year in which the Plan (or revised Plan) is submitted and the
succeeding four fiscal years;
"(2) set forth the role of each Federal agency and department in
implementing the Plan;
"(3) describe the levels of Federal funding for each agency and
department, and specific activities, required to achieve the goals
and priorities established under paragraph (1); and
"(4) assign particular agencies primary responsibility for
developing particular Grand Applications of high-performance
computing and high-speed networks.
"(c) Accompanying the Plan shall be-
"(1) a summary of the achievements of Federal efforts during the
preceding fiscal year to develop technologies needed for deployment
of an advanced information infrastructure;
"(2) an evaluation of the progress made toward achieving the goals
and objectives of the Plan;
"(3) a summary of problems encountered in implementing the Plan;
and
"(4) any recommendations regarding additional action or legislation
which may be required to assist in achieving the purposes of this
title.
"(d) The Plan shall address, where appropriate, the relevant programs
and activities of the following Federal agencies and departments:
"(1) The National Science Foundation.
"(2) The Department of Commerce, particularly the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, and the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration.
"(3) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
"(4) The Department of Defense, particularly the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency.
"(5) The Department of Energy.
"(6) The Department of Health and Human Services, particularly the
National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine.
"(7) The Department of the Interior, particularly the United States
Geological Survey.
"(8) The Department of Education.
"(9) The Department of Agriculture, particularly the National
Agricultural Library.
"(10) Such other agencies and departments as the President or the
Chairman of the Council considers appropriate.
"(e) In addition, the Plan shall take into consideration the present
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
and planned activities of the Library of Congress, as deemed appropriate
by the Library of Congress.
"(f) The Council shall-
"(1) serve as lead entity responsible for development of the Plan
and interagency coordination of the Program;
"(2) coordinate the high-performance computing research and
development activities of Federal agencies and departments undertaken
pursuant to the Plan and report at least annually to the President,
through the Chairman of the Council, on any recommended changes in
agency or departmental roles that are needed to better implement the
Plan;
"(3) review, prior to the President's submission to the Congress of
the annual budget estimate, each agency and departmental budget
estimate in the context of the Plan and make the results of that
review available to the appropriate elements of the Executive Office
of the President, particularly the Office of Management and Budget;
and
"(4) consult and ensure communication between Federal agencies and
research, educational, and industry groups and State agencies
conducting research and development on and using high-performance
computing.
"(g) The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall
establish an advisory committee on high-performance computing and
high-speed networking and their applications, consisting of prominent
representatives from industry and academia who are specially qualified to
provide the Council with advice and information on uses of
high-performance computing and high-speed networking. The advisory
committee shall provide the Council with an independent assessment of-
"(1) progress made in implementing the Plan;
"(2) the need to revise the Plan;
"(3) the balance between the components of the Plan;
"(4) whether the research and development funded under the Plan is
helping to maintain United States leadership in the application of
computing technology;
"(5) ways to ensure government-industry cooperation in implementing
the Plan; and
"(6) other issues identified by the Director.
"(h)(1) Each Federal agency and department involved in the program
shall, as part of its annual request for appropriations to the Office of
Management and Budget, submit a report to that Office identifying each
element of its high-performance computing activities, which-
"(A) specifies whether each such element (i) contributes primarily
to the implementation of the Plan or (ii) contributes primarily to
the achievement of other objectives but aids Plan implementation in
important ways; and
"(B) states the portion of its request for appropriations that is
allocated to each element.
"(2) The Office of Management and Budget shall review each such report
in light of the goals, priorities, and agency and departmental
responsibilities set forth in the Plan, and shall include, in the
President's annual budget estimate, a statement of the portion of each
appropriate agency or department's annual budget estimate that is
allocated to efforts to develop applications of high-performance
computing.
"SEC. 703. In this title, the following definitions apply:
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
"(1) The term 'Grand Application' means an application of
high-performance computing and highspeed networking that will provide
large economic and social benefits to a broad segment of the Nation's
populace.
"(2) The term 'information infrastructure' means a network of
communications systems and computer systems designed to exchange
information among all citizens and residents of the United States.".
SEC. 604. APPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION
(a) RESPONSIBILITIES OF NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AND
OTHER
AGENCIES.-In accordance with the Plan developed under section 701 of the
National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act
of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.), as added by section 3 of this Act, the
National Science Foundation and other appropriate agencies shall provide
for the development of high-performance computing and high-speed
networking technology for use in education at all levels. Such
applications shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) Pilot projects that connect primary and secondary schools to
the Internet and the National Research and Education Network to aid
in development of the software, hardware, and training material
needed to enable students and teachers to use networks to-
(A) communicate with their peers around the country;
(B) communicate with educators and students in colleges and
universities;
(C) access databases of electronic information; and
(D) access other computing resources.
(2) Development of computer software, computer systems, and
networks for teacher training.
(3) Development of advanced educational software.
(b) COOPERATION.-In carrying out this section, the National Science
Foundation shall work with the computer and communications industry,
authors and publishers of educational materials, State education
departments, local school districts, and the Department of Education, as
appropriate.
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.-There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation for the purposes of this
section, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, $40,000,000 for fiscal year
1994, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1995.
SEC. 605. APPLICATIONS FOR MANUFACTURING
(a) ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS AND NETWORKING
PROJECTS.-In
accordance with the Plan developed under section 701 of the National
Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976
(42 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.), as added by section 3 of this Act, the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (hereafter in this section referred
to as the "Institute") shall, as provided under section 303 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act (as amended by title II of
this Act) shall establish an Advanced Manufacturing Program, including
advanced manufacturing systems and networking projects. Activities under
the Advanced Manufacturing Program shall, as appropriate, be coordinated
with activities of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the
National Science Foundation, other Federal agencies, and the States to
develop, refine, test, and transfer advanced computer-integrated
electronically-networked manufacturing technologies and associated
applications.
(b) SUPPORT FROM OTHER FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.-
The Director
of the Institute may request and accept funds, facilities, equipment, or
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
personnel from other Federal departments and agencies in order to carry
out responsibilities under this section.
SEC. 606. APPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE.
(a) DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES BY NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF
HEALTH.-In
accordance with the Plan developed under section 701 of the National
Science and Technology Policy, Organization and Priorities Act of 1976
(42 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.), as added by section 3 of this Act, the National
Institutes of Health, and particularly the National Library of Medicine,
in cooperation with the National Science Foundation and other appropriate
agencies, shall develop technologies for applications of high-performance
computing and high-speed networking in the health care sector. Such
applications shall include but not be limited to the following;
(1) Testbed networks for linking hospitals, clinics, doctor's
offices, medical schools, medical libraries, and universities to
enable health care providers and researchers to share medical data
and imagery.
(2) Software and visualization technology for visualizing the human
anatomy and analyzing imagery from X-rays, CAT scans, PET scans, and
other diagnostic tools.
(3) Virtual reality technology for simulating operations and other
medical procedures.
(4) Collaborative technology to allow several health care providers
in remote locations to provide real-time treatment to patients.
(5) Database technology to provide health care providers with
access to relevant medical information and literature.
(6) Database technology for storing, accessing, and transmitting
patients' medical records while protecting the accuracy and privacy
of those records.
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.-There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Library of Medicine for the purposes of this
section, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, $40,000,000 for fiscal year
1994, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1995.
SEC. 607. APPLICATIONS FOR LIBRARIES.
(a) DIGITAL LIBRARIES.-In accordance with the Plan developed under
section 701 of the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization
and Priorities Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.), as added by section
3 of this Act, the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency,
and other appropriate agencies shall develop technologies for "digital
libraries" of electronic information. Development of digital libraries
shall include the following:
(1) Development of advanced data storage systems capable of storing
hundreds of trillions of bits of data and giving thousands of users
nearly instantaneous access to that information.
(2) Development of high-speed, highly accurate systems for
converting printed text, page images, graphics, and photographic
images into electronic form.
(3) Development of database software capable of quickly searching,
filtering, and summarizing large volumes of text, imagery, data, and
sound.
(4) Encouragement of development and adoption of standards for
electronic data.
(5) Development of computer technology to categorize and organize
electronic information in a variety of formats.
(6) Training of database users and librarians in the use of and
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1993 S. 4; JANUARY 26, 1993 -- VERSION: 1
development of electronic databases.
(7) Development of technology for simplifying the utilization of
networked databases distributed around the Nation and around the
world.
(8) Development of visualization technology for quickly browsing
large volumes of imagery.
(b) Development of Prototypes.-The National Science Foundation, working
with the supercomputer centers it supports, shall develop prototype
digital libraries of scientific data available over the Internet and the
National Research and Education Network.
(c) DEVELOPMENT OF DATABASES OF REMOTE-SENSING IMAGES.-The
National
Aeronautics and Space Administration shall develop databases of software
and remote-sensing images to be made available over computer networks
like the Internet.
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.-(1) There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation for the purposes of this
section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, $20,000,000 for fiscal year
1994, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1996,
and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1997.
(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration for the purposes of this section, $10,000,000
for fiscal year 1993, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1994, and $30,000,000
for fiscal year 1995.
SEC. 608. ACCESS TO SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION.
(a) ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS.-Section 203 of the National Science and
Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C.
6612) is amended-
(1) by striking "four" in the second sentence and inserting in lieu
thereof "five"; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new sentence: "Among other
duties, one Associate Director shall oversee Federal efforts to
disseminate scientific and technical information.".
(b) FUNCTIONS OF DIRECTOR.-Section 204(b) of the National Science and
Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C.
6613 (b)) is amended-
(1) by striking "and" at the end of paragraph (3);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and
inserting in lieu thereof "; and"; and
(3) by inserting immediately after paragraph (4) the following new
paragraph:
(5) assist the President in disseminating scientific and technical
information.".
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