IEEE-USA Eye on Washington No.10, 2009

IEEE-USA Home: Public Policy: Eye On Washington

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

Vol. 2009, No. 10 (27 May 2009)
125 Years of Innovation and Ingenuity

CAPITOL HILL ACTIVITY

HHS: Guidance On Health IT Switch Expected In Summer

House Science Committee Discusses Role of Science in New Administration with Presidential Science Advisor

Members Concerned About Future of Human Spaceflight

Hatch To Lead GOP Tech Task Force

Language Adopted Laying Cost of Electricity Transmission Lines on Benefiting Regions

IEEE Engineering the Future Day, 125th Anniversary Recognized by U.S. House of Representatives

EXECUTIVE ACTIVITY

Robert Trew to Lead Division of Electrical, Communications & Cyber Systems, NSF Directorate for Engineering

US DOE Announcement - IEEE Among the 16 Standards Listed in Smart Grid Development

Two-Time Space Shuttle Pilot Charles Bolden Could Be Next NASA Administrator

REPORTS & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE

U.S. STATES WATCH

AWARDS & GRANTS

AAAS Seeking A New Program Director for Science & Policy Programs

2009 Collegiate Inventors Competition is Now Accepting Applications

LATEST IEEE-USA & IEEE ACTIVITIES

IEEE-USA Stimulus Webpage

DHS Expanding Programs for Protecting Citizens, Official Tells IEEE Homeland Security Conference Attendees

House Appropriations Chairman Honored for Science, Engineering, Technology Leadership

IEEE-USA Releases First E-Book in New Series on Innovation -- BOOK 1: PERSPECTIVES ON INNOVATION

IEEE-USA Workshop, "STEM Measures for Innovation and Competitiveness"

CAPITOL HILL

HHS: Guidance On Health IT Switch Expected In Summer

By early summer, HHS will offer guidance and specifications on what constitutes "meaningful use" of IT for healthcare providers to enable them to qualify for incentives included in the $19 billion section of the economic stimulus package and hopefully spur a nationwide system of electronic medical records. HHS National Health IT Coordinator David Blumenthal said his team is very aware of deadlines imposed by Congress and wants to give health providers the best possible chance to cash in on billions in Medicare and Medicaid incentives. Starting in 2011, physicians who qualify will be eligible for Medicare bonuses; those who are not compliant by 2015 could see their Medicare reimbursement cut. Also in 2011, hospitals will be eligible for bonus payments, while "critical access" facilities could get expedited treatment. Blumenthal stressed that the health IT effort is "joined at the hip" with Congress' healthcare reform agenda.

In early summer, HHS expects to announce additional grant opportunities for training, workforce development, and programs that facilitate health IT exchange. By that time, the agency will be sharing views of how "meaningful use" should be defined and how the government plans to revise, if at all, the health IT certification process. Blumenthal would not say whether he wants to replace the existing certification body, which has drawn criticism from some providers whose systems have not been accredited. He said the certification group has had a tough job, and he wants to learn from its record. HHS will get advice on that topic and other issues from a pair of health IT advisory committees created by the stimulus bill. Both panels will held their inaugural meetings in May.

House Science Committee Discusses Role of Science in New Administration with Presidential Science Advisor

14 MAY: The House Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing to discuss the role of science in the new Administration, including reviewing the Administration's proposed FY 2010 budget for federal research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs. The committee specifically examined funding for the R&D programs - such as those established by the America COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69) - within the agencies that fall under its jurisdiction. The proposed FY 2010 budget allocates $147.6 billion for research and development (R&D) across all agencies – a $555 million or 0.4 percent increase over the 2009 enacted amount. This figure does not include any of the estimated $21.5 billion in R&D funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. According the Administration, the proposed FY 2010 budget invests in four key R&D priorities:

1) Basic science at the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Energy's Office of Science;
2) Clean Energy R&D;
3) Biomedical and health research; and
4) Safety and security R&D.

Dr. John P. Holdren, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), provided testimony, and discussed plans for NASA, including the blue ribbon panel, an independent review of planned U.S. human space flight activities with the stated goal of "ensuring that the nation is on a vigorous and sustainable path to achieving its boldest aspirations in space." Norman Augustine (former CEO and Chairman of Lockheed Martin, member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and leader of the 1990 Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. Space Program) will lead the review.

Dr. Holdren also discussed the president's recent pledge to increase R&D to 3 percent of the national GDP, bringing it above the peak of 2.9 percent during the Space Race. Currently, R&D investment is at 2.6 percent of GDP. Dr. Holdren stressed the need not only to increase government investments, which accounts for one-third of the R&D done in this country, but also the need to provide incentives to boost private investments in R&D.

Committee members discussed the role of OSTP in helping to coordinate and lead many interagency initiatives, including for biofuels, STEM education, and international science cooperation.

Members Concerned About Future of Human Spaceflight

19 MAY: The Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing on the President's FY 2010 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Budget Request. Some committee members expressed concerns to acting NASA Administrator Christopher Scolese over insufficient funding to develop the next generation manned launch vehicle in a timely manner after retirement of the Space Shuttle. Member expressed similar concerns at a previous hearing with Dr. John Holdren, President Obama's science advisor.

"NASA is one area of the federal budget where I think some increases are justified," said Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX). "As I said to Dr. Holdren last week, I am very concerned that priorities may be shifting away from human space exploration at a very critical time."

While NASA's proposed FY10 budget is $18.7 billion - an increase of 5.1 percent over the enacted FY 2009 appropriation for NASA - the budget projection beyond FY 2010 is essentially flat through FY 2013. Several members expressed concern that this budget has deleted nearly all of the out-year funding for the Altair Lunar Lander and for the heavy-lift Ares 5 launch vehicle necessary to support exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit.

NASA plans to fly the remaining Shuttle missions, including an additional flight to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the Space Station before retiring the Shuttle. The Orion and Ares 1 are not expected to be ready before 2015 at the earliest. In the resulting gap, the U.S. stands to lose a highly skilled workforce and a number of accompanying parts suppliers and other contractors, while making cash payments to Russia to ferry our astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

The White House requested a panel of outside experts, chaired by Norman Augustine, to conduct a review to determine a set of options for the future of human spaceflight at NASA. The panel will examine ongoing and planned NASA human spaceflight development activities, as well as potential alternatives for advancing human spaceflight following retirement of the Shuttle. While Mr. Scolese said that "major development work is underway" in completing the formulation phase of the Constellation Program, when asked whether the Administration's proposed $3 billion cut to the out-year budget would affect the projected 2020 return to the moon, Mr. Scolese said he did not know and he hopes the review panel might better evaluate this projection.

Hatch To Lead GOP Tech Task Force

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell asked Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) to lead the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force, a group aimed at ensuring the nation's technology firms remain at the forefront of the world economy. The news came after Congressman Bob Goodlatte's (R-Va.) appointment to lead a similar organization in the House. Hatch said he will work closely with Goodlatte as both chambers examine issues critical to U.S. competitiveness. Some of Hatch's priorities include promoting private sector innovation; creating a business environment that attracts the leading tech firms; spurring investment through incentives and tax reforms; encouraging fair industry standard development processes; enhancing the nation's workforce; improving antitrust review; and eliminating barriers to trade. Copies of letters that Hatch sent to CEOs can be viewed here.

Joining Hatch on the GOP task force are: Jim Bunning of Kentucky; Richard Burr of North Carolina; John Cornyn of Texas; Mike Crapo of Idaho; John Ensign of Nevada; Mike Enzi of Wyoming; Judd Gregg of New Hampshire; Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas; Pat Roberts of Kansas; John Thune of South Dakota; and David Vitter of Louisiana. The group's Democratic counterpart, led by Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), has not yet been officially formed but an ad hoc group of members have held briefings on a range of issues.

Language Adopted Laying Cost of Electricity Transmission Lines on Benefiting Regions

13 MAY:The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee adopted language for an energy bill that would lay the cost of placing thousands of miles of new electricity transmission lines on the regions that would benefit from them, a step forward for an underlying bill that would empower the federal government to supersede state and local authorities in placing new electricity transmission lines. The language will be part of a broader energy bill intended as the Senate vehicle for President Obama's energy plan.

Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) is likely to introduce an amendment on the Senate floor to kill the requirement that only those areas that benefit should pay for the lines, and instead specify that the cost be spread among all the communities through which the lines would pass. Many lawmakers have expressed concern about how the cost for the new lines — estimated at least $80 billion — will be allocated. Some believe the cost should be spread regionally throughout the areas that the new lines will cross. Others believe that only those regions benefiting from the lines, either through increased economic activity or new electric capacity, should pay.

The transmission language is meant to mesh with Obama's plan to require that up to 20 percent of the nation's electricity be generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar, a dramatic expansion from the 3 percent now generated from those sources. Wind and solar resources are often located far from population centers.

Senators rejected an amendment that would have denied the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the authority of eminent domain to site the new lines.

IEEE Engineering the Future Day, 125th Anniversary Recognized by U.S. House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "IEEE Engineering the Future Day," which IEEE is celebrated in May in recognition of its 125th anniversary. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.), chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee, sponsored House Resolution 413.

Stearns was a student member of IEEE while earning his degree in electrical engineering from George Washington University. "I was an aerospace engineer in the Air Force, a captain in the Air Force during [the] launching of satellites from Vandenberg Air Force Base," Stearns said on the House floor Tuesday. "I'm very proud of the background I have. It sometimes helps me in trying to understand the intricacies in analysis here in Congress."

Gordon spoke about some of the myriad accomplishments of IEEE members. "Who could imagine the world today without electricity, light bulbs, computers, radios, TVs, wireless communications, the Internet and all those electronic devices that inform us, entertain us and help make our lives more enjoyable?," Gordon said. "Health care has improved because we have x-rays, MRIs, laser surgery, sonograms, arthroscopic cameras and pacemakers. "We can thank electrical and computer engineers for these lifesaving technologies."

IEEE Engineering the Future Day, which falls on IEEE's official anniversary date, recognizes the contributions and impact that IEEE members and engineering and technology professionals have made for the benefit of humanity. IEEE traces its beginning to the founding of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) on 13 May, 1884. AIEE merged with the Institute of Radio Engineers in 1963 to form IEEE.

The House resolution recognizes IEEE for many contributions, including, among others, its "vast library of technical publications," worldwide conferences, "international standards that support many of today's products and services," and for providing "learning opportunities within the engineering sciences." The resolution concludes by saying the "United States must continue its efforts to maintain its leadership in science, technology, and innovation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives (1) recognizes the importance of engineering and technology to meeting our Nation's most pressing challenges; (2) congratulates IEEE on its 125th anniversary; and (3) supports the goals and ideals of 'IEEE Engineering the Future' Day."

EXECUTIVE ACTIVITY

Robert Trew to Lead Division of Electrical, Communications & Cyber Systems, NSF Directorate for Engineering

Robert Trew, the Alton and Mildred Lancaster Distinguished Professor in electrical and computer engineering at North Carolina State University and current vice chair of the IEEE-USA R&D Policy Committee, joins the National Science Foundation (NSF) as director of the Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS) in the Directorate for Engineering.

During his extensive academic career, Trew has spent a total of 11 years serving as the head of electrical and computer engineering (ECE) at three universities: NC State, Virginia Tech, and Case Western Reserve University. At each institution, he focused on building the research programs, especially in emerging areas; recruiting diverse, high-quality faculty; strengthening student organizations and their participation in department activities; and providing opportunities for undergraduate research.

Trew has also been a leader in government research. As director of research at the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), he oversaw the $1.3-billion-per-year basic research programs, including the DOD University Research Initiative, and represented DOD in many interagency activities, such as the National Nanotechnology Initiative. In addition, Trew has experience as a program manager in the U.S. Army Research Office.

Trew has received the 1998 IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society Distinguished Educator Award and the 2001 IEEE-USA Harry Diamond Memorial Award. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and is currently serving as editor-in-chief of the IEEE Proceedings.

US DOE Announcement - IEEE Among the 16 Standards Listed in Smart Grid Development

18 MAY: The Department of Energy is increasing the maximum award available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for Smart Grid programs. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced significant progress to help expedite development of a nationwide "smart" electric power grid. A Smart Grid would replace the current, outdated system and employ real-time, two-way communication technologies to allow users to connect directly with power suppliers. The development of the grid will create jobs and spur the development of innovative products that can be exported. Once implemented, the Smart Grid is expected to save consumers money and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil by improving efficiency and spurring the use of renewable energy sources. Before it can be constructed, however, there needs to be agreement on standards for the devices that will connect the grid.

After chairing a meeting of industry leaders at the White House, Locke and Chu announced the first set of standards needed for the interoperability and security of the Smart Grid and $10 million in ARRA funds provided by the Energy Department to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support the development of interoperability standards.

Secretary Chu also announced - based on feedback from the public and Smart Grid stakeholders - that the DoE is increasing the maximum award available under the ARRA for Smart Grid programs. The maximum award available under the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program will be increased from $20 million to $200 million, and for the Smart Grid Demonstration Projects from $40 million to $100 million. In making awards, DoE will ensure that funding is provided to a diversity of applications, including small projects as well as end-to-end larger projects.

The initial batch of 16 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-recognized interoperability standards to help ensure that software and hardware components from different vendors will work together seamlessly, while securing the grid against disruptions. Spanning areas ranging from smart customer meters to distributed power generation components to cybersecurity, the list of standards is based on the consensus expressed by participants in the first public Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Interim Roadmap workshop.

The DoE also announced that the $10 million it received to support the development of interoperability standards under the ARRA has been provided to NIST to help accelerate their efforts to coordinate these critical standards. Public comments on the initial standards will be accepted for 30 days after their upcoming publication in the Federal Register. The date of publication will be posted on NIST's Smartgrid webpage. Comments may be submitted to smartgrid@nist.gov.

The Energy Department is the lead federal agency responsible for Smart Grid development. Creating national standards is a critical part of that process. Coordinating these standards and achieving industry buy-in is the responsibility of the Commerce Department. This meeting is part of an aggressive three-phase plan recently launched by the Commerce Department to expedite standards development.

Initial Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Framework, Release 1.0

Standard	Application
AMI-SEC System Security Requirements	Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and Smart Grid end-to-end security
ANSI C12.19/MC1219	Revenue metering information model
BACnet ANSI ASHRAE 135-2008/ISO 16484-5	Building automation
DNP3	Substation and feeder device automation
IEC 60870-6 / TASE.2	Inter-control center communications
IEC 61850	Substation automation and protection
IEC 61968/61970	Application level energy management system interfaces
IEC 62351 Parts 1-8	Information security for power system control operations
IEEE C37.118	Phasor measurement unit (PMU) communications
IEEE 1547	Physical and electrical interconnections between utility and distributed generation (DG)
IEEE 1686-2007	Security for intelligent electronic devices (IEDs)
NERC CIP 002-009	Cyber security standards for the bulk power system
NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-53, NIST SP 800-82	Cyber security standards and guidelines for federal information systems, including those for the bulk power system
Open Automated Demand Response (Open ADR)	Price responsive and direct load control
OpenHAN	Home Area Network device communication, measurement, and control
ZigBee/HomePlug Smart Energy Profile	Home Area Network (HAN) Device Communications and Information Model

Two-Time Space Shuttle Pilot Charles Bolden Could Be Next NASA Administrator

President Barack Obama nominated Charles Bolden, an African-American astronaut to fill NASA's administrator post. Bolden is a retired Marine general who was selected in 1980 as an astronaut, flying two space shuttle missions as pilot and two missions as commander. After the Challenger accident in 1986, Gen. Bolden was named the chief of the safety division at the Johnson Space Center "with responsibilities for overseeing the safety efforts in the return-to-flight efforts," the White House said. Bolden began his service in U.S. Marine Corps in 1968 and "flew more than 100 sorties in Vietnam from 1972-73." Bolden is now chief executive officer of JackandPanther LLC, a privately-held military and aerospace consulting firm.

Obama also announced plans to nominate Lori Garver as deputy administrator of NASA. She was lead civil space policy adviser for Obama and helped lead the Agency Review Team for NASA during the presidential transition. Garver also served as NASA's associate administrator of the Office of Policy and Plans and primary NASA spokeswoman.

REPORTS & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE

Government Accountability Office Reports

Space Acquisitions: DOD Faces Substantial Challenges in Developing New Space Systems GAO-09-705T, May 20, 2009
Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 20 pages)

Information Technology: Management and Oversight of Projects Totaling Billions of Dollars Need Attention GAO-09-624T, April 28, 2009 Summary (HTML) Highlights Page (PDF) Full Report (PDF, 17 pages)

National Science Foundation

Viral Epidemics Poised to Go Mobile - Scientists predict mobile phone viruses will pose a serious threat. If you own a computer, chances are you have experienced the aftermath of a nasty virus at some point. In contrast, there have been no major outbreaks of mobile phone viral infection, despite the fact that over 80 percent of Americans now use these devices. A team headed by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi, director of the Center for Complex Network Research at Northeastern University, set out to explain why this is true.

Podcasts from The National Academies The National Academies provides podcasts on subjects in all areas of science, engineering, medicine, and technology.

Sounds of Science: Findings from National Academies reports - This informative and entertaining weekly series of audio podcasts puts a spotlight on the high-impact work of the National Academies. Focusing on a wide range of critical issues in science, engineering, and medicine, these short 10-minute episodes are a quick and easy way to tune in to all the key findings and important recommendations made by the Academies.

Engineering Innovation - The weekly Engineering Innovation podcast from the National Academy of Engineering highlights exciting developments in engineering and provides technical context to stories in the news. The 40-second episodes demonstrate how engineers are making an impact -- in energy, health, the environment, sports, and more.

US STATES ACTIVITIES

If you like to keep up with what's going on in state politics, StateLine.org provides a good overview of the activities in all 50 state legislatures.

AWARDS & GRANTS

AAAS Seeking A New Program Director for Science & Policy Programs

Some of you make have been familiar with the work of Kei Koizumi the former R&D Budget and Policy Program director at the Association for the Advancement of Science. kei has been appointed as the Assistant Director for Federal Research and Development at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which means that his old job is open! If you are interested please contact Joanne Burt at (301)929-1393 or jburt@ardelle.com.

The successful candidate will direct, manage and supervise the analytical and production activities of the R&D Budget and Policy Program, including responsibility for the content and quality of major, high visibility AAAS publications related to the R&D Budget; manage and maintain that portion of the website devoted to R&D policy; conduct or supervise the conduct of special analyses related to R&D policy; organize and coordinate the Intersociety Working Group which produces the annual Report on R&D, for the R&D Budget and policy Listserv, and for preparing updates on the budget for the web for the weekly Policy Alert; write project reports, program descriptions and correspondence related to ongoing projects as needed; represent association and the Science and Policy Programs Directorate by developing and making presentations on R&D Budget issues in a variety of national and international venues.

The position requires advanced university or college level training leading to a Masters degree (Ph.D. preferred); knowledge of the scientific and engineering communities, the public policy community, and the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, as well as knowledge of the public policy/budget process and the field of science and technology policy; minimum of ten years experience in progressively responsible positions in program development and management (five years or more in a position related to the federal budget and national science policy); experience in budgeting or budget analysis; ability to read, understand and interpret objectively federal budget documents, familiarity with R&D funding agencies and issues, and the congressional appropriations process, detail orientation as well as a high level of comfort with large amounts of data; excellent written and verbal communication skills including experience with public speaking; ability to represent association on budget and policy matters in public settings and to the press; Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat (full version), Dreamweaver or a similar web-writing program; GroupWise). AAAS offers a fantastic benefit package including a 12 percent retirement contribution, DC metro transit check, comprehensive medical insurance, 12 days vacation, and tuition reimbursement.

National Science Foundation

Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI-R²) Recovery and Reinvestment - The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program is announcing a call for proposals that is separate from the standard January submission deadline. Awards made in response to this solicitation will be funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) (Public Law 111-5), and have special award conditions. Unless otherwise specified, ARRA funding should be considered one-time funding. The MRI serves to increase access to shared scientific and engineering instruments for research and research training in our Nation's institutions of higher education, museums and science centers, and not-for-profit organizations. This program especially seeks to improve the quality and expand the scope of research and research training in science and engineering, by providing shared instrumentation that fosters the integration of research and education in research-intensive learning environments. Development and acquisition of research instrumentation for shared inter- and/or intra-organization use are encouraged, as are development efforts that leverage the strengths of private sector partners to build instrument development capacity at academic institutions.
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): 10 August 2009

Academic Research Infrastructure Program: Recovery and Reinvestment (ARI-R²) - The ARI-R² program will invest in the repair, renovation, or in exceptional cases, the replacement of existing research facilities. It will not support the construction of new research facilities. Awards made in response to this solicitation will be funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) (Public Law 111-5). As such, awards will include special reporting requirements and other non-standard terms and conditions. Unless otherwise specified, ARRA funding should be considered one-time funding. Scientific discoveries are emerging at an accelerated pace, presenting new frontiers for exploration, stimulating innovation and economic growth, and driving the development of new tools and systems to support research. Likewise, the convergence of disciplines and the cross-fertilization that characterized contemporary science and engineering have made collaboration a centerpiece of the 21st century science and engineering enterprise. As new scientific opportunities and processes have emerged, the Nation's research facility requirements have also evolved and changed. In 2005, NSF estimated that academic institutions then had at least $3.6 billion in deferred projects to repair and renovate science and engineering research facilities (FY05 Survey of Science and Engineering Research Facilities.) As a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, NSF will invest $200 million in the Nation's research facilities and research training infrastructure. This investment will advance the science and engineering research enterprise at many institutions.
Letter of Intent Due Date(s) (required) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): 1 July 2009
Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): 24 August 2009

Science of Science and Innovation Policy Program (SciSIP) - SciSIP supports research designed to advance the scientific basis of science and innovation policy. Research funded by the program thus develops, improves and expands models, analytical tools, data and metrics that can be applied in the science policy decision making process. For example, research proposals may develop behavioral and analytical conceptualizations, frameworks or models that have applications across a broad array of SciSIP challenges, including the relationship between broader participation and innovation or creativity. Proposals may also develop methodologies to analyze science and technology data, and to convey the information to a variety of audiences. Researchers are also encouraged to create or improve science and engineering data, metrics and indicators reflecting current discovery, particularly proposals that demonstrate the viability of collecting and analyzing data on knowledge generation and innovation in organizations. Deadline: 9 September 2009

2009 Collegiate Inventors Competition is Now Accepting Applications - The deadline to enter the Collegiate Inventors Competition is less than a month away! This prestigious program shines a spotlight on deserving researchers and innovators early in their careers in an effort to provide support and inspiration to those who have tremendous potential to make the world healthier, the economy stronger, and the planet safer. Go to www.invent.org/collegiate for more information and to download the application.

Grand Prize $25,000

Top Undergraduate Prize $15,000

Top Graduate Prize $15,000

Up to 12 Finalists will be selected to advance to the final judging round. Each will 1) receive an all-expense trip to the final judging round and awards ceremony 2) meet and present their work to a distinguished panel of judges and 3) receive a $2000 cash prize per team. Advisors to the Grand Prize, Top Undergraduate and Top Graduate Prize winners will also be awarded a cash prize. The presenting sponsors of this year's Competition are the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Abbott Fund.

You can find an informational brochure on the 2009 CIC at: http://www.invent.org/collegiate/pdfs/09_CIC_ebrochure.pdf . You can view video from last year's Award's ceremony at http://www.invent.org/collegiate/video/index.htm.

Not sure whether your project is actually an "invention," e mail or call Joyce Ward, Director of Program Support and Intellectual Property, if you have questions about any of the requirements. She is there to help. Please email collegiate@invent.org or call Joyce at 800.968.4332, ext. 6951 for guidance on the advisor requirement, invention summary, the patent search or any other parts of the application. Don't miss this incredible opportunity. All applications must be postmarked by June 16, 2009.

AAAS GrantsNet Express - A weekly American Association for the Advancement of Science 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.

Grants.gov - The President's 2002 Fiscal Year Management Agenda established grants.gov as a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs. The site provides access to approximately $400 billion in annual awards. Most agencies, such as the DOE's Office of Science, use only grants.gov to list all funding opportunities. Other funding opportunities of interest include the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and NASA.

LATEST IEEE-USA & IEEE ACTIVITIES

Public Policy Priority Issues (111th Congress, 1st Session, 2009)
Position Statements - The statements identify important technical or engineering career-related aspects of public policy issues deemed to be of concern to or affecting IEEE's U.S. members; and make specific public policy recommendations for the consideration of Congress, the Executive Branch, the Judiciary, representatives of State and Local Government, and other interested groups and individuals, including IEEE members.

IEEE-USA Stimulus Webpage -The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) (Public Law 111-8) appropriates significant federal funding for technology-related programs in areas identified by IEEE-USA as being of high priority for strengthening the nation's innovation infrastructure and ensuring its long-term economic competitiveness. To stimulate the economy, funds are being distributed as quickly as possible, using existing federal programs as funding outlets where possible. This webpage provides information and links on these funding opportunities as a resource for IEEE members and their companies. Additional information is available on-line at Recovery.Gov. Members should also look to funds distributed through their respective state governments.

DHS Expanding Programs for Protecting Citizens, Official Tells IEEE Homeland Security Conference Attendees

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS-S&T) does not need technical solutions to problems that don't exist. "The idea of people coming to us with solutions looking for problems is inefficient not only for the private sector, but for DHS," said Dr. Thomas A. Cellucci, the first chief commercialization officer at DHS-S&T. "It's better for us to articulate our detailed requirements and then share that information with private solution developers."

Cellucci was speaking to attendees at the ninth-annual IEEE International Conference on Technologies for Homeland Security (HST 09) held in Boston. DHS-S&T, through its SECURE program, seeks to form partnerships between the agency and private companies to develop solutions that meet the needs of the department's operating components, first responders and other stakeholders like critical infrastructure/key resources owners and operators. DHS also acts as a catalyst between small companies that possess vital innovation and larger firms and investors. Cellucci is willing to talk with anyone who can help protect U.S. citizens.

"We need the assistance of the university community, the national labs, as well as the scientists and engineers within the private sector," he said. "I'm a real believer in the marketplace of ideas, and certainly DHS doesn't have the market cornered on good ideas. I believe we have a new paradigm of being very open to people's suggestions, and we want to take a hard look at their technologies, products and capabilities."

Cellucci also discussed the First Responder Capstone Integrated Product Team (IPT), DHS-S&T's 13th Capstone IPT area. Other IPT areas include information sharing/management; border security; chemical defense; maritime security; infrastructure protection; and cyber security. As a former volunteer firefighter and EMT, Cellucci understands the requirements of the nation's 25.3 million first responders.

The IEEE Boston Section produced HST 09 with organizational support from IEEE-USA. The annual event focuses on innovative technologies addressing some of the nation's most-pressing national security problems. Peer-reviewed presentations were made in the areas of weapons of mass destruction detection; border & maritime; counter IED (improvised explosive device); disaster response; and critical infrastructure protection. In addition to DHS-S&T, conference organizers received technical assistance from the Domestic Nuclear Detection Organization and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

House Appropriations Chairman Honored for Science, Engineering, Technology Leadership

David Obey (D-Wis.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, was honored for his leadership and commitment to maintaining the United States as a global leader in science and innovation. Obey received the George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award in a ceremony on Capitol Hill. IEEE-USA President Gordon Day presented the award on behalf of the Science, Engineering and Technology Work Group.

The George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award is presented annually by the Science, Engineering and Technology Work Group (SETWG) to members of Congress who are effective advocates of federal investment in science and technology. It is named for the late Rep. George E. Brown Jr., a longtime California congressman who made outstanding contributions to federal support for science and technology over his more than 35-year congressional career.

IEEE-USA Releases First E-Book in New Series on Innovation -- BOOK 1: PERSPECTIVES ON INNOVATION

The first e-book in IEEE-USA's new Innovation Series on Doing Innovation: Creating Economic Value -- Perspectives on Innovation, is written by Gerard H. (Gus) Gaynor, Retired 3M Director of Engineering, and President of IEEE's Technology Management Council. Upcoming e-books in the series will include: Book 2 - Developing a Workable Innovation Process; Book 3 – Fostering an Innovation Culture; and Book 4 – What it Takes to be an Innovator.

"These four E-books provide the basics for gaining an understanding of what innovation involves; what it takes to be an innovator; and what it takes to develop a culture where innovation can thrive," writes Gaynor. If you're looking to become an innovator, or participating in the innovation process, begin with Book 1: Perspectives on Innovation.

Topics in Perspectives on Innovation include: An Historical Background of Innovation; Ambiguities Associated with Innovation; Basic Concepts Associated with Innovation; Continuum from Idea to Innovation; Types of Innovation; and How Innovation Takes Place. You can purchase your copy of Perspectives on Innovation at www.ieeeusa.org/communications/ebook.

Ideas for new E-Books

If you've got an idea for an e-book that will educate other IEEE members on a particular topic of expertise, e-mail your e-book queries and ideas to IEEE-USA Publishing Manager Georgia Stelluto at g.stelluto@ieee.org

IEEE-USA Workshop, "STEM Measures for Innovation and Competitiveness" IEEE-USA is organizing a workshop at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. (22-23 October 2009). We encourage experts in these areas to participate and submit papers for presentation. The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) enterprise includes the research & development activities of the federal, academic and private sectors, both nationally and globally. STEM is accepted as the driving force for worldwide economic and social advancement. National policies and planning influencing the health and productivity of this enterprise should be derived from basic incorruptible, unbiased data and measures. The IEEE-USA STEM workshop will address these important questions and work toward viable solutions. We believe STEM policy should be based on arguments fully supported by concrete data and rigorous analysis.

* Is the workforce data on the number of workers that are employed, unemployed and underemployed
complete, nonexistent, or questionable and controversial?

* Should earmarks in any federal agency allotment be counted as part of the R&D budget? What is the amount of the industrial input to the R&D budget and its contribution to basic, applied and develop-mental research? What are the return on investment of R&D and its impact on society and quality of life?

* How can we measure and assess the STEM outcome/productivity? Is bibliometric data sufficient to measure this, both in quantity and quality? What data exists to follow interactions among federal, academic and private STEM entities?

* Can there be a federal, for-profit, non-profit or academic body that can produce unbiased reports and recommendations for national STEM enterprise policy employing the products mentioned above?

Former IEEE-USA Government Fellows Available to Speak to Sections - Several former IEEE-USA Congressional Fellows including Tom Fagan, Marty Sokoloski, Emily Sopensky and George Hanover are available to speak to your section meetings or other IEEE meetings in the United States. The fellows provide recounts of their experiences as IEEE-USA's Congressional and State Department fellows. For example, George Hanover discussed the innovation and competitiveness issues that he worked on while serving as an IEEE-USA congressional fellow on the staff of the Environment, Technology and Standards Subcommittee of the House Science Committee. George also served on the personal staff of Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), a member of the House Science Committee. George discussed an engineer's perspective on the "government process" and the IEEE-USA's involvement in that process. If your section is interested in having one of the former government fellows speak to your group about the program, how the legislative process works in Washington, and how IEEE-USA is influencing it, please contact Erica Wissolik at e. wissolik @ ieee. org. For more information on the IEEE-USA Government Fellows Program, please visit: http://ieeeusa.org/policy/govfel/default.asp

Top of Page | What's New@IEEE | 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.

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

Terms & Conditions - Privacy and Security - Nondiscrimination Policy - Contacts/Info