Technology Administration Authorization Act of 1989

Summary

Technology Administration Authorization Act of 1989 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 to the Secretary of Commerce to carry out executive and analytical activities performed by the Technology Administration including: (1) executive direction; (2) technology policy and commercial affairs; and (3) Japanese technical literature. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 to the Secretary for the internal science and technology research and services activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Institute), including: (1) measurement research and standards; (2) materials science and engineering; (3) engineering measurements and standards; (4) computer science and technology; and (5) research support activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990, in addition to sums already authorized for specified purposes, to the Secretary to carry out the industrial technology extension activities of the Institute. Authorizes the transfer of funds among the line items listed in the internal research and services authorization, subject to certain limitations and requirements. Amends Federal law to establish within the Institute an Office of Industrial Technology Services to supervise: (1) the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology program; (2) the Institute's assistance to State technology programs; and (3) other activities or programs as the Secretary or the Director of the Institute may specify. Authorizes, in addition to sums otherwise authorized by this Act, appropriations for FY 1990 to the Secretary and loan guarantees for FY 1990 through 1992 by the Secretary to assist one or more industry-led joint ventures in advanced electronics, including advanced television, to create and test the generic enabling technologies necessary to develop a U.S. industry to produce advanced electronic products. Authorizes appropriations, in addition to sums otherwise authorized by this Act, for FY 1990 to the Secretary to carry out, through the Director of the Institute, further activities under existing provisions relating to the Advanced Technology Program, including: (1) assistance to industry-led joint ventures; (2) assistance to U.S. small businesses which have held Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I awards from other Federal agencies and which have promising technologies in economically important fields; and (3) program management, analyses, and workshops. Sets forth terms and conditions for aid to joint ventures, including: (1) that the venture be led by at least one North American company; (2) non-Federal matching funds; (3) a business plan; and (4) a research and development agenda and management team which have high technical merit. Prohibits participation by a foreign company or its subsidiary in a joint venture receiving financial assistance from the Secretary. Defines "foreign company" to mean a business entity in which majority ownership or control is held by individuals who are not citizens of the United States or Canada. Allows such a joint venture to grant licenses to companies, including foreign companies, that are not members of the joint venture, for use of intellectual property the joint venture developed, provided certain conditions are met. Requires and authorizes certain measures related to cooperation and coordination in Federal technology programs, including between the Departments of Commerce and Defense. Authorizes the Secretary, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, and the Director of the Institute to: (1) organize industry advisory committees; (2) organize an Advanced Electronics Advisory Board to develop a plan for research and development in advanced electronics; and (3) commission studies by the National Research Council. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Director, to guarantee up to 90 percent of the interest and unpaid principal of private loans to fund a minority share of Advanced Technology Program joint ventures for up to five years. Sets forth conditions for the loan guarantees, including: (1) reasonable interest rates; and (2) full repayment within 30 years or the useful life of any physical asset financed by the loan, whichever is less. Prohibits revocation of a guarantee and makes it conclusive evidence of the: (1) full compliance of that guarantee with this Act; and (2) approval and legality of the principal amount, interest rate, and all other terms of the securities, obligations, or loans and of the guarantee. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) employ technical and professional personnel to manage the Advanced Technology Program without regard to provisions of Federal law relating to Government organization and employees; (2) appoint, on a limited or temporary basis, scientists, engineers, and other technical and professional personnel on leave from industrial, academic, research, or State institutions to work for the Program; and (3) travel and relocation expenses for the limited or temporary personnel. Provides for payment or reimbursement for certain retirement, life insurance, or health benefit plan contributions in certain circumstances. Authorizes appropriations, in addition to sums otherwise authorized by this Act, for FY 1990 to the Secretary to make adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, and other employee benefits which may be provided for by law. Amends provisions of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 relating to the Technology Administration of the Department of Commerce to direct the Secretary of Commerce, through the Under Secretary for Technology, to submit an annual report to the Congress on the state of U.S. industrial technology. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding: (1) the feasibility and advisability of establishing a Quality Institute and a privately funded foundation to support that Quality Institute, for stated purposes; and (2) the advantages and disadvantages of small U.S. manufacturing firms participating in new multicompany manufacturing centers.

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Documents

8 official files

• Reported to Senate (text)

  Reported to Senate · EN

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• Referred in House (text)

  Referred in House · EN

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• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN

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• Engrossed in Senate (text)

  Engrossed in Senate · EN

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• Engrossed Amendment House (text)

  Engrossed Amendment House · EN

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• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 11 July 1990

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• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 26 October 1989

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• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 15 June 1989

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