106 STAT. 16 PUBLIC LAW 102-245—FEB. 14, 1992 (G) the Advanced Technology Program, established under section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n), is the appropriate vehicle for the United States Government to provide limited assistance to joint development within the United States of new high technology capabilities in fields such as high-resolution information systems, advanced manufacturing technology, and advanced materials, and can help encourage United States industry to work together on problems of mutual concern. (2) The purposes of tms section are— (A) to strengthen the Advanced Technology Program created under section 28 of the National Institute of Stondards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n), and to provide improved guidelines for the allocation of Advanced Technology Program funds appropriated under the authorizations contamed in section 105 of this Act; (B) to promote and assist in the development of advcinced technologies and the generic application of such technologies to civilian products, processes, and services; ^ (C) to improve the competitive position of United States industry by supporting indxistry-led research and development projects in areas of emerging technology which have substantial potential to advance the economic well-being and national security of the United States, such as high-resolution information systems, advanced mamifacturing technology, and advanced materials; and (D) to support projects that range from idea eicploration to prototype development and address long-term, high-risk areas of technological research, development, and application that are not otherwise being adequately developed by the private sector, but are likely to jdeld important benefits to the Nation, (c) ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.— (1) Section 28(a) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: "In operating the Program, the Secretary and Director shall, as appropriate, be guided by the findings and recommendations of the Biennial National Critical Technology Reports prepared pursuant to section 603 of the NationeJ Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6683). ". (2) Section 28(b)(1) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n(b)(l)), is amended by inserting "industry-led" immediately after "aid". (3) Section 28(b)(1)(B) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n(b)(l)(B)), is amended by inserting "by means of grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts" immediately after "such joint ventures". (4) Section 28(b)(2) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n(b)(2)), is amended to read as follows: Grants. "(2) provide grants to and enter into contracts and cooperative Contracts. agreements with United States businesses (especially small businesses), provided that emphasis is placed on applying the Institute's research, research techniques, and expertise to those organizations' research programs;". (5) Section 28(d)(2) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows: "(2) In the case of joint ventures, the Program shall not meike an award unless the award will facilitate the formation
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