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

1) CAPITOL HILL WATCH

• REAUTHORIZATION OF HIGHER ED ACT WOULD PROMOTE STEM CAREERS

2) WHITE HOUSE & EXECUTIVE AGENCY WATCH

• NIST NAMES NEW DIRECTOR

3) REPORTS, SPEECHES & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE

• RESEARCHERS CARVE WITH ELECTRICITY AT THE NANOMETER SCALE

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TASK FORCE OUTLINES STEPS TO CONSOLIDATE NUCLEAR WEAPONS COMPLEX

4) U.S. COURTS ACTIVITY

5) AWARDS & GRANTS

• EVALUATION PANELISTS NEEDED FOR NSF's 2006 GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

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

• 2007 CONGRESSIONAL AND STATE DEPARTMENT FELLOWSHIPS

7) U.S. STATES WATCH

• BASE CLOSINGS SHOULD BOLSTER MD TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY

8) LATEST IEEE-USA ACTIVITIES

• NEW! TRACK IEEE-USA's PROGRESS

9) OTHER ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST

1) CAPITOL HILL WATCH

At the beginning of August, Congress recessed until 6 September.  However, due to Hurricane Katrina, both the House and Senate returned early to Washington to pass emergency disaster relief legislation. The Senate initiated action on the eve of 1 September on $10.5 billion in emergency funds to respond to the devastation; the House is set to finish it Friday, 2 September.

• REAUTHORIZATION OF HIGHER ED ACT WOULD PROMOTE STEM CAREERS

In April, we told you about a bill (STEP UP TO THE PLATE:" LEGISLATORS CALL FOR ACTION TO REVERSE THE SHORTAGE OF SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS, Vol. 2005, No. 8) by House Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf (R-VA) to offer loan interest forgiveness to students who teach or work in STEM fields after college, as well as provisions to encourage scholarships for STEM students and to help states improve science and math education.

Now, a reauthorization of the Higher Education Act incorporates ideas from that earlier bill, and adds new provisions to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The bill, the College Access and Opportunity Act (H.R. 609) is expected to go before the full House this fall, and authorizes a $41 million in FY 2006 and "such sums as may be necessary" over the subsequent 5 years for the following:

STUDENT LOAN RELIEF: Would authorize the Secretary of Education to provide up to $5,000 in relief of student loan interest for students receiving STEM degrees who teach or work in STEM fields for 5 years.

MATH AND SCIENCE HONORS SCHOLARSHIPS: Would authorize the Secretary of Education to make a grant for development of honors scholarships to be awarded to students pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering, in return for five years of service in a position related to those fields.

MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION COORDINATING COUNCILS: Would authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to states for establishing or enhancing councils spanning the academic, community and business sectors, for the purpose of coordinating and implementing reforms to science and math education and teacher recruitment and training efforts.

A committee press release quotes Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.) – who along with Howard McKeon (R-Calif.) is pushing this legislation – as saying, "This amendment addresses a crisis.  As the committee recently heard from multiple witnesses, U.S. competitiveness depends on the quality of our science, technology, engineering and math workforce." While the earlier Wolf-sponsored bill had a Senate companion bill, no companion bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Act has yet been introduced in the Senate.

2) WHITE HOUSE & EXECUTIVE AGENCY WATCH

• NIST NAMES NEW DIRECTOR

22 JULY: The Senate confirmed William Alan Jeffrey as the new director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez declared that Jeffrey "brings a strong background in science and technology policy and the practicalities of research management to one of our nation's finest research laboratories and an institution whose work affects almost every aspect of our daily lives."

Jeffrey earned a PhD in Astronomy from Harvard University and a B.S. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He  most recently worked as senior director for homeland and national security, and assistant director for space and aeronautics at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

3) REPORTS, SPEECHES & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE

• RESEARCHERS CARVE WITH ELECTRICITY AT THE NANOMETER SCALE

17 AUG: By applying electric current through a thin film of oil molecules, engineers have developed a new method to precisely carve arrays of tiny holes only 10 nanometers wide into sheets of gold. The new system, called Electric Pen Lithography (EPL), uses a scanning-tunneling microscope, fitted with a tip sharpened to the size of a single atom, to deliver the charge through the dielectric oil to the target surface.

With EPL, the researchers can both see and manipulate their target at the same time, all without the constraints of the vacuum chamber required by similar processes. With such tight control, the researchers hope the relatively inexpensive procedure will have applications for crafting single DNA detection devices such as nanopores, nanoscale interconnects in biological and semiconducting devices, molecular sieves for protein sorting and nanojets for fuel or drug delivery.

Mechanical engineer Ajay Malshe of the University of Arkansas, his students Kumar Virwani and Devesh Deshpande, and Kamalakar Rajurkar of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln will present the new innovation at the International Institution for Production Engineering Research General Assembly in Antalya, Turkey, Aug. 21-27. For additional information, see the University of Arkansas release at: http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/4822.htm

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TASK FORCE OUTLINES STEPS TO CONSOLIDATE NUCLEAR WEAPONS COMPLEX

In response to a March 2004 request of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, the 6-member Nuclear Weapons Complex Infrastructure Task Force has released a draft final report on, "Recommendations for the Nuclear Weapons Complex of the Future." Later this year, the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board will consider the recommendations. Comments will be solicited before they meet. The report can be read at http://www.seab.energy.gov/publications/NWCITFRept-7-11-05.pdf

The Task Force makes four major recommendations:

1.  "Immediate Design of a Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW)." The resulting family of weapons would replace the current stockpile.

2.  "Consolidated Nuclear Production Center (CNPC)."  A recommendation that the NNSA [National Nuclear Security Administration] immediately begin site selection processes for building a modern set of production facilities with 21st century cutting-edge nuclear component production, manufacturing, and assembly technologies, all at one location.

3.  "Consolidation of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM)."  A recommendation that material be consolidated by 2030 to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and limit terrorist targets.

4.  "Dismantlement as part of deterrence."  A recommendation to demonstrate a

U.S. is committment to arms reduction, requiring that Pantex [Texas] focus on the aggressive dismantlement of the Cold War stockpile.

4) U.S. COURTS ACTIVITY

No activity to report.

5) AWARDS & GRANTS

• AAAS GRANT SITE

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has a new 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

Examples include:

American Astronomical Society, Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectureships in Astronomy: http://www.grantsnet.org/search/pgm_info.cfm?pgm_id=323 Deadline: None

Intel Corporation, Intel Foundation Community Grants:

http://www.grantsnet.org/search/pgm_info.cfm?pgm_id=145 Deadline: None

Society of Computer Applications in Radiology (SCAR), SCAR Grant Program for Radiology Informatics Research

http://www.grantsnet.org/search/pgm_info.cfm?pgm_id=3336 Deadline: 1 August 2005

• NASA

NASA will be soliciting proposals for a contract award to develop space flight qualified Solar Array Panels under the Solar Dynamics Observatory Project. This includes the design, fabrication, testing and delivery of two solar panels, one qualification panel, one hot temperature test box, one string illuminator, and miscellaneous, associated hardware. Eligibility is unrestricted. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about Sept. 15, 2005. More information is available at: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=117306

NASA is seeking partners from other government agencies, industry, academia, and Federal Funded Research and Development Centers to assist in developing proposals for the Earth Systems Science Pathfinder Program. This program addresses unique mission requirements in earth-sun system research and seeks to leverage Langley Research Center's core competencies in atmospheric sciences, laser/lidar remote sensing, and passive remote sensing. A full solicitation is expected to be released sometime within the next fiscal year. Responses are due Sept. 22, 2005. More information is available at: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=117326

NASA is seeking sources to develop communications to support tracking, telemetry and command, and high-rate mission measurement data return. Part of this system includes a dual-band S-/Ka-band High Gain Antenna (HGA). This includes the development of two space flight qualified HGAs – one protoflight, one flight. No awards are anticipated for responses, which are due Sept. 23, 2005. More information is available at: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=117334

• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

The Department of the Air Force is seeking sources to develop technologies for solid rocket propulsion under the Advanced Missile Propulsion Technology program. The desired technologies span all areas of application for solid rocket motors, including ballistic and space boost, post boost propulsion and tactical motors. Two contract awards of at least $250,000 for a project period of up to three years are anticipated. Prospective offerors should have either a government coordinated Advance Rocket Propulsion Plan (ARPP), or develop an ARPP prior to or in conjunction with proposal submittal, or have a documented working relationship with a company possessing a government coordinated ARPP to ensure relevance of any proposed technology. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFFTC/Reference%2DNumber%2DBAA%2D05%2D01%2DPKTA/listing.html

The Department of the Army is soliciting white papers proposing experimental and theoretical studies relating to the possible physical realization of quantum computers and for achievement of effective computation on them. Proposals are sought in five categories: (1) quantum computing concept maturation, (2) short-term, innovative concept, (3) enabling studies in quantum computing, (4) quantum algorithm, and (5) quantum computing graduate research fellows, who are funded through supplemental proposals. White papers are due Oct. 4, 2005. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAD19/W911NF05R0009/listing.html

The Army is requesting information from companies with design or development experience in antenna systems for mobile Satellite Communication sources for the development of an affordable On-the-Move directional Ku/Ka band communications. This low profile, affordable antenna system (less than $125K) is needed to support high data rate satellite communications. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAB07/W15P7T%2D05%2DR%2DP635/listing.html

The Department of the Navy is soliciting proposals for a prototype demonstrator of a fully automated cargo handling system that integrates automated cargo tracking and warehouse functions with automated intra-ship cargo movement systems. The prototype should be capable of processing cargo via pallets, Joint Modular Intermodal Containers, or Quadcons. Approximately $125 million is expected to be available for Phase I awards having a project period of 18 months. Awards may range from $2 million to $4 million. Proposals are due Sept. 30, 2005. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/DON/ONR/ONR/BAA05%2D018/listing.html

The Navy is soliciting proposals for a prototype demonstrator of an Intermediate Transfer Station. The prototype will serve as proof-of-concept for an interface between Sea Base connectors and the Sea Base. As such, the prototype platform will not be self-deployable, but will maintain station-keeping capabilities through an organic dynamic positioning system. Approximately $100 million is expected to be available for Phase I awards having a project period of 18 months. Awards may range from $2 million to $4 million. Proposals are due Sept. 30, 2005. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/DON/ONR/ONR/BAA05%2D019/listing.html

The Navy will be soliciting proposals for its Simulation Training and Instrumentation Directed Energy Test & Evaluation Capability (DETEC) Program. The government desire to contract with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, or private industry sources. Areas of interest include models and simulations, target boards, flight termination systems, non-intrusive survivable sensors, flight termination systems, models and simulations, and other technologies beneficial or critical to rapid DE T&E infrastructure development. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about Sept. 9, 2005. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N61339/N61339%2D05%2DR%2D0092/listing.html

The Navy is soliciting proposals for the Future Naval Capability Shipboard Internal Cargo Movement Program. This program seeks to develop technologies that enable the seamless end-to-end internal shipboard movement of material, including cargo, packages, pallets and weapons, onboard a variety of naval vessels. Phase I awards of up to $350,000 for a project period of six months are anticipated. Proposals are due Oct. 26, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.nsrp.org/seabasing/susd-hrvhmm.html

The Navy invites industry and academic sources to submit proposals for development of aluminum seawater combustion systems for air-independent underwater applications, including submarines, torpedoes and Unmanned Undersea Vehicles. The Navy also is interested in larger multi-component, full-up propulsion system level optimization and technologies required to integrate novel Hybrid Aluminum Combustors into efficient overall underwater propulsion systems. Eligibility is unrestricted; however, sources should have established and demonstrated expertise in the areas above. Approximately $400,000 is expected to be available for awards. Proposals are due Oct. 12, 2005. More information on this two-part solicitation is available at http://www2.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N66604/055428%2D1/listing.html  and http://www2.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N66604/055428%2D2/listing.html

• DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

ED also invites applications for funding under the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Program. This program provides fellowships to assist graduate students with excellent academic records who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue the highest degree available in their courses of study. Areas of national need include biology, chemistry, computer and information sciences, engineering, geological and related sciences, mathematics, and physics. The Administration has requested approximately $20.34 million for new awards for FY 2006. Approximately 96 awards averaging $211,000 for a project period of up to three years are anticipated. Only academic departments of institutions of higher education meeting the requirements in the program regulations at 34 CFR 648.2 are eligible to submit applications, which are due November 14, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2005-3/082205b.html

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

DOE invites applications for funding to support development of design concepts for small radioisotope power systems. Design concepts may have multiple applications, including NASA space exploration missions during the next decade. The two sizes fall in the ranges of 10-100 milliwatts (milliwatt) and 1-20 watts (multiwatt) of electrical power output. Approximately $500,000 is expected to be available for four awards having a project period of six months. Awards may range from $50,000 to $200,000. All types of applicants are eligible to apply, except other federal agencies, Federally Funded Research and Development Center contractors, and some nonprofit organizations. Applications are due Oct. 11, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/DOE/PAM/HQ/DE-PS07-05ID14711/listing.html

• NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

NIH invites applications for funding to support research that will validate the use of existing high-resolution, real-time imaging technologies or the application of new technologies for accurate and early clinical assessment of tooth surface demineralization. Research should lead to increased efficiency of caries clinical trials and reduce their costs. Approximately $2.5 million in FY 2006 funding is expected to be available for 3-4 awards. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit, public or private organizations. Optional letters of intent are due Dec. 20, 2005; applications are due Jan. 23, 2006. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DE-06-008.html

NIH invites applications for translational informatics grants to help organizations use information technology to optimize the utility of clinical and research information. These grants are intended for organizations that wish to exploit the capabilities of information technology to bring usable, useful online health information to end users, or to translate the findings of biomedical informatics research into practice. Approximately $4 million is expected to be available annually to support 8-10 awards each year. Eligible are U.S. public or private nonprofit institutions engaged in health administration and education, biomedical research or clinical care. Applications are due by the standard receipt dates, which are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-05-012.html

NIH will be soliciting proposals for R&D in methods for electrically stimulating the vestibular nerve following loss of function from the vestibular endorgans. Such methods will provide patient benefit during transient attacks of irregular activity leading to dizziness or act as a component of a balance prosthesis. One contract award having a five-year project period is anticipated. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about Sept. 13, 2005. All responsible sources will be eligible to submit proposals. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/OLAO-DRA/260%2D05%2D11/listing.html

• EVALUATION PANELISTS NEEDED FOR NSF's 2006 GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is looking for evaluation panelists for the agency's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). NSF annually awards approximately 1,000 fellowships to outstanding students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematical fields. NSF is looking for experts in these fields, to review and evaluate applications in their area of expertise. Each February, NSF convenes three-day evaluation panels in metro DC. The agency pays directly for panelists' transportation costs and provides their “flat rate fee" to cover lodging and additional expenses. Panelist gain insights into NSF's proposal evaluation process and enjoy interacting with colleagues from diverse institutions. Selection process NSF seeks diverse panels composed of outstanding researchers and experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from a wide range of institutions, geographic locations, and backgrounds. Potential panelists should be knowledgeable of NSF's Merit Review Criteria and capable of evaluating interdisciplinary proposals. Interested researchers and experts should register online at www.nsfgradfellows.org/panelist by early 9 September 2005 for consideration for the 2006 evaluation panel. It is expected that NSF will notify selected panelists by early November 2005. If you have questions or need additional information please contact Nicole Le Maistre at n.lemaistre@asee.org.

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

• 2007 CONGRESSIONAL AND 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           

7) US STATES WATCH

• BASE CLOSINGS SHOULD BOLSTER MD TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY

The Washington Post recently reported that the decision to relocate thousands of military jobs from NJ to MD could be a boon to the high-tech sector in the area. The beneficiaries are the Aberdeen Proving Ground and Fort Meade. Aberdeen Proving Ground would gain 4,000 employees, and Fort Meade, which is already home to the National Security Agency, would get another 5,000.

Assuming the Army's base-reorganization initiative goes as planned, the migration of tech workers to MD could follow quickly. Northrop Grumman already said it would relocate nearly 200 technology jobs to Aberdeen for work on contracts currently based at Fort Monmouth. The transition could also trigger job shifts by other major information technology companies like CACI International, Lockheed Martin and Mitre.

8) LATEST IEEE-USA ACTIVITIES

• NEW! 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) OTHER ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST

None at this time.

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: 02 September 2005
Contact: e . wissolik @ ieee . org