What's New @ IEEE-USA - Eye On Washington

1) CAPITOL HILL WATCH

• Congress Adjourns Sine Die…Finally

• First Major Piece of Legislation to Address U.S Innovation Introduced

• Congress Reaches Agreement on NASA Authorization Bill

• Capitol Hill Dismisses Creation of Yet Another Commission to Address Lack of Science & Technology Education – Want the Scientific and Teachers Communities to Act Instead

• Administration Warned of Loss of U.S. Innovation if We Don't Commit To R&D

• New Legislation to address U.S. Energy Challenges and Strengthen US Math & Science Education

2) WHITE HOUSE & EXECUTIVE AGENCY WATCH

• What Should NSF Look Like in 2011?

3) REPORTS, SPEECHES & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE

• New GAO Reports

4) U.S. COURTS ACTIVITY

None at this time.

5) U.S. STATES WATCH

• NC OKs E-Voting Systems

• Schools Are Failing Your Kids When It Comes to Science Education

• NJ Unveils Nanotech Facility

• UT vs. USC: One Will Lose the Game But Both Regions May Win in Job Training

6) AWARDS & GRANTS

7) CONFERENCES, FELLOWSHIPS, PROGRAMS & INTERNSHIPS FOR ENGINEERS, and STUDENTS and SCHOLARS OF ENGINEERING

• 2007 Government Fellowships

• WISE Program Seeks Senior Science & Technology Public Policy Advisor to Engineering Students (Nine Week Summer Position)

• Department of Commerce Seeking Non-Profits to Administer Scholarship Program

8) LATEST IEEE-USA ACTIVITIES

• Track IEEE-USA's Progress

9) U.S. COMPETITIVENESS & INNOVATION: WHO'S DOING WHAT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?

• IEEE-USA Resource Web Page - U.S. Competitiveness: The Innovation Challenge

• Booz Allen Hamilton  Reports That Money Can't Buy Innovation

10) OTHER ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST

• Fun NAS Web Site for Girls

• ITAA's Miller Reportedly Will Seek Virginia Senate Seat

1) CAPITOL HILL WATCH

• Congress Adjourns Sine Die…Finally

22 DEC: Your trivia lesson for the day.  The commonly referred to Patriot Act or USA Patriot Act, is actually an acronym. It stands for “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.”

During the final days and hours of the House and Senate sessions last week, congress completed some of the legislation that was keeping them in town long after they were scheduled to go home for the year. In the final legislative act of the first session of the 109th Congress, a lone Senator John W. Warner (R-Va.), the only man (or woman) left in the chamber, approved a 5-week extension of the Patriot Act provisions which are due to expire on New Year’s Eve 2005. The House and Senate begrudgingly arrived at the very short extension after Members who oppose continuation of certain provisions – such as those dealing with the FBI’s power to seek roving wiretaps and seize business records – threatened to filibuster the bill into expiration.  The short extension gives the chambers time to work out compromises. The bill extends the 16 provisions of the 2001 anti-terrorism law (PL 107-56) until 3 February, in lieu of reauthorizing the provisions until 2009, the date the President wanted. The President said he would sign the extension.

Congress also approved the FY 2006 Labor-HHS-Education spending bill, clearing that measure for the president’s signature. Unfortunately, the $602 billion appropriations measure eliminates funding for community technology centers and an e-language program. The centers have survived proposed cuts for elimination since 2002. The Senate had included $4.96 million in funding for the education program, but the House, whose position prevailed in negotiations, cut the program.

The three-year, $3 million e-Language Learning System, or ELLS, a joint initiative between the Education Department and the Chinese Education Ministry, was set to expire in September 2004. The program aims to develop an Internet-based learning product. U.S. language-software developers see it as a threat to private U.S. businesses and said it would result in rampant piracy in China. The Stars Schools program has been the primary source for ELLS. The conference report said lawmakers "direct the department not to fund any grant that will compete directly with the private sector and further direct the secretary to notify the House and Senate Appropriations committees 15 days prior to any department expenditures related to the ELLS project."

The Labor HHS bill also includes $184 million for the Math and Science Partnership Program and $275 million for competitive educational technology grants to states. Another $61.7 million in the legislation aims to advance health information technology programs, and $50 million would go to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to foster the adoption of health IT.

Congress also signed off on the $453.5 billion Defense appropriations bill, the last of the FY 2006 spending measures. The bill includes $50 billion in emergency supplemental funds for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, $29 billion in emergency funds for Gulf Coast hurricane aid, $3.8 billion to prepare for flu outbreaks, and a 1 percent across-the-board cut to non-veterans’ programs sought by conservatives. The bill originally have a provision to open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling – a provision that was stripped out of the energy bill that passed in the summer – but it was once again removed from legislation.

And finally, Congress approved the $40 billion budget reconciliation measure which includes $1.3 billion to fund an array of communications programs and up to $1.5 billion for the special boxes that would enable older television sets to receive digital signals when the TV spectrum is switched from analog to digital. The bill sets a "hard date" of 17 February 2009 for the end of analog broadcasts. The government plans to raise at least $10 billion from the auction of spectrum that will be returned after the DTV transition is finished. (For background info on this switchover, please see Senator Stevens Looks to Spectrum Revenue Sales to Fund First-Responder Needs, EOW, No. 19, 30 Sept. 2005 and Digital Switchover Date is Subject to Pop Culture as Well as Political Wishes EOW, No. 21, 3 Nov. 2005.)

"In June 2004, at my first DTV hearing since becoming chairman, I announced that expediting the DTV transition would be a top priority," House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton ( R-Tex.) said in a statement. In setting Feb. 17 as the cut-off date, "a great technical revolution that has been in the making for years will finally be complete."

Last week, the FCC and the Government Accountability Office released studies about the use of radio-frequency spectrum, particularly the prime frequencies that would be available with congressional passage of digital television legislation. GAO explored how the FCC allocates spectrum, and it concluded that current procedures stifle the effective use of radio frequencies. The FCC examined whether public-safety officials need access to more spectrum and concluded that for now, they do not.
 
In its report dated 19 December 2005, the FCC said: "Public-safety commenters generally agree that emergency-response providers need access to additional spectrum, but there is a lack of unanimity within the public-safety community regarding how much spectrum will be needed. We expect that public safety's long-terms needs will become clearer" as they begin to utilize the new 24 megahertz, as well as other portions of spectrum. The report also said the agency will move to expeditiously examine whether it should let public-safety officials use some of that 24 megahertz for high-speed Internet service instead of voice communications.

The GAO report, dated 20 December 2005, said that 21 of 22 experts the agency consulted favored legislation to extend the FCC's authority to auction radio frequencies. That authority expires in 2007, but the DTV language would extend it. As to other reforms, GAO looked at two alternative models to the current spectrum paradigm. The property-rights model would have companies effectively own spectrum and enjoy flexibility in how they use it. The other, an "open access" or "commons" model, would allow an unlimited number of unlicensed users to share the spectrum. The spectrum used by cellular carriers follows the property-rights paradigm. Spectrum used to deploy broadband via devices using Wi-Fi wireless technology follows the commons model. Of 20 panelists surveyed by GAO, nine wanted to move more toward the property-rights model, six toward the commons model and five to retain the current mix between the two systems.

The Senate is expected to return to work 18 January; the House is due to start 31 January.

What to look out for in 2006?  Patent reform, telecom reform, immigration reform and most like the continuing battle cries for anything that will keep the U.S. in its top dog spot in competitiveness and innovation.

• First Major Piece of Legislation to Address U.S Innovation Introduced

15 DEC: Senators John Ensign (R-Nev) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) introduced comprehensive bipartisan legislation that will ensure the U.S. remains the lead in innovation, R&D and the training of scientists and engineers. The National Innovation Act (no bill number yet), based on Innovate America, The Council on Competitiveness' National Innovation Initiative Report, focuses on three primary areas of importance to maintaining and improving the United States' innovation in the 21st Century: research investment, increasing science and technology talent and developing an innovation infrastructure.

The bill:

--calls for creation of a President's Council on Innovation that would include agency chiefs from the Commerce, Defense, Education and Energy departments, to recommend and create "metrics to evaluate existing and proposed innovation policies;"
--calls for a new national commitment to basic research, and authorizes a doubling of the National Science Foundation's budget from FY 2007 through FY 2011;

--directs federal agencies that fund research and development projects to set aside up to 3 percent of their research budgets for new "innovation acceleration grants;
--directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support new R&D projects in advanced manufacturing and authorizes $300 million over the next five years to fund them;

--calls for a permanent extension to the R&D tax credit and boosts a Pentagon science, math and research scholarship program by $41 million over five years;

--authorizes the NSF to spend $335 million during the same timeframe to advance its Science Math Engineering and Technology Talent program; and

--includes congressional resolutions in support of patent reform, and updates to U.S. immigration laws that make it easier for foreign nationals studying at American universities to stay and work here.

Joining Ensign and Lieberman as original co-sponsors of the bill are Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), George Allen (R-Va.), Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Mike Dewine (R-Oh.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.).

Along with IEEE-USA, statements of Support have been issued by IBM, BellSouth, the Council on Competitiveness, TechNet, Business Roundtable, AAU, ASTRA, Federation of American Scientists, Progressive Policy Institute, AeA, ITI, SIA, AMS, Council of Scientific Society Presidents, American Chemical Society, SEMI North America, and EIA.

• Congress Reaches Agreement on NASA Authorization Bill

The House Science Committee and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, in a conference chaired by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.), reached agreement on the NASA reauthorization bill. House Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) applauded the passage of the conference report for S. 1281, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2005.  The legislation now heads to the President to be signed into law.

Boehlert said, "I'm very pleased that the NASA Authorization bill will now go to the President for his signature.  Enactment will mean that NASA has clear direction as a multi-mission agency for the coming years, and Congress will have the tools it needs to oversee the agency at this critical time.  This is the culmination of a year-long bipartisan effort in both the House and Senate, and it will help set the stage for next year's appropriations debates."

Earlier this year, the chambers had passed differing versions of the reauthorization (H.R. 3070/S.1281). This final compromise includes most of the provisions from both the House and Senate bills.  The bill directs NASA to carry out programs in human space flight, aeronautics, space science, earth science and microgravity research, and it endorses the President's Vision for Space Exploration. The bill authorizes about $17.9 billion for NASA in FY 2007 and $18.7 billion in FY 2008 - significantly more than provided in the Administration's FY 2006 budget request.

Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-Calif), lead sponsor of the House bill, said, "The NASA Authorization Act conference report is forward-looking legislation that will help NASA excel during the Second Space Age.  I believe that investing in NASA is an investment in our nation's future.  Even in this time of budget deficits, the United States cannot abandon NASA's research and technology, and exploration programs - it is not in the American spirit to shy away from this investment in our global leadership.  This report continues our legacy as a leader in space exploration and technology advancements.  I wish to thank Chairman Boehlert, Chairman Stevens, Chairman Hutchison, and all the conferees for their commitment and work." Major provisions of the bill include:

--Directs NASA to carry out programs in human space flight, aeronautics, space science, earth science and microgravity research.

--Endorses the President's Vision for Space Exploration.

--Changes NASA's budget structure to separate funding for human space flight and NASA's science, aeronautics and education activities.

--Requires that at least 15 percent of the spending for the International Space Station (ISS) be used for microgravity research not related to exploration programs.

--Enables NASA to carry out a prize program.

--Puts in new reporting requirements and cost controls, modeled on the Nunn-McCurdy controls that apply to the Department of Defense, that would require Congressional action if cost overruns on a project exceed set levels.

--Requires multi-year plans for aeronautics, science, facilities and workforce, and prevents layoffs (Reductions in Force) before March 16, 2007.

--Endorses a Shuttle mission to the Hubble Space Telescope if it can be accomplished safely.

--Designates the U.S. portion of the ISS as a "national laboratory."

--Provides guidance for the transition from the Space Shuttle to the Crew Exploration Vehicle.

--Requires the National Academy of Sciences to review NASA's K-12 education programs.

--Establishes procedures for the appointment of a Presidential Commission in the event of the loss of a Shuttle or other manned vehicle.

• Capitol Hill Dismisses Creation of Yet Another Commission to Address Lack of Science & Technology Education – Want the Scientific and Teachers Communities to Act Instead

7 DEC: The National Science Foundation held the first of three hearings to determine whether the NSF should authorize a new National Science Board commission focused on modernizing science, mathematics and technology education. On the following day, lawmakers insisted the new commission is unnecessary, citing many of the problems outlined by the previous study have yet to be addressed effectively. The commission would be the second of its kind created by the National Science Board. The 1983 Commission on Pre-college Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology identified a growing concern that the U.S. was losing ground economically and academically as a result of its educational infrastructure.

"The last thing we need are more studies that are going to sit on the floor and collect dust," said House Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-N.Y.). "I will tell you bluntly that the commission will be a waste of time and an unaffordable missed opportunity if it does not provide a very clear, concise and cogent statement of the NSF role in education at all levels..." Instead, he reiterated something we heard from him earlier this year; Boehlert is disappointed in the scientific community's lack of organization and urged them to develop a more comprehensive political structure immediately.

Ranking member Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.) said the commission would only address problems that have already been identified, adn that there needs to be more of a focus on creating a larger pool of teachers with science and math skills. To address this, Grodon wrote H.R. 4434, a bill – to authorize science scholarships for educating mathematics and science teachers – which he introduced on 6 December.

Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.) said he objected to the study because, "after the commission in 1983, nothing happened," and he believes no structure has been created to address the findings of that commission. Ehlers echoed Boehlert's disappointment in the scientific community, saying he is appalled that they not take more interest in legislative activity. He also wants teachers unions to be encouraged to join the debate.

John Culberson (R-Tex.) continued, saying scientists "ought to have their hair on fire because we're about to drive off a cliff unless the NSF gets active politically." The commission would be a "waste of time and energy," and Culberson urged the science community to organize itself politically. He pointed to the creation of the Alliance for NanoHealth, a collaborative research organization based in Houston, as an example of a scientific group that has mobilized itself. The Alliance for NanoHealth received $6.4 million in federal funding last year.

Making a statement that might be seen as blasphemy in her homestate, Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tex.) said "We can't keep an economy going by playing football." She is particularly concerned about the economic impact of an inadequate educational infrastructure in math and science. The recent decline in education spending has left many scientists "out in the cold" and that sweeping changes must be made in American educational philosophy.

• Administration is Warned of Loss of U.S. Innovation if We Don't Commit To R&D

6 DEC: At a meeting convened at the Commerce Department by Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.), 40 executives and top university presidents called on the Bush administration to revitalize America's commitment to basic R&D and to grow the national pool of scientists and engineers. The group - including former Lockheed Martin CEO Norman Augustine, Texas Instruments CEO Richard Templeton, AeA President Bill Archey, National Science Foundation Director Arden Bement and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chairman Dana Mead - warned of dire consequences if America fails to boost its investment in federal R&D funding for the physical sciences.

Despite comments by Deputy Secretary of Commerce David Sampson that the Bush administration is committed to R&D funding and spent $132 billion in 2005, the mood of the panelists was decidedly cool toward the administration's handling of the issue.

"We need to return to the absolute level of [R&D] spending that is comparable to when we put a man on the moon," said Craig Mundie, chief technology officer at Microsoft. He added that Microsoft outspends the Pentagon by a ratio of 3-to-1 in basic research on computation.

Many reports have been released this year concerning the U.S.'s lagging investments in federal R&D revealing a troubling emphasis on near-term research. Many argue that physical science research budgets are now flat and losing ground when analyzed as a share of gross domestic product over the last 30 years. "It's time to translate a lot of these reports into action," said Templeton.

The panel also lamented the dearth of qualified engineers in the American workforce. "The future supply of talent is getting harder to recruit," said Purdue University President Martin Jischke. According to NSF data, Asian countries are now graduating four times as many engineers as the United States. "We are in a global competition for this talent."

The group made the following recommendations:

- Increase federal funding for long-term basic research by 10 percent per year for the next seven   years;

- Set aside 8 percent of federal agency budgets for high-risk research;

- Double the number of U.S. bachelors' degree holders in science, math and engineering by 2015;

- Reform immigration policy to encourage foreign students to study and work in the United States;

- Create incentives for public/private partnerships in math and science education; and

- Provide funding for targeted work on national challenges such as next-generation energy technologies.

Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-N.Y.), chairman of the House Science Committee said, "This is a national security issue of the highest order," and estimated such a program would cost about $10 billion at the outset.

• New Legislation to address U.S. Energy Challenges and Strengthen US Math & Science Education

6 DEC: Science Committee Ranking Member Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.) introduced the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) Act (H.R. 4435) to speed the commercialization of energy technologies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy by 20 percent in the next 10 years.

Development of a new generation of energy technologies is critical to addressing our nation's future environmental, economic and security challenges.  America is the global leader in technological innovation and nowhere is that more apparent than in university, industry and federal laboratories where some of the worlds best minds are devoted to revolutionizing "energy" as we know it. Read the full press release here: http://sciencedems.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=992

Gordon also introduced the "10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds" Science and Math Scholarship Act (H.R. 4434).  The legislation will increase the number of U.S. math and science teachers by 10,000 annually by providing scholarships to science, math and engineering students who commit to becoming science or math teachers at elementary and secondary schools upon completion of their degrees.

Gordon's bill establishes programs at the National Science Foundation to implement the majority of the K-12 science education recommendations put forth in a recent report on global competitiveness by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) entitled, Rising Above the Gathering Storm:  Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future.

2) WHITE HOUSE & EXECUTIVE AGENCY WATCH

• What Should NSF Look Like in 2011?

One of the most critical federal partners involved either directly or indirectly in determining the success of most state tech-based economic development strategies seeks input from the science and engineering (S&E) community in the development of its next five-year plan.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), the major federal source for funding for fields such as mathematics, computer science and the social sciences, as well as the source for some of the most relevant statistical data policymakers use for assessing the health of their communities (industrial and academic R&D expenditures, education and workforce information, the science and engineering indicators, etc.) is requesting comments from those interested in the future direction of our nation's federally-funded basic research. As the NSF prepares its Strategic Plan for FY 2006-2011, it requests input on the following questions:

Does NSF's current Strategic Plan effectively communicate NSF’s roles and responsibilities as part of the S&E community? If not, what is lacking and how can the next plan be improved?

What broad characteristics of the near- and long-term environment for S&E research and education should NSF consider and address in its next strategic plan?

Comments are to be submitted by 20 January 2006, through the following website, which provides additional information on the agency's planning process: http://www.nsf.gov/about/performance/input.cfm

3) REPORTS, SPEECHES & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE

• New GAO Reports

Older Workers: Labor Can Help Employers and Employees Plan Better for the Future

GAO-06-80, (5 December 2005)

Report - http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-80

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0680high.pdf

Electronic Waste: Strengthening the Role of the Federal Government in Encouraging Recycling and Reuse GAO-06-47 (10 November 2005)

Full Report: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-47

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0647high.pdf

Stand-Down of Los Alamos National Laboratory: Total Costs Uncertain; Almost All Mission-Critical Programs Were Affected but Have Recovered

GAO-06-83 (18 November 2005)

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-83

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0683high.pdf

4) U.S. COURTS ACTIVITY

None at this time.

5) US STATES WATCH

• NC OKs E-Voting Systems

North Carolina voting officials last week certified Diebold, Sequoia Voting Systems and Election Systems & Software to sell their electronic voting machines in the state, days after Wake County Superior Court Judge Narley Cashwell denied Diebold immunity in the event of an e-voting mishap. Under state law, e-voting machine makers must disclose software code if their devices were involved in a voting snafu. Diebold requested an injunction because some of its code was owned by third-party software firms like Microsoft and so was not readily available in the event of an emergency.

After the ruling, Diebold lawyer Doug Hanna told AP that the company "would have no alternative but [to] withdraw from the [certification] process." But Diebold reversed that decision and was certified from the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Now, the certification raises questions about the board's procedures and Diebold's integrity, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "The board of elections has simply flouted the law," said EFF Staff Attorney Matt Zimmerman. "If Diebold's certification is revoked, counties using its equipment could be left holding a very expensive bag."

• Schools Are Failing Your Kids When It Comes to Science Education

At least 22 states are failing to provide students with adequate science education, according to a Wednesday study by the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation. Fifteen states received failing grades from the foundation, which appraised the quality of science standards from kindergarten to 12th grade as schools rush to meet No Child Left Behind science testing requirements. Reasons for poor performance include using dense and poorly organized materials, favoring "inquiry-based learning" over content, allowing students to "discover" science rather than learn about it from an instructor and shunning evolutionary theory, according to the report, which was funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

States that received the lowest marks include Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

"We must do a better job of teaching students real science content and skills to assure that there will be a next generation of scientific leadership -- and that everyone else is scientifically literate as well," said lead author Paul Gross. "The first step is to set clear expectations for what schoolchildren should learn."

Seven states earned an "A" grade from Fordham. They are California, Indiana Massachusetts, New York, New Mexico, South Carolina and Virginia.

• NJ Unveils Nanotech Facility

5 DEC: Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.) unveiled a new nanotechnology facility at New Jersey's Picatinny Arsenal. The location will house the only plasma reactor in the state and the largest one in North America. It will be used in the development of lighter, stronger materials for warhead and gun components, more powerful explosive and smaller, more reliable fuses, he said. "The arsenal is leading the way in exciting new directions -- and, as a result, our armed forces will be safer."

• UT vs. USC: One Will Lose the Game But Both Regions May Win in Job Training

On 4 January 2006, in the FedEx Rose Bowl, the University of Texas Longhorns face the University of Southern California Trojans. I must ally myself with the Longhorns. But on another playing field that pits the 2 regions against each other, recent initiatives could mean that we are all winners. The two states are tackling the issue of the need for a talented, educated and diverse workforce to support regional economies built on high-paying jobs.

On the left coast, the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, sponsored the Los Angeles Economy Project which reported that LA must do more to bridge the gap between its high-tech, research-oriented assets and its low-skilled immigrant workforce if its economy is to grow into the global powerhouse city leaders envision. The Project found that the city remains polarized between high-end and low-end jobs and suffers from a labor force that is disproportionately unskilled. Two of the three sectors that defined the LA economy 20 years ago - manufacturing and financial services - have significantly declined. In addition, the city’s diverse business base is severely constrained from participating in the knowledge-based industries that are the key to the region's long-term prosperity.

While job growth has been stagnant in the city's large corporations, small businesses in Los Angeles have been booming. The creation of thousands of small firms over the last decade have more than filled the employment void left by the big firms. The problem is most of these same small firms tend to serve only the surrounding community and employ low-skill workers making low wages – not the kind of jobs that will help the city economy grow and prosper, researchers say. To help Los Angeles meet challenges in entrepreneurial growth, capital access and workforce training, the study recommends the following, among others::

--Provide Los Angeles residents with expanded opportunities for improved educational attainment and English-language proficiency;

--Use the vast research potential of local research institutions such as the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles by encouraging their development of commercially utilizable technology and the transfer of this technology to entrepreneurs who can apply it for the economic benefit of both the universities and the local economy.

--Create initiatives to improve small business access to capital, such as leveraging city funds to provide loss guarantees as a way of encouraging lenders to loan to these firms.

--Focus the city's worker-training efforts on industries with the greatest potential for growth, stability and good wages; and,

--Link job training and economic development objectives with the needs of each community.

For more information, visit www.laeconomyproject.com.

On the third coast, Texas' Governor Rick Perry announced a $71 million education initiative that will create specialized academies at 35 schools across the state to help Texas students develop a passion for math and science. The governor cited a gap in skills in the two fields among students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Seventy-three percent of white ninth graders passed the state assessment in math in 2005, compared to 38 percent of African American ninth graders and 44 percent of Hispanic ninth graders.

The Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Initiative (T-STEM) is being launched by the Texas High School Project, one of the largest public-private partnerships for education in the country. One of the primary aims of the T-STEM Initiative is to align high school coursework with postsecondary education and economic development activities.

T-STEM will be funded with $20 million in grants each from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Susan & Michael Dell Foundation, $20 million in state funds from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), $10 million from TEA in federal funds, and $1 million from National Instruments, an Austin-based maker of measuring and automation equipment.

Over the next five years, funds will be used to:

--Establish 35 T-STEM academies across the state that will eventually enroll 25,000 students each year, with a special focus on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds;

--Create up to six T-STEM centers to provide high school educators with the professional development and technical assistance needed to spur higher classroom achievement; and,

--Establish a statewide best practices network so that successful models can be replicated across Texas.

 

6) AWARDS & GRANTS

• AAAS Grant Site

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has a service called GrantsNet Express.  Each week GrantsNet will provide a listing of science funding opportunities from private foundations and organizations, and new U.S. government grant announcements in the sciences. AAAS will send GrantsNet by e-mail to AAAS member subscribers. The weekly emails will include: — New science funding programs, divided into opportunities for postdocs/graduate students and undergraduates — Submission deadlines for funding opportunities scheduled in the upcoming week — New listings of funding for science-related grant programs from U.S. government agencies To register, visit http://www2.sciencecareers.org/promos/grantsubmit.asp

• Department of Commerce

The Commerce Department will be soliciting proposals for research support for a study on chip-scale atomic clocks. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about Dec. 21, 2005, with proposals due Feb. 6, 2006. Contact information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/MASC/R134106RP0023/listing.html

• Department of Defense

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is soliciting proposals for the Unmanned and Unattended Underwater Surveillance program. This program seeks to develop technologies that can be integrated into systems for unmanned, unattended underwater surveillance of littoral and freshwater areas. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due Jan. 17, 2006, for the initial evaluation phase. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA06%2D03/listing.html

DARPA is soliciting proposals to develop new armor material or system designs under the Topologically Controlled Lightweight Armor program. This program seeks to exploit the concept of topological arrangements of multiple materials to achieve ballistic performance beyond what can be achieved through material chemical or compositional changes, alone. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due Jan. 23, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/-CMO/BAA06%2D09/listing.html

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is soliciting proposals for the 2006 Medical Science and Technology Chemical and Biological Defense Transformational Medical Technologies Initiative. This initiative is focused on developing medical countermeasures to emerging threats, genetically engineered and nontraditional toxins, virulence factors and microorganisms as biological warfare threat agents. Approximately $100 million in FY 2006 funding is expected to be available for awards. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposers must register by Jan. 4, 2006, in order to electronically submit proposals, which are due Jan. 6, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DTRA/-DTRA01/DTRA01%2D06%2DBAA%2D01/listing.html

The Department of the Air Force will be soliciting proposals for the Advanced Missile Propulsion Technology program. Desired technologies span all areas of application for solid rocket motors, including ballistic and space boost, post boost propulsion and tactical motors. At least two contract awards having a project period of five years are anticipated. A full solicitation is expected to be released during the week of Dec. 19, 2005, with proposals due Feb. 18, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFFTC/-Reference%2DNumber%2DBAA%2D05%2D01%2DPKTA/listing.html

The Air Force will be soliciting proposals for its Battlespace Acoustics Branch. Innovative research is needed to improve upon the state-of-the-art hearing protection/radio interface provided to Air Force ground operators. A full solicitation is expected to be available on or about Dec. 15, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/-Reference%2DNumber%2DBAA%2D06%2D01%2DHE/listing.html

The Air Force is seeking sources to develop and demonstrate a multi-channel electronic support sensor prototype suitable for laboratory investigation. Innovative technologies and architectures for thin profile wideband apertures with integrated miniature wideband digital receivers are sought to address the demand for more functionality on an increasingly diverse set of platforms and enable multi-INT capabilities. Eligibility is unrestricted. Responses are due Jan. 16, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/-USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/RFI%2D06%2DPKSR%2DMCWESS/listing.html

The Air Force is soliciting white papers to support Predictive Awareness and Network-centric Analysis for Collaborative Intelligence Assessment (PANACIA) system capabilities. The maturation required to meet the PANACIA objectives involves information fusion, geo-registration, terrain characterization and human-system interface technologies. Approximately $24.9 million over fiscal years 2006-07 is expected to be available for awards. Eligibility is unrestricted. White papers are due May 1, 2006, for FY 2006 funding. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLRRS/-Reference%2DNumber%2DBAA%2D04%2D08%2DIFKA/listing.html

The Department of the Navy is soliciting white papers for advanced R&D in naval integrated power systems. Projects are sought to advance and improve the implementation of shipboard integrated power systems at the major component and system level. Eligibility is unrestricted. White papers may be submitted at any time until Dec. 9, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/-NAVSEAHQ/N0002405R4201/listing.html

The Navy is soliciting innovative proposals in 61 technical topic areas. A few examples include artificial intelligence, fiber optics and radar technologies. Multiple awards are anticipated. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals may be submitted at any time until Dec. 31, 2006. More information is available at: http://heron.nrl.navy.mil/contracts/baa.htm

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is conducting a market survey to determine the technology level of airborne R&D Laser Imagery and Detection and Ranging sensor technologies. The agency is interested to know if vendors can provide High Resolution Terrain elevation (?). Interested parties should submit responses by Jan. 6, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/NIMA/ACTNorth/-Reference%2DNumber%2DNGAIJACT0001/listing.html

The Washington Headquarters Services is soliciting proposals for technologies supporting warfighter enhancements under the Defense Acquisition Challenge Program. This program is intended to increase the introduction of innovative and cost-saving technologies and products into existing Department of Defense acquisition programs. Proposals are due Jan. 12, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/WHS/REF/-Reference%2DNumber%2DHQ0034%2D06%2DBAA%2D0001%2DDAC/listing.html

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals for research in deep ultraviolet avalanche photodetectors. DARPA is interested in novel ideas that will result in the demonstration of solar-blind UV semiconductor optical detectors operating in Geiger mode. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposal abstracts are due Jan. 9, 2006; full proposals are due Feb. 28, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA06%2D14/listing.html

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is soliciting proposals for its Physical Science and Technology Chemical and Biological Defense Program. This program aims to identify viable solutions to technology gaps in five areas: (1) detection, (2) modeling and simulation/battlespace, (3) protection, (4) decontamination, and (5) threat agent science. Up to $20 million is expected to be available annually to support 15-30 awards having a project period of 1-4 years. Awards may range from $100,000 to $2 million per year. Eligible are degree-granting universities, nonprofit organizations or industrial concerns. For individual R&D projects, proposers must register by Jan. 18, 2006, and submit proposals by Jan. 6, 2006. For other arrangements, proposers must register by Feb. 22, 2006, and submit proposals by March 1, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DTRA/DTRA01/HDTRA1%2D06%2DCBT%2DBAA/listing.html

The Department of the Navy will be soliciting proposals for new contract awards to support advanced R&D in sensor systems. Tasks to be performed include planning, coordination, technology development, systems definition, systems acquisition, and product support for manned and unmanned platform avionics and sensors. Awards will have a project period of three years. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about Jan. 2, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N00421/N00421%2D06%2DR%2D0008/listing.html

The Navy is soliciting proposals for modeling and simulation research. Novel analysis methodologies are sought in numerous areas. Awards will have a project period of up to five years. The Navy contracts with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and private industry. Proposals may be submitted at any time until Oct. 30, 2007. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N61339/N61339%2D03%2DR%2D0009/listing.html

The Navy is seeking industry information on available products and technologies to further define or refine the requirements and the acquisition approach for the System Test Integration Lab (STIL). The STIL will provide capability in developmental testing, engineering and integration to include a virtual test environment integrating appropriate flight dynamics models to support aircraft systems. Responses are due Jan. 20, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N61339/RFI%2D1553BusController/listing.html

The Air Force is soliciting white papers for innovative approaches in the area of advanced radar technology that will overcome deficiencies in existing and planned radar systems to detect, track, and identify aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, space debris, ground vehicles, and subsurface complexes in clutter and countermeasure environments. Approximately $49.9 million over fiscal years 2006-08 is expected to be available for awards having a project period of up to three years. Awards may range from $100,000 to $1 million per year. Eligibility is unrestricted. White papers are due Jan. 12, 2006. More information is available at (link).

The Air Force is soliciting white papers for innovative solutions to address net-centric interoperability requirements for maximizing the effectiveness of joint and combined military operations. Approximately $2.5 million over fiscal years 2006-09 is expected to be available for awards. Eligibility is unrestricted. White papers are due Jan. 12, 2006. More information is available at (link).

The Air Force is soliciting white papers for research in tools, techniques and technologies to facilitate cost-effective harvesting, migration or replacement of legacy systems to achieve net-centricity. Approximately $24 million over fiscal years 2006-08 is expected to be available for awards having a project period of up to three years. Eligibility is unrestricted. White papers are due Jan. 15, 2006. More information is available at (link).

The Department of the Army is seeking sources to demonstrate ground vehicle-mounted forward-looking radar capabilities to detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs). For this market research, forward-looking radar technologies include variations of ground penetrating synthetic aperture radar, harmonic radar, and intermodulation radar. Responses are due Jan. 18, 2006. More information is available at (link).

• Department of Education

ED invites applications for funding to support field-initiated projects under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program. The purpose of this program, in part, is to develop rehabilitation technology that enables the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities. Approximately $3.75 million in FY 2006 funding is expected to be available for 25 awards having a project period of up to three years. Awards of up to $150,000 per year may be made. Eligible are states; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; institutions of higher education; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Applications are due Feb. 6, 2006. More information is available at:

http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2005-4/120605d.html

ED invites applications for funding to support a rehabilitation engineering research center focusing on low vision and blindness. Technologies are sought that will improve assessment of vision impairments and promote independence for individuals with low vision and blindness, including those who are deaf or blind. Approximately $950,000 in FY 2006 funding is expected to be available for one award having a project period of up to five years. Eligible are states, public or private agencies/organizations, institutions of higher education, and Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Applications are due Feb. 14, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2005-4/121605d.html

ED invites applications for funding to support a center focusing on technology innovation for students with disabilities. This initiative, in part, is designed to track technology innovation developments in government, private industry, early intervention, education policy and other sectors. Approximately $800,000 in FY 2006 funding is expected to be available for one award having a project period of up to five years. Eligible are SEAs, LEAs, public charter schools that are LEAs under State law, institutions of higher education, other public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, outlying areas, freely associated States, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and for-profit organizations. Applications are due Feb. 2, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2005-4/121605e.html

• Environmental Protection Agency

EPA is soliciting preproposals for funding under the State Innovation Grant Program to support innovation projects by state environmental regulatory agencies. Projects are sought that promote larger-scale models for next-generation environmental protection and provide better environmental results. Up to $1 million is expected to be available for 4-8 awards having a project period of 1-3 years. Only the principal environmental regulatory agencies from each state government, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories are eligible to submit preproposals, which are due Jan. 20, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/EPA/OGD/GAD/EPA-AO-OPEI-06-01/listing.html

• Department of Homeland Security

The Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency is soliciting proposals for the Rapid Technology Application Program. Areas of interest include biological, chemical and explosive countermeasures; information technology; electronics and hardware; and cybersecurity. Approximately $33 million is expected to be available for awards having a project period of up to 30 months. Awards of up to $2 million may be made for the base effort. Eligibility is unrestricted. Required white papers are due Jan. 3, 2006; full proposals are due March 6, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.hsarpabaa.com

• Department of the Interior

DOI is soliciting proposals for funding under the Quantum Information Science Program. This program has four major areas of interest: (1) quantum computation, (2) quantum communication, (3) supporting fundamental studies, and (4) supporting enabling technology. Approximately $8 million is expected to be available for awards having a project period of up to two years. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals may be submitted between March 12 and April 10 of 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOI/OS/SAB/BAA06QIS/listing.html

DOI will be soliciting proposals for its Video Analysis and Content Extraction Program. Innovative, creative, high-risk research is sought to achieve significant advancements in technologies and methods for video content extraction, intelligent content services, and enabling technologies. All domestic and foreign R&D organizations will be eligible to submit proposals. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about Feb. 1, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOI/OS/SAB/BAA0601/listing.html

• NASA

NASA seeks a partner who can define a Sail Imaging Metrology System (SIMS) for the concept definition or Phase A study of the ST9 Solar Sail mission. The SIMS is intended to provide (1) a global image of the sail during and after deployment, (2) a high-resolution image of any specific region of the sail, and (3) measurement of static and dynamic shape of the sail. The selected partner will work closely with the Solar Sail Concept Definition Study Team during the concept definition study and will provide inputs describing the SIMS for the Solar Sail Concept Definition Study Report. Responses are due Jan. 6, 2006. More information is available at: http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=118371

NASA is seeking partners to participate in developing an instrument concept that will address the goals and objectives of the MARS Scout Program. Of particular interest are partners capable of delivering space borne science instrumentation for measuring the thermal structure, chemical composition and dust loading of the atmosphere of Mars. All U.S. industries, academia, nonprofit organizations, national laboratories, other government agencies, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers are eligible to submit responses, which are due Jan. 6, 2006. More information is available at: http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=118384

• National Institutes of Health

NIH invites applications for the Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Award. This award program is intended to provide "protected time" for a period of supervised study and research for productive professionals with quantitative and engineering backgrounds to integrate their expertise with NIH-relevant research. NIH will provide salary support ranging from $75,000 to $180,100 and research development support of up to $50,000, based on a full-time, 12-month staff appointment for a project period of 3-5 years. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals, or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence, who hold advanced degrees in a quantitative area of science or engineering and have demonstrated research interests in their primary quantitative discipline. Domestic for-profit or nonprofit, public or private institutions may submit applications, which are due on or before the receipt dates described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm.

For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-087.html

NIH invites applications for the Science Education Partnership Awards program. This program supports the creation of innovative partnerships between biomedical and clinical researchers and K-12 teachers and schools, museum and science center educators, media experts, and other interested educational organizations. The goal is to foster the development of novel programs to improve the understanding of the clinical trial process and NIH-funded health science advances by K-12 students, teachers and the general public. Approximately $3 million in FY 2006 funding is expected to be available for 10 awards. Applicants may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $250,000 per year. Eligible are domestic for-profit or nonprofit, public or private institutions. Optional letters of intent are due Dec. 27, 2005; applications are due Jan. 27, 2006. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-080.html

NIH invites applications for its Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition program. This program seeks to facilitate the entry of new and established investigators to the area of neuroimaging, encouraging them to adopt neuroimaging methodologies in their research programs. Small grant awards are anticipated. Applicants may request a project period of one year and a budget for direct costs of up to $150,000. For-profit or nonprofit, public or private organizations are eligible to submit applications, which are due on or before the receipt dates described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-092.html

NIH invites applications for funding to support research in biomedical informatics and bioinformatics. Informatics research is defined as the intersection of informational and computer sciences with an application domain, such as health care delivery or administration, basic biomedical research, health services research, public health, or related fields. Approximately $25 million is expected to be available annually to support 20-25 awards per year. Domestic for-profit or nonprofit, public or private institutions may submit applications, which are due on or before the receipt dates described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-094.html

• National Science Foundation (NSF)

NSF is soliciting proposals for funding to support reform in geoscience education through programs that connect the work of scientists to the practice of teaching and learning science in the classroom. To this end, partnerships are sought between Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment program participants and scientists associated with Integrated Earth Systems Science Programs, defined as major NSF- or NASA-funded research programs related to Earth system science. Approximately $4 million over the next four fiscal years is expected to be available for 3-5 awards. Eligible are U.S. colleges and universities, professional societies, agencies, and other nonprofit institutions or organizations. Proposals are due March 8, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06515

NSF is soliciting proposals for funding under the Networking Technology and Systems program. This program emphasizes high-impact systems-oriented research with significant experimental and testbed components. Approximately $40 million is expected to be available for 60-80 awards. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due March 2, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06516

NSF is soliciting proposals for FY 2006 funding under the Cyber Trust program. This program supports development of networked computer systems that are more predictable, more accountable and less vulnerable to attack and abuse; developed, configured, operated and evaluated by a well-trained and diverse workforce; and used by a public educated in their secure and ethical operation. Approximately $30 million is expected to be available for 40-55 awards. Only U.S. academic institutions or nonprofit research institutions with a strong educational component may submit proposals, which are due March 6, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06517

NSF is soliciting proposals for its Materials Use: Science, Engineering, and Society program. This program is intended to support new multidisciplinary activities that encourage researchers in engineering, physical and life sciences, social and behavioral sciences, economics, mathematics, and education to reach beyond their disciplinary boundaries in order to address complex issues related to materials use in the environment. Approximately $10.45 million over fiscal years 2006-07 is expected to be available for 4-7 awards. The categories of proposers identified in the Grant Proposal Guide are eligible to submit proposals, which are due March 13, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06518

• Goldhirsh Foundation

The Goldhirsh Foundation invites applications for its Brain Tumor Research Awards Program. Examples of funding areas include oncogenomics and proteomics, genetically engineered models, the discovery and testing of small molecule therapies, unusual drug delivery systems, or improved brain imaging techniques. Up to three investigators will receive grants of $600,000 over three years. The foundation also makes awards of $100,000 for one-year pilot studies. Candidates must have an M.D. or Ph.D. degree, or the equivalent, and hold at least the position of assistant professor, or the equivalent, at a U.S.-based nonprofit organization or equivalent nonprofit Canadian institution. Letters of intent are due Jan. 11, 2006.

More information is available at: http://www.goldhirshfoundation.org/application_information.htm

• HP

HP is soliciting proposals for funding under the Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative to support the innovative use of mobile technology in K-16 education. In 2006, HP will award over $8 million in cash and equipment to schools in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities, and K-12 public schools, in the U.S. or Puerto Rico are eligible to apply. Only proposals from full-time faculty members will be considered for higher education awards. Proposals are due Feb. 15, 2006. More information is available at: http://www.hp.com/go/hpteach

7) CONFERENCES, FELLOWSHIPS, PROGRAMS & INTERNSHIPS FOR ENGINEERS, and STUDENTS & SCHOLARS OF ENGINEERING

• 2007 Congressional & State Department Fellowships

An engineer once changed careers to serve as Calvin Coolidge's Vice President. As vice president, Charles Dawes influenced the public policy process and won a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. Dawes might be an extreme example, but that doesn't mean engineers can't influence the public policy process in other ways.  If you don't want to run for office but would like to take a year off from your regular job, IEEE-USA is now accepting applications for the 2007 government fellowship program that links engineers with government.  Our 2005 fellows are working on issues such as homeland security and R&D funding. For more information on what past fellows have learned and experienced, see http://ieeeusa.com/policy/govfel/cfalumni.html.  The deadline is 20 February 2006 and application materials are available at:http://www.ieeeusa.org/policy/govfel/default.asp

• WISE Program Seeks Senior Science & Technology Public Policy Advisor to Engineering Students (Nine Week Summer Position)

An outstanding individual capable of teaching and mentoring engineering students on the interaction between engineering, technology, and public policy is sought to serve as Advisor-In-Residence (AIR) for the 2006 WISE Program (Washington Internships for Students of Engineering).For more information, please visit: http://www.wise-intern.org/advisor.html

View a PDF of the announcement, here:  http://www.wise-intern.org/FMR/WISEAdvisor.pdf

• Department of Commerce Seeking Non-Profits to Administer Scholarship Program

The Commerce Department is soliciting proposals from nonprofit organizations to administer its Undergraduate Scholarship Program. This program targets students who have completed their sophomore year, attend Minority Serving Institutions, and have recently declared, or about to declare a major in atmospheric, oceanic, remote sensing technology, or environmental science disciplines. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0. Approximately $500,000 is expected to be available for one award having a project period of up to two years. Proposals are due Feb. 13, 2006. More information is available at (link).

8) LATEST IEEE-USA ACTIVITIES

• Track IEEE-USA's Progress

Review IEEE-USA's year-to-date progress in working for the IEEE's U.S. members at the new IEEE-USA Year-in-Review Web page. Check out what IEEE-USA activities and programs helped the IEEE's U.S. members in 2004 at the new IEEE-USA Annual Report online. And find out what's on IEEE-USA's agenda through 2009, with the new, online IEEE-USA Strategic & Operational Plan.For the IEEE-USA Year-in-Review, go to: http://www.ieeeusa.org/about/yearinreview.asp

For the IEEE-USA Annual Report, go to: http://www.ieeeusa.org/about/Annual_Report/2004.pdf

For the IEEE-USA Strategic & Operational Plan, go to:

http://www.ieeeusa.org/volunteers/strategicplan/index.html

Also, full listing of IEEE-USA lobbying activities can be found on our web site at: http://ieeeusa.com/policy/policy/index.html

9) U.S. COMPETITIVENESS & INNOVATION: WHO'S DOING WHAT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE?

• IEEE-USA Resource  Web Page

U.S. Competitiveness: The Innovation Challenge http://ieeeusa.org/policy/issues/innovation/index.html

• Booz Allen Hamilton  Reports That Money Can't Buy Innovation

For several years, Booz Allen Hamilton has been studying what it calls the Global Innovation 1000, the world's largest corporate R&D spenders. This research has generated some fascinating results, in particular: money is not the key driver of a company's return on their innovation investments. In fact, there appears to be no connection between the amount of R&D spending and various measures of corporate success, such as increased sales and profitability. But, at the same time, there is no free lunch. A firm can spend too much on R&D, but it can also spend too little. The real secret is to spend the "right" amount. What matters? An effective process for managing innovation and a commitment to collaboration are two important factors. In addition, this research suggests that firms do a better job of aligning research priorities to corporate strategy and focus on managing the corporate innovation pipeline with speed and efficiency. To learn more about the Booz Allen Hamilton Global Innovation 1000, visit http://www.strategy-business.com/resiliencereport/resilience/rr00027

10) OTHER ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST

• Fun NAS Web Site for Girls

The Web site http://www.iwaswondering.org/is a project of the National Academy of Sciences intended to showcase the accomplishments of contemporary women in science and to highlight for young people the varied and intriguing careers of some of today's most prominent scientists. The site draws from and accompanies the publication of a ten-volume series of biographies entitled Women's Adventures in Science, co-published by the Joseph Henry Press (an imprint of the National Academies Press) and Scholastic Library Publishing.

• ITAA's Miller Reportedly Will Seek Virginia Senate Seat

Its rumored that Harris Miller, president of the Information Technology Association of America, likely will run for U.S. Senate next year, challenging VA’s Republican Senator George Allen. Harris is one of the few Democrats leading a major tech trade association. ITAA represents 350 technology companies, including Boeing, Booz Allen Hamilton, IBM and MCI. Whether he can beat the popular incumbent is another matter. Miller has strong connections in the powerful northern Virginia tech community, but Allen is well-financed by tech companies which donated $165,000 to Allen's 2006 re-election campaign through September. Miller has strong ties to the Virginia Democratic Party, having led the Fairfax County party for six years, and he is close friends with Democratic Governor Mark Warner, who made his name and fortune in the cellular telephone business.

Top of Page | What's New@IEEE | EyeOnWash Archive | IEEE-USA

What's New @ IEEE-USA's Eye on Washington highlights important federal legislative and regulatory developments that affect U.S. engineers and their careers. In addition to this biweekly newsletter, subscribers receive legislative bulletins and action alerts on IEEE-USA priority issues, including: retirement security, employment benefits, research & development funding, computers and information policy, immigration reform, intellectual property protection and privacy of health/medical information.

EDITOR: Erica Wissolik, IEEE-USA, 2001 L Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036-5104

You can change your IEEE-USA Eye on Washington subscription status by using the forms at http://whatsnew.ieee.org/ or at http://www.ieeeusa.org/emailupdates/.

Copyright © 2005, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.  Permission granted to copy for personal use or for non-commercial republication with appropriate attribution.

Updated: 27 December 2005
Contact: e . wissolik @ ieee . org