What's New @ IEEE-USA -
Eye On Washington
Vol. 2005, No. 8 (22 April 2005)
This newsletter includes:
1)
CAPITOL HILL WATCH
- “STEP UP TO THE PLATE:” LEGISLATORS CALL FOR ACTION TO REVERSE THE SHORTAGE OF SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS
- ENERGY BILL HAS ITS MONTH IN HOUSE COMMITTEES
- HOUSE SCIENCE CHAIRMAN BOEHLERT OPPOSES ENERGY BILL
- DIGITAL TRANSITION & SPECTRUM AUCTION GRAB ATTENTION AMIDST BUDGET RECONCILIATION
- HOUSE CLEARS FOR WHITE HOUSE, COPYRIGHT BILL THAT WOULD SHIELD DVD MANUFACTURERS FROM LIABILTY
- CONGRESS SEEKS PERMANENT BAN ON INTERNET TAXES
- EXPERTS SAY COMMERCIAL SPACE INDUSTRY HAS POTENTIAL
- OTHER LEGISLATION OF POSSIBLE INTEREST
- IEEE-USA RESPONDS TO UPCOMING LEGISLATION
2) WHITE HOUSE & EXECUTIVE AGENCY WATCH
3) REPORTS, SPEECHES & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE
- GAO REPORT National Airspace System: Experts’ Views Improving Air Traffic Modernization Program
4) U.S. COURTS ACTIVITY
No
news this week.
5) AWARDS & GRANTS
- FEDERAL AGENCY SOLICIATIONS
6) CONFERENCES, FELLOWSHIPS, PROGRAMS & INTERNSHIPS FOR ENGINEERS, and STUDENTS and SCHOLARS OF ENGINEERING
7) U.S. STATES WATCH (All 50 state legislatures meet in 2005, almost all between the months of January and June.)
No activity to report this week.
8) OTHER ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST
- CAREER ADVICE FROM ABC "WORKING WOUNDED" ADVISOR
- MentorNet ASKS CONGRESS TO HELP INCREASE REPRESENTAITON FOR WOMEN IN ENGINEERING
- 2005 EWEEK ADS ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO STUDY ENGINEERING RAN SUCCESSFULLY
- 9 NEW FLIGHT DIRECTORS AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
1) CAPITOL HILL WATCH
- "STEP UP TO THE PLATE:" LEGISLATORS CALL FOR ACTION TO REVERSE THE SHORTAGE OF AMERICAN SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS
12 APRIL - Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.), supported by his colleagues Congressmen Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.), Senator John Warner (R.Va.) and former Speaker Newt Gingrich, introduced the Math and Science Incentive Act of 2005. Wolf gave credit to Gingrich who has a strong interest in federal funding for the sciences and while in office, instructed his colleagues to avoid cutting funds for science and research. The bill establishes a new Education Department program and requires the government to pay up to $10,000 in interest on a student loan. In return, an individual agrees to work for 5 years in a job related to science, math or engineering, including teaching in those fields at any level.
The legislators stressed that all jobs of the future will require Americans to develop an understanding of the basics of science and math. "We are not meeting the challenge of teaching the basics," said Wolf. "…The key to our nation's prosperity and security is its scientific prowess, and the key to its scientific prowess is its people," said Boehlert who listed the concerns that motivated him to support the bill. " …our students continue to lag behind their international peers in science and math. The number of science and math students drops at every level of schooling. We are too dependent on foreign students in our graduate programs, …we must do more to create a cadre of well educated, strongly motivated scientists and engineers."
While no one is sure how many students will take advantage of this type of program, the sponsors estimate that it could cost up to $600 million. But, as Gingrich pointed out, dollar for dollar, this is "our best investment" for the next generation. The problem is too great to ignore since, "The number one threat to the U.S. is the failure of math and science education," a threat, "greater than any threat from conventional warfare."
Like most legislation, the bill's long-term prospects depend upon the level of support it receives in Washington and in legislators' home districts. For modest bills like this one, even a few letters from voters can help undecided legislators to make up their minds. Engineering students, and concerned professional engineers, who wish to voice their support for the bill should visit IEEE-USA's Legislative Action Center at https://www.capitolconnect.com/ieee. The site will provide more information about the bill, identify your legislators and help you to quickly send them an e-mail voicing your opinion on the bill. If you or any members of your student branch have questions about the bill, its prospects or Congress in general, please contact IEEE-USA staff member Russ Harrison at r.t.harrison@ieee.org or (202) 530-8326.
- ENERGY BILL HAS ITS MONTH IN HOUSE COMMITTEES
Last week, the House passed a comprehensive energy bill that pleases the Administration for whom energy legislation is a top priority. However, like its predecessor in the 108th Congress, the bill – which is being drafted by four separate House committees – was not without major disputes while in the House. When the bill moves into the Senate next month, disagreements are likely to be acrimonious enough to prevent the bill from ever reaching the President's desk.
Major sticking points are and will continue to be House provisions that allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and liability protection for producers of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), an additive used to make fuel burn more cleanly. The additive has been found to contaminate drinking water when it leaks from underground tanks. The provision to shield MTBE producers from most product liability lawsuits helped derail energy legislation in previous years. Senate leaders have said that they will include neither ANWR nor a liability sheild for MTBE producers in their version of the bill.
In the House Energy and Commerce Committee, geography, not just partisanship, added fuel to the debates. For example, a measure that shifts money for heating assistance grants to home cooling aid – an adjustment to the formula for allocating Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – pit House members from colder northern states against those from the Sunbelt. In the end, the measure was rejected along regional rather than partisan lines.
Members also discussed measures to increase energy independence such as one from Eliot Engel (D-NY) to offer manufacturing incentives for alternative fuel vehicles; the amendment failed. In the same vein, Mike Doyle (D-Penn.) espoused hybrid vehicles and announced later plans to introduce language increasing the authorization for hydrogen R&D programs. An amendment requiring increased fuel efficiency standards for automobiles – to 33 MPG, up from 27 MPG –was also defeated. A successful amendment by Fred Upton (R-Mich.) will determine when the sun rises and sets. Not really, but most Americans will notice this amendment more than others. The energy bill extends daylight-saving time by two months. Supporters say the extra hour of daylight in the evening would delay the need to switch lights on and save energy.
Elsewhere in the House, the Ways and Means Committee working on their part of the energy bill approved more than $8 billion in tax breaks to encourage development of new energy sources, despite objections that the bill would not produce more energy, but instead would give a windfall to industry. Ways and Means defeated a Democratic amendment to eliminate about $7 billion in tax breaks now going to the oil industry through accounting methods and also defeated an amendment by Lloyd Doggett (D-Tex.) to end a tax credit for synthetic fuels made from coal. Doggett called it an exploitation of the federal Treasury. Chairman Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) conceded that the measure is more of a negotiating tactic to take to conference with the Senate. “At this stage what we have in front of us is a legislative strategy," Thomas said. "The chairman's hope is that what we will have coming out of conference is an energy strategy."
In yet another hearing, the House Resources Committee, Democrats unsuccessfully put forth a series of amendments to strike sections of the bill such as one that would grant a holiday from lease royalties as an incentive to spur oil production. An attempt by Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) to substitute a Democratic version of the bill was quickly rejected.
And in the final committee, the House Government Reform Committee approved its share of the bill dealing with procurement and civil service aspects. It would set standards for agencies to reduce energy consumption in government buildings and urges the government to purchase energy-efficient products and use hybrid vehicles when possible. The legislation revises federal procurement law, including making energy-saving performance contracts a permanent option for agencies, allowing them to install energy-saving equipment at no cost up front. Government Reform Chairman Tom Davis (R-Va.) said the measure "supports research and development by reducing red tape and protecting firms' intellectual property." Government Reform ranking member Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) said he supported the committee's language, although he remains opposed to the energy bill as a whole.
Senate committees are unlikely to hold energy bill markups until the summer; members are working to win Democratic support. At that time, House Energy Chairman Joe Barton (R-Tex.) predicts the House and Senate will reconcile the legislation.
The House Energy & Commerce Committee Print can be viewed here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/108/energy_pdfs_2.htm. Text of the amendments to the bill are linked here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/108/Markups/04132005markup1473.htm
- HOUSE SCIENCE CHAIRMAN BOEHLERT OPPOSES ENERGY BILL
20 APRIL – House Committee on Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) delivered a pointed speech on the floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to Energy Policy Act of 2005 (HR 6). Boehlert said, “While this bill certainly has some worthy provisions, including those reported out by our Science Committee, overall this bill is a step backward. [It] will do little if anything to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and it will do nothing to reduce energy prices… it will increase the deficit, weaken our economy, compromise our national security and endanger our environment. The supporters of this bill are certainly right about at least one thing - we desperately need a national energy policy. Boehlert added that, "The Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has estimated that this year's Energy Bill would not save a single barrel of oil by 2020." Read the full text of Boehlert’s speech here: http://www.house.gov/science/press/109/109-59.htm
During the same debate, Boehlert also offered an amendment to H.R. 6 that would increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for cars and light trucks. The amendment directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to raise CAFE standards so that the nation's fleet of cars and trucks would rise from today's average of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) to 33 mpg by 2015. Joining Boehlert as cosponsors are Representatives Ed Markey (D-MA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), John Lewis (D-GA), Todd Platts (R-PA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), Jim Leach (R-IA), and Chris Shays (R-CT).
"We can't become less dependent on foreign oil unless we increase the fuel economy of our vehicles. We are importing about 14 million barrels of oil every day. Cars and light trucks consume 9 million barrels of oil every day. We are on a collision course with disaster," said Boehlert.
IEEE-USA’s legislative priorities include supporting public policies that lead to fuel diversity and clean fuels. In early April, we worked with the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS) to sponsor a Congressional Forum on Oil Dependence and National Security entitled, Set America Free: A Blueprint for Energy Security. The participants laid out a strategy for reducing dependency on foreign oil, and stressed the need for the United States to proactively ensure energy independency and spells out practical ways in which real progress toward energy security can be made over the next several years. Additional information can be found here, http://ieeeusa.com/volunteers/committees/epc/oildependenceforum.asp.
20 APRIL – In a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, State, Justice, and Commerce hearing on “NASA’s Budget and the Future of Aeronautics Research,” Chairman Frank Wolf (R-Va.) said he opposed a White House plan to cut spending on aeronautics research next year at the space agency. In an earlier press conference he warned that he was going to push the subcommittee to include language in the bill to require the Administration to develop a national aeronautics policy, and restore the $54 million Bush cut from NASA's aeronautics research to fund the program at the current level of $906 million. Wolf said the U.S. should not cut aeronautics spending, close down test facilities and layoff engineers and other specialists until it has a clearer idea of where it is heading in aeronautics.
Citing concerns about the decline in America's competitiveness, particularly in science and innovation, he stated, “It appears to me that the lack of support by the administration for aeronautics research can be linked to the fact that there is no clear policy direction concerning the federal government’s role in fostering this important industry."
"It concerns me deeply that while we - the United States - are reducing our federal investment in aeronautics research, our competitors are increasing their aeronautics research budgets."
"There are three common standards by which we measure how we stack up to the rest of the world when it comes to science and innovated: patents earned; scientific papers published, and Nobel prizes award. American scientists, for years, outdistanced their colleagues around the globe in each of these categories. That is no longer the case. In recent years we’ve begun to see dramatic declines in each category."
NASA Administrator Mike Griffin was on his way back from Kennedy Space Center Wednesday morning and did not testify at the hearing. His deputy, Fred Gregory, appeared in his place. Gregory’s testimony is available at: http://legislative.nasa.gov/hearings/Gregory%20Statement%204-20-05.pdf
- DIGITAL TRANSITION & SPECTRUM AUCTION GRAB ATTENTION AMIDST BUDGET RECONCILIATION
We reported in a previous issue of EOW about the subject of digital transition and its prominence among issues for lawmakers as they consider an update of telecommunications laws.
On one side of the issue, legislators do not support efforts to force television stations to stop using their analog radio frequencies by a specific deadline, saying this would harm consumers who still use analog televisions. On the other side, advocates say a specific date would force all broadcasters to transition to higher quality digital signals and free up radio spectrum for more productive uses such as wireless telecommunications technologies. Advocates, also argue that the sale of radio spectrum would generate billions of dollars in revenue from returned frequencies.
Budget writers struggling to narrow the federal deficit are eyeing that revenue as a potential multibillion-dollar windfall. Estimates put revenue gains at anywhere from $4 billion to as much as $30 billion. Budget writers are hoping to factor in the projected windfall as they try to complete budget reconciliation, a parliamentary process that requires each congressional committee to come up with specific savings through spending cuts or revenue increases.
House Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe L. Barton (R-Tex.) plans to introduce legislation in the next few weeks that would require television broadcasters to turn in their analog spectrum and convert to digital frequencies as early as 2007. Barton wants to set a hard date of Dec. 31, 2006, for broadcasters to complete the switch from analog to the digital frequencies Congress gave them in 1996. Aides say a later date is likely in the final legislation.
"By being able to sell the spectrum, that’s going to help us reduce the deficit," said Fred Upton (R-Mich.) chairman of the House Energy Committee’s Telecommunications and the Internet subcommittee. "Certainly that would be a savings that we’d like to count."
- HOUSE CLEARS FOR WHITE HOUSE, COPYRIGHT BILL THAT WOULD SHIELD DVD MANUFACTURERS FROM LIABILTY
19 APRIL: The House passed intellectual property legislation that both endorses anti-piracy provisions sought by the film industry while legalizing movie-screening technology that Hollywood opposed. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) sponsored the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act (S.167) that will make it a federal crime to use a camcorder in a movie theater or distribute a copyrighted work before its release or commercial distribution. The bill also shields from copyright-infringement liability companies that make technology that lets viewers skip over objectionable content on DVDs. Film companies have sued Utah-based ClearPlay Inc., claiming the company’s DVD players incorporating the technology illegally alter copyrighted movies. Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Tex.) said legalizing technology that can screen sexually graphic, violent and profane content from films is a triumph for American families. The bill now goes to the president’s desk.
- CONGRESS SEEKS PERMANENT BAN ON INTERNET TAXES
Both houses of Congress have introduced legislation that would make permanent a moratorium on internet taxes. Last year, Congress extended a 1998 law barring taxes on Internet transactions for four additional years, but some lawmakers are not satisfied with addressing the temporary ban.
"This is now one of America’s top consumer protection laws, and it’s time to make it permanent," said Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Calif.) who is leading the effort in the House along with Chris Cannon (R-Utah). Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and George Allen (R-Va.) are sponsoring the Senate measure.
Backers say allowing states to tax Internet access would hurt low-income consumers and reduce incentives for telecommunications companies to build out their broadband networks to reach more Americans. “Higher taxes will only make it more difficult for people to afford that empowering service and for companies to provide broadband for people with lower incomes or who live in rural areas,” Allen said.
The legislation would ban taxes on all forms of Internet access — digital subscriber lines (DSL), cable modem, wireless and satellite — but do not address whether states can tax Internet telephone services.
- EXPERTS SAY COMMERCIAL SPACE INDUSTRY HAS POTENTIAL
20 APRIL - In a House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics hearing on the future of the commercial space market, Burt Rutan, the pioneering designer of SpaceShipOne – the first private manned craft to reach space – joined Will Whitehorn, President of Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard Branson’s endeavor to offer commercial flights to space, to testify on the future markets for the commercial space industry, including the human spaceflight.
Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) said, "As we enter the Second Space Age, I anticipate entrepreneurs and commercial ventures will create many of the new rules and tools that will make personal space flight and low cost launch as ubiquitous as commercial flight is today."
Rutan testified that two types of markets will likely emerge for the commercial human spaceflight industry: one fraught with risk, in which courageous adventure seekers pay large sums of money for flights, a scenario he described as being akin to treks to the summit of Mount Everest; and one "in which the players do not find the dangers of space flight acceptable and recognize that extensive improvements in safety are more important than extensive improvements in affordability." While Rutan was unable to discuss the specific future plans for his company, he did tell the Subcommittee, "I can assure you that they do not involve a 'scenario one' approach."
Whitehorn said his company intends to purchase at least five vehicles from Rutan - which they have dubbed SpaceShipTwo - and plans to be operational by the end of the decade. "We are not doing this as a rich billionaire's tour adventure...or as just a brand representation. We are doing this to create a profitable and viable business."
- OTHER LEGISLATION OF POSSIBLE INTEREST
LEGISLATION WOULD PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY GRANTS TO MINORITY COLLEGES - The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved S. 432, a bill to authorize up to $250 million for technology grants to minority colleges and universities. Qualifying schools could use the grants to upgrade their technology and telecommunications infrastructure and expand technology instruction. The legislation creates an office within the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants to minority institutions for software, hardware and network equipment, technical assistance, faculty development and teacher training. Money also would be available to finance research and instruction in science, math, technology and engineering. J. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) introduced a House companion HR 921. Forbes' measure would locate the program inside the Commerce Department, rather than NSF.
FUEL EFFICIENT CARS MAY BECOME TAX INEFFICIENT - The Senate Finance Committee passed the draft Highway Reauthorization and Excise Tax Simplification Act which authorizes $283.9 billion for surface transportation programs – to authorize a broader test of methods for basing highway taxes on the number of miles driven, rather than the gallons of gas consumed. Highway officials want to explore alternatives to taxing gasoline by the gallon to prevent revenue declines as vehicles become more fuel-efficient or eventually are powered by alternative fuels. The bill authorizes $16.5 million for a long-term field test of a system to calculate road mileage and highway use to determine what taxes are owed to the federal, state and local governments. The results would be due by the end of 2011. With the price of gasoline at an all time highs, it is likely to be difficult to win a change that could cost drivers more money. The move to taxing motorists by the mile would penalize owners of fuel-efficient cars and reward drivers of gas guzzlers.
PILOT PROJECTS TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS OF HI-TECH SKILLS - Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced a bill to “amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide for 5-year pilot projects to establish a system of industry-validated national certifications of skills in high-technology industries and a cross-disciplinary national certification of skills in homeland security technology.” Bingaman based the bill on many of the findings and sentiments that you’ve been hearing since the beginning of the 109th Congress – that “Science- and technology-based industries have been and will continue to be engines of United States economic growth and national security,” and “The United States faces great challenges in the global economy from nations with highly trained technical workforces.” But the legislation adds that, “National certification systems promote quality and encourage educational institutions to modernize programs to ensure graduates pass industry-required exams. “Certification signals value to employers and increases applicants' employability.” And “Certification offers a planned skill development route into employment or professional advancement for working adults and displaced workers.” S. 833 authorizes $60,000,000 for FY 2006 for grants under this act and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Full text and status information can be viewed at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:s.00833.
- IEEE-USA RESPONDS TO UPCOMING LEGISLATION
In the coming weeks, IEEE-USA will be actively working on several upcoming legislative initiatives and seeking your support on the following issues:
-- DARPA – The Defense Department has been shifting funds away from long-term research towards short-term application research. IEEE-USA is working to ensure that DARPA maintains its historic long-term focus.
-- S. 455 – The American Competitiveness Through International Openness Now (ACTION) Act will make it easier for international students to get student visas allowing them to study in the US.
-- HR 1547 / S. 765 – The Math and Science Incentive Act of 2005 (mentioned above) would forgive the first $10,000 in student loan interest owed by students who receive a degree in math, science or engineering and who work in the field for 5 years. Students may also teach math or science to receive the benefit.
Please watch this space https://www.capitolconnect.com/ieee for Action Alerts and information on what you can do to help support IEEE-USA as we represent your interests in Washington.
2) WHITE HOUSE & EXECUTIVE AGENCY WATCH
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced it intends to establish two new S&T Centers STCs) in FY 2005. One is a major collaborative cybersecurity project led by the University of California, Berkeley, and a second, centered at the University of Kansas, will study how the balance of mass in the polar ice sheets may affect sea level. Information can be found at: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=103178
13 APRIL: The Senate confirmed Michael D. Griffin by voice vote, handing him an agency still working through the aftermath of the Columbia disaster. The next Shuttle launch is scheduled for mid-May. Griffin must now carry out the President’s vision for space travel – to send humans back to the moon and on to Mars. So far, Congress has been unenthusiastic with this vision and critical of cuts to NASA's other programs. During his confirmation hearing, Griffin raised hope for those who support the Hubble Space Telescope. He said he would not rule out allowing astronauts to fix the ailing Hubble — an issue that has riled Congress since the administration’s budget request provided no money for a fix. Griffin holds seven advanced degrees mostly in science and engineering, including a doctorate in aerospace engineering, and was head of the Space Department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. Griffin's confirmation testimony can be found here: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/112758main_griffin_confirm_test.pdf
3) REPORTS, SPEECHES & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE
- GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE (GAO): National Airspace System: Experts’ Views Improving Air Traffic Modernization Program
APRIL 2005: In 1981, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began a program to modernize the national airspace system and the air traffic control (ATC) system. The ATC component of this program, which is designed to replace aging equipment and accommodate predicted growth in air traffic, has had difficulty for more than two decades in meeting cost, schedule, and performance targets. The performance-based Air Traffic Organization (ATO) was created in February 2004 to improve the management of the modernization effort.
On 7 October 2004, GAO hosted a panel to discuss attempts to address the ATC modernization program’s persistent problems. Participants discussed the factors that they believed have affected FAA’s ability to acquire new ATC systems. Participants also identified steps that FAA’s ATO could take in the short term to address these factors, as well as longer term steps that could be taken to improve the modernization program’s chances of success and help the ATO achieve its mission.
The full GAO Report GAO-05-333SP is here: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05333sp.pdf
Highlights are here: http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05242high.pdf
4) U.S. COURTS ACTIVITY
No activity this week.
5) AWARDS & GRANTS
"Despite advances made in the proportion of women choosing to pursue science and engineering careers, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in almost all science and engineering fields, constituting only approximately 25% of the science and engineering workforce at large, and less than 21% of science and engineering faculty in 4-year colleges and universities. Women from minority groups underrepresented in science and engineering constitute only about 2% of science and engineering faculty in 4-year colleges and universities." Complete information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf05584
The goal of the ADVANCE program is to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers, thereby contributing to the development of a more diverse science and engineering workforce. Creative strategies to realize this goal are sought from men and women. Members of underrepresented minority groups and individuals with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals that address the participation and advancement of women from underrepresented minority groups are encouraged.
In 2005-2006, this program will support the following types of ADVANCE Projects:
1) Institutional Transformation Awards - Deadline July 22, 2005
2) Leadership Awards - Deadline July 15, 2005
3) Partnerships for Adaptation, Implementation, and Dissemination Awards - Deadline January 27, 2006
- NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SOLICITATIONS (NSF)
NSF is soliciting proposals for the jointly-funded NSF-Navy Civilian Service Fellowship-Scholarship Program. This program supports students in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics who agree to commit to spending a year as a civilian employee at a naval R&D center. Funding is provided for up to two years of fellowship/scholarship support, plus a cost of education allowance. Approximately $3 million in FY 2005 funding is expected to be available for 15 awards of up to $250,000 for a two-year period. University principal investigators who are currently supported by an NSF award in select programs may apply for support for eligible students working in areas of interest to one of the Navy centers. Proposals are due June 3, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf05582
NSF is soliciting proposals for a Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Cohort III activity to support the first two years of graduate study at Phase III LSAMP Alliance institutions. This activity aims to broaden participation of underrepresented minority students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Approximately $987,000 is expected to be available for 18 supplement awards. Only graduating seniors and previous graduates from an LSAMP Program nationwide are eligible. Proposals are due 29 April 2005. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf05585
NSF’s is promoting “a new opportunity to enhance participation of women and underrepresented minority students in Ph.D. programs in electrical engineering and biomedical/biochemical/environmental engineering through supplements to current research grants funded by the Electrical and Communications Systems Division (ECS) or the Bioengineering and Environmental Systems Division (BES) in the Directorate for Engineering at the National Science Foundation.” The deadline for submission of the request is June 30, 2005. A PDF of the letter can be found here: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2005/nsf05586/nsf05586.pdf
The full announcement can be found here: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf05586
NASA will be soliciting proposals for its Achievement of Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Diversity Outreach and Education Grant program. Approximately $150,000 is expected to be available for six awards. Eligible are colleges and universities that are designated by DOE as minority institutions and primary/secondary schools or nonprofit organizations that target a significant number of underserved students. Applicants must be located in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota or Texas. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about April 29, 2005, with proposals due May 31, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/NASA/JSC/OPDC20220/NNJ05100991G/listing.html
NASA will be soliciting proposals for a Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (MTO) Science Investigation. This investigation will require providing a science instrument to be launched with the MTO mission in late 2009. The launch services and spacecraft will be NASA-provided resources. Eligibility is unrestricted. A full solicitation is expected to be released no earlier than May 1, 2005, with proposals due 90 days thereafter. More information is available at: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/NASA/HQ/OPHQDC/N---A/listing.html
NASA will be soliciting proposals to develop an advanced supersonic parachute system for future Mars landers. This may include design and development studies, sub-scale development tests, and full-scale development and qualification tests of the new parachute system. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about June 1, 2005, with proposals due June 30, 2005. All responsible sources will be eligible to submit a proposal. More information is available at: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=114987
NASA will be soliciting proposals for investigations that meet the goals of planetary systems exploration, in support of the Solar System Division (excluding Mars) and the search for extrasolar planetary systems element of the Universe Division. A full solicitation is expected to be released April 22, 2005, with notices of intent due June 15, 2005, and proposals due Aug. 1, 2005. Eligibility will be unrestricted. More information is available at: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=115038
NASA is seeking university and industry partners to develop technology proposals under the Advance Component Technology Program. Component and subsystem level technology should seek to reduce the risk, cost, size, and development time for the Earth-Sun System Division observing instrument and platforms and to enable new observation measurements. Responses are due April 25, 2005. More information is available at: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=115049
- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOLICITATIONS
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals to perform research, design, development and integration to support the Brood Of Spectrum Supremacy Program. This program is intended to apply collaborative processing capabilities for software-defined radios to specific military applications. One or more Phase I contract awards having a base period of 12 months are anticipated. All interested and qualified sources may submit proposals, which are due May 19, 2005, for the initial evaluation phase. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA05%2D30/listing.html
DARPA also is soliciting proposals to develop technologies for software-defined radios under the Adaptive Cognition Enhanced Radio Teams Program. This program aims to construct a distributed radio team that can use capabilities inherent in aggregating nodes while leveraging advantages unique to a distributed system and specialized capabilities. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the government's needs may submit proposals, which are due May 26, 2005, for the initial evaluation phase. More information is available at: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/DOD/DARPA/CMO/BAA05-37/listing.html
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency will be soliciting proposals for the Global Positioning System (GPS) Denied Navigation and Mapping Program. This program seeks to develop robust, man-portable navigation systems capable of precisely navigating and mapping over long distances for extended periods in areas where GPS signals are not accessible and with a minimal error rate over the total trajectory. Up to two contracts may be awarded. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about May 1, 2005. For more information, visit: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DTRA/DTRA01/HDTRA1%2D05%2DR%2D0005/listing.html
The Department of the Air Force is soliciting Phase I proposals for the Affordable REsponsive Spacelift (ARES) Concept Development and Demonstration Planning Program. ARES is a multi-phase program that culminates in a subscale flight demonstration of a reusable first-stage launch vehicle. Phase I is estimated at $12 million and Phases II/IV is estimated at $200 million. Offerors must be registered in the Department of Defense Central Contractor Registration database to be eligible for contract award. Proposals will be due May 27, 2005. More information is available at:
http://www1.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFSC/SMCSMSC/FA8802-05-R-0004/listing.html
The Air Force also is soliciting proposals for a contract award to support its Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative. This initiative seeks to develop nanoscale materials that are safe, yet high performance, efficient and inexpensive to manufacture, and able to be incorporated into microscale or larger devices. Approximately $2.2 million in FY 2005 funding is expected to be available for the award. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due June 1, 2005. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/BAA%2D05%2D11%2DPKM/listing.html
The Department of the Army will be soliciting proposals for its Instrumentation and Research Support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions program. This program aims to enhance science, mathematics and engineering education programs or research capabilities through the acquisition of equipment or instrumentation that will augment existing facilities, enhance curricula or develop new laboratories, programs and capabilities in those areas. Grant awards will be made. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about April 22, 2005, with proposals due July 8, 2005. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAD19/W911NF%2D05%2DR%2D0005/listing.html
The Army is seeking sources capable of providing a wireless remote command signaling system that utilizes magneto inductive technology to provide command, control and communication capability for firing ordnance and controlling other types of equipment through all types of terrain. This includes surface and subsurface mediums such as seawater, freshwater, earth, stone and various structures to include metal and concrete. No awards are anticipated for responses, which are due April 22, 2005. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAD17/W911QX%2DRFI%2D05%2D0001/listing.html
The Army is seeking sources to participate in the agency's Advanced Radar Component Technology contract. This effort will provide the Army with a series of integrated programs that will support advanced radar or sensor technologies for future applications. Technology initiatives should be directed toward sensor subsystems, including transmitters, receivers, arrays, subarrays, processors, optics and software algorithms. Capability statements are due May 9, 2005. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/USA/SMDC/DASG60/W9113M%2D05%2D0007/listing.html
The Department of the Navy is soliciting proposals to develop technologies for new devices and systems in navigation and timekeeping. Areas of interest include Global Positioning System (GPS) anti-jam technology, tightly-coupled GPS/Inertial Navigation System devices, atomic clock development, and non-GPS navigation devices. Approximately $2 million is expected to be available for awards averaging $400,000 and having a project period of 1-3 years. All responsible sources may submit a proposal. White papers are due May 27, 2005; proposals are due Aug. 11, 2005. For more information, visit: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/DON/ONR/ONR/BAA05%2D012/listing.html
The Navy is soliciting proposals for research and development in numerous areas to support logistics, maintenance and manufacturing technologies. Areas include supply chain management, weapon system sustainment, logistics research networks, competitive sustainment, strategic distribution and reutilization, material acquisition, electronic commerce, and others. Awards ranging from $10,000 to $10 million and funded incrementally for a period of up to five years are anticipated. All responsible sources may submit proposals at any time over the next three years. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVSEA/N00164/N0016405R6660/listing.html
The Navy is seeking industry information on available products and technologies to develop and field a millimeter wave characterization asset. This system will be used to acquire data in conjunction with the RTTC Stabilized Electro-optical Airborne Instrumentation Platform (SEAIP) on flight, captive carry, and dirty battlefield ranges. It also will be used for ground-based testing and to collect developmental data for various current and future weapon systems. Responses are due May 17, 2005. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N61339/N61339%2D05%2DR%2D0072/listing.html
- DEPARTMENT of ENERGY SOLICITATIONS
DOE, the Air Force and the Army will be jointly soliciting proposals for R&D to improve national capabilities to detect, locate and identify nuclear explosions. The objective of the solicitation will be to advance the state-of-the-art in seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide methods of nuclear explosion monitoring. Awards of up to $1 million for a project period of 1-3 years are anticipated. Eligibility is unrestricted. The solicitation is expected to be released on or about May 25, 2005, with proposals due July 26, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/DOE/PAM/HQ/DE-SC52-05NA26703/listing.html
DOE is seeking applications to aid in the development of large fuel cell power systems that will produce affordable, efficient and environmentally-friendly electrical power from coal. Systems must achieve at least 50 percent overall efficiency from coal to AC power, including integrated coal gasification and carbon dioxide separation processes. Approximately $5 million in FY 2005 funding is expected to be available for two Phase I awards having a project period of three years; cost-sharing of 20 percent is required. Eligibility is unrestricted. Applications are due June 7, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/DOE/PAM/HQ/DE-PS26-05NT42346/listing.html
- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) SOLICTATIONS
EPA also soliciting proposals to develop state-of-the-art experimental techniques to refine hydraulic hybrid drivetrains to optimize fuel economy, emissions and performance. Several vehicle control microprocessor and operational strategy development and implementation areas of interest are outlined in the solicitation. Approximately $1.35 million is expected to be available for 2-5 awards. Eligibility is unrestricted. Notices of intent are due May 17, 2005; applications are due May 31, 2005. For more information, visit: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/EPA/OGD/GAD/OAR-ATD-05-11/listing.html
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is soliciting proposals from academic scholars to write papers on sociology and entrepreneurship that could be published in top-level academic journals. Topics include entrepreneurship and American history, entrepreneurship and the arts, entrepreneurship and religion; entrepreneurship in literature; entrepreneurship in world civilization; psychology and entrepreneurs; sociology or anthropology of entrepreneurship; entrepreneurship and technology; and entrepreneurship in health care. Kauffman seeks to further the study of entrepreneurship across many academic disciplines, ultimately infusing it into the curricula of U.S. higher education. Proposals are due 1 August 2005. More information is available at http://www.kauffman.org/research.
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
6) CONFERENCES, FELLOWSHIPS, PROGRAMS & INTERNSHIPS FOR ENGINEERS, and STUDENTS and SCHOLARS OF ENGINEERING
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://ieeeusa.com/policy/govfel/index.html
7) US STATES WATCH
No activity to report this week.
8) OTHER ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST
- CAREER ADVICE FROM ABC "WORKING WOUNDED" ADVISOR
In an interview with ABC news, a researcher who studied of job seekers said, "People who can give concrete, specific examples of how they overcame
a workplace challenge when being interviewed, who are upbeat, confident and know their marketable skills are most successful." Full interview here: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Careers/story?id=205461
- MentorNet ASKS CONGRESS TO HELP INCREASE REPRESENTAITON FOR WOMEN IN ENGINEERING
The Engineering & Science E-Mentoring Network is encouraging scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to sign on to a letter to Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and George Allen (R-VA) asking them to "embark on a broad-ranging inquiry to increase opportunities for women in the sciences, mathematics and engineering." The letter can be found here http://www.mentornet.net/wyden-allen/.
- 2005 EWEEK ADS ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO STUDY ENGINEERING RAN SUCCESSFULLY
During the 2005 EWeek in April, IEEE-USA-sponsored "Introduce a Girl to Engineering" advertisements – listing the link to http://www.girlengineer.org – on 157 movie screens in nine U.S. cities, including LA/Long Beach, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Chicago, Dallas and Boston. IEEE-USA’s goal was to open doors for more women engineers and this movie theatre campaign proved to be an effective way to reach a receptive audience of thousands, including preteens, teens and parents, college students and young professionals. Ticket sales in 2004 on the 157 screens in the nine cities totaled more than $12 million.
- 9 NEW FLIGHT DIRECTORS AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
NASA has named nine new flight directors to lead human space flights from Mission Control, Houston, bringing to 30 the number of active Space Shuttle and International Space Station light directors. The new class includes the first African-American and the first two Hispanics to be assigned as flight directors, and adds three women to the four already leading Mission Control teams.
"This is one of the most diverse classes of flight directors we've ever selected," said Jeff Hanley, chief of the Flight Director Office. "Since Christopher Kraft became the first flight director more than 40 years ago, only 58 men and women have had the privilege to guide U.S. human space flights."
A flight director leads a team of flight controllers, support personnel and engineering experts, and has the overall responsibility to manage and carry out Space Shuttle flights and International Space Station expeditions. A flight director also leads planning and integration activities with flight controllers, payload customers, International Space Station partners and others. The selection process began in August 2004. NASA considered both civil servants and contractors in the selection process. All of the nine new flight directors have served as flight controllers, either for NASA or its contractors.
-- Kwatsi Alibaruho - bachelor of science degree in avionics from the MIT.
-- Robert Dempsey - bachelor of science degrees in astronomy and physics at the University of Michigan, master's degree and a doctorate in physics from the University of Toledo, Ohio.
-- Richard Jones - bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University.
-- Ginger Kerrick - bachelor of science degree in physics from Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
-- Michael Moses - bachelor of science degree in physics from Purdue University, master's in space sciences from Florida Institute of Technology, and a master's in aerospace engineering from Purdue.
-- Holly Ridings - bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University
-- Michael Sarafin - bachelor of science degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering from Clarkson University, Potsdam, N.Y.
-- Brian Smith - bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Villanova University, a master's in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and master's in aerospace engineering from the University of Houston
-- Dana Weigel - bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University
NEXT ISSUE: 6 May 2005
Top of Page | What's New@IEEE | EyeOnWash Archive | Policy Forum | 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, Email: ewissolik@ieee.orgYou can subscribe to receive IEEE-USA's Eye on Washington by e-mail by using the forms at http://whatsnew.ieee.org/ or at http://www.ieeeusa.org/emailupdates/ or by contacting e.wissolik@ieee.org with your request.
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:
10 July 2009
Contact:
Erica Wissolik
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