106 STAT. 2688 PUBLIC LAW 102-484—OCT. 23, 1992 the national security objectives set forth in section 2501(a) of this title and the defense reinvestment, diversification, and conversion program objectives set forth in section 2501(b) of this title by providing support to entities referred to in subsection (b) for programs described in that subsection. "(b) PROGRAMS SUPPORTED. —The Secretary may provide support under this section for programs sponsored by the Federal Government, regional entities, States, local governments, and private entities and nonprofit organizations that assist businesses economically dependent on Department of Defense expenditures to acquire dual-use capabilities through the provision under those programs of the following forms of assistance: "(1) Assistance in converting from government-oriented management, production, training, and marketing practices to commercial practices. "(2) Assistance in acquiring and using public and private sector resources, literature, and other information concerning— "(A) research, development, and production processes and practices; "(B) identification of technologies and products having the potential for defense and nondefense commercial applications; "(C) marketing practices and opportunities; "(D) identification of potential suppliers, partners, and subcontractors; "(E) identification of opportunities for government support, including support through grants, contracts, partnerships, and consortia; "(F) enhancement of work force skills and capabilities, including— "(i) development and introduction of high-performance work systems, workforce literacy programs, and programs for worker education and training; "(ii) other programs that build upon the skills and C£upabilities of the work force; and "(G) trade and export assistance. "(3) Loan guarantees to small businesses that are economically dependent on defense expenditures, under the terms and conditions specified under other applicable law. "(c) ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED.— (1) The Secretary may make grants, enter into contracts, or enter into cooperative agreements and other transactions pursuant to section 2371 of this title. "(2) Subject to subsection (d), the Secretary may provide a program referred to in subsection (b) with technical and other assistance. "(3) The Secretary is authorized to carry out a program to provide assistance to small businesses that are economically dependent on defense expenditures to obtain access to a national network of scientists and engineers, and to information resources (including access through on-line data bases to local, national, and international technical and business literature encompassing a wide range of technologies), that can help minimize technical risk and thereby facilitate the development and commercialization of new products. "(d) FINANCIAL COMMITMENT OF NON-DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PARTICIPANTS. —(1) The Secretary shall ensure that the amount of funds provided by the Department of Defense for a program
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