This month, the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act became law. First passed in 2007, the America COMPETES Act provided funding for science agencies and research (see IBO 8/15/07).

Although the new law specifies funding amounts for federal science agencies, it is unlikely that these amounts will be appropriated due to the new Congress that takes office next year. The law also creates several new programs and grant opportunities. Highlights of the law by agency include:

Department of Commerce

Creation of an Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to foster the innovation and commercialization of new technologies, products, processes and services to promote productivity and economic growth.

Establishment of federal loan guarantees for small- and medium-sized manufacturers for the use or production of innovative manufacturing technologies.

Creation of a regional innovation program to support the development of strategies. The program includes cluster grants, science and research park development grants, and loan guarantees for science park infrastructure.

For the National Institute of Standards and Technology, creation of a new position of Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology to be filled by presidential appointment.

National Science Foundation

Evaluation and report by the National Science Board of the needs for mid-scale research instrumentation that falls between the instruments funded by the Major Research Instrumentation Program and the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction program.

Establishment of a Green Chemistry Basic Research program to award grants for research into green and sustainable chemistry.