[Congressional Bills 104th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1844 Introduced in House (IH)]

  1st Session
                                H. R. 1844

To contribute to the competitiveness of the United States by enhancing 
  the manufacturing technology programs of the Department of Commerce.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 14, 1995

  Mr. Olver introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
                          Committee on Science

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To contribute to the competitiveness of the United States by enhancing 
  the manufacturing technology programs of the Department of Commerce.
    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Manufacturing Technology and 
Extension Act of 1995''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS, PURPOSE, AND STATEMENT OF POLICY.

    The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 
3701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title:

                 ``TITLE III--MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

``SEC. 301. FINDINGS, PURPOSE, AND STATEMENT OF POLICY.

    ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds and declares the following:
            ``(1) United States manufacturers, especially small 
        businesses, require the adoption and implementation of both 
        modern and advanced manufacturing and process technologies to 
        meet the challenge of foreign competition.
            ``(2) The development and application of modern and 
        advanced manufacturing technologies are vital to the 
        sustainable economic growth, standard of living, 
        competitiveness in world markets, and national security and 
        welfare of the United States.
            ``(3) New developments in flexible, computer-integrated 
        manufacturing, electronic manufacturing communications 
        networks, and other new technologies make possible dramatic 
        improvements across all industrial sectors in productivity, 
        quality, and the speed with which United States manufacturers 
        can respond to changing market opportunities.
            ``(4) The application of advances in computer science and 
        technology to manufacturing is also vital to the Nation's 
        prosperity, national and economic security, industrial 
        production, engineering, and scientific advancement.
            ``(5) The Department of Commerce's Technology 
        Administration, along with other Federal agencies, can continue 
        to play an important role in assisting United States companies 
        to develop, test, and adopt modern and advanced manufacturing 
        technologies and in establishing high-performance computing 
        technology testbeds to develop, refine, test, and transfer 
        advanced manufacturing and networking technologies and 
        associated applications.
    ``(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this title to contribute to 
the competitiveness of the United States by enhancing the Department of 
Commerce's technology programs to--
            ``(1) provide United States manufacturers, especially small 
        businesses, with ready access to high quality advice and 
        assistance in the development, adoption, and improvement of 
        modern manufacturing processes and technology, and in solving 
        their specific technology-based problems; and
            ``(2) encourage, facilitate, and support the development 
        and adoption of advanced manufacturing principles and 
        technologies by United States manufacturers.
    ``(c) Statement of Policy.--Congress declares that it is the policy 
of the United States that--
            ``(1) Federal agencies, particularly the Department of 
        Commerce, shall work with United States manufacturers, labor, 
        and the States to ensure that the United States is second to no 
        other nation in the development, adoption, and use of modern 
        and advanced manufacturing technology;
            ``(2) the Department of Commerce shall work with all the 
        major Federal research and development agencies to encourage 
        the development and adoption, by United States manufacturers, 
        of advanced manufacturing technologies, and shall work closely 
        with United States manufacturers and labor, and with the 
        Nation's universities, to develop and test those technologies; 
        and
            ``(3) the Department of Commerce shall place a high 
        priority on the establishment and growth of a National 
        Technology Outreach Program to promote and facilitate the 
        development and use by United States manufacturers of modern 
        and advanced manufacturing systems and applications for 
        manufacturing.
    ``(d) Construction.--Nothing in this title shall be construed as 
modifying the duties and responsibilities of the Department of Energy 
with regard to its technology resources and expertise in matters under 
its jurisdiction.''.

SEC. 3. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.

    Title III of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 
1980, as added by section 2 of this Act, is further amended by adding 
at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 302. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.

    ``(a) Department of Commerce.--Consistent with the purposes and 
policies of section 301, the Department of Commerce shall have primary 
responsibility in the Federal Government in working with United States 
manufacturers and labor and the States to develop advanced 
manufacturing technologies and to promote and assist the adoption and 
use of modern and advanced manufacturing technologies, practices, and 
management techniques throughout the United States. In carrying out 
this title, the Secretary, acting, as appropriate, through the Under 
Secretary and the Director, shall--
            ``(1) consult and cooperate with other Federal agencies, 
        including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, 
        and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to ensure 
        consistent and, where possible, coordinated efforts to promote 
        the development and adoption of modern and advanced 
        manufacturing technologies;
            ``(2) assist the Office of Science and Technology Policy in 
        its efforts to coordinate the manufacturing technology 
        activities of the various Federal agencies; and
            ``(3) work with representatives of Federal, State, and 
        local agencies, manufacturing extension programs, private 
        industry, industry groups, worker organizations, and academia 
        to encourage and facilitate the use of both advanced 
        manufacturing technologies, including those developed by the 
        Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Program 
        established under section 304 of this Act, and modern 
        manufacturing technologies and practices to United States 
        manufacturers.
The Secretary shall annually report to Congress on actions taken under 
this subsection.
    ``(b) Other Federal Agencies.--To the extent permitted by other 
law, other Federal agencies shall cooperate with the Secretary in 
carrying out this title.''.

SEC. 4. NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY OUTREACH PROGRAM.

    Title III of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 
1980, as added by sections 2 and 3 of this Act, is further amended by 
adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 303. NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY OUTREACH PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Establishment and Purpose.--There is hereby established a 
National Technology Outreach Program (in this section referred to as 
the `Outreach Program'), the purpose of which shall be to--
            ``(1) interconnect, programmatically and electronically, 
        the Nation's technology and manufacturing extension centers, 
        programs, and activities;
            ``(2) improve the competitiveness of United States 
        manufacturers and create jobs located in the United States; and
            ``(3) assist United States manufacturers, especially small 
        businesses, to expand and accelerate the use of cost-effective 
        modern manufacturing technologies and practices and to develop 
        and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. The Secretary, 
        acting through the Under Secretary and the Director, shall 
        implement and coordinate the Outreach Program in accordance 
        with an initial plan and a 5-year plan for the Outreach 
        Program, to be submitted to the Congress under subsection (g).
    ``(b) Program Components.--The Outreach Program shall constitute a 
partnership between the Department of Commerce, the States, the private 
sector, and, as appropriate, shall include other Federal agencies to 
provide a national system of manufacturing and technology extension 
centers and technical services to United States manufacturers, 
particularly small businesses. The Outreach Program shall include--
            ``(1) Manufacturing Outreach Centers established under 
        subsection (c);
            ``(2) Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing 
        Technology established under section 25 of the National 
        Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k);
            ``(3) the State Technology Extension Program established 
        under section 26 of the National Institute of Standards and 
        Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278l);
            ``(4) the Outreach Program Information Network and the 
        Clearinghouse established under subsections (d) and (e) of this 
        section, respectively; and
            ``(5) other technology and manufacturing extension centers 
        and activities supported by Federal, State, or local agencies 
        which could contribute to the goals of this title and that the 
        Secretary considers appropriate for inclusion in the Outreach 
        Program.
    ``(c) Manufacturing Outreach Centers.--(1) Eligible government and 
private sector organizations that are engaged in technology or 
manufacturing extension activities may apply to the Secretary for 
designation as Manufacturing Outreach Centers, in such form and manner 
as the Secretary may prescribe. Eligible organizations include Federal, 
State, and local government agencies, extension programs, universities, 
and laboratories; small business development centers; and professional 
societies, worker organizations, industrial organizations, nonprofit 
organizations, community development organizations, community colleges, 
and technical schools and colleges.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall establish standards, consistent with the 
requirements of subsection (f), for designation of existing technology 
or manufacturing extension programs and for qualification of start-up 
programs as Manufacturing Outreach Centers.
    ``(3) The Secretary may, through a competitive process, make 
grants, subject to the availability of appropriations, to Manufacturing 
Outreach Centers designated in accordance with the standards 
established under paragraph (2), to enable them to fulfill the purposes 
and perform the activities of the Outreach Program. If a State plan for 
technology extension exists in a State where an applicant for a grant 
under this paragraph is operating or plans to operate, the proposer 
shall demonstrate in its application that its proposal is compatible 
with such State plan. The purpose of such grants is to upgrade the 
overall quality of the Outreach Program and to contribute to the goal 
of ready availability of the services and information provided through 
the Outreach Program, including information on modern and advanced 
manufacturing technology, to all interested United States 
manufacturers. Such grants shall be awarded to increase the 
capabilities and capacity of Manufacturing Outreach Centers. 
Manufacturing Outreach Centers may not concurrently receive financial 
assistance under section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology Act and grants under this paragraph. Grants may be awarded 
under this paragraph for an initial period not to exceed 3 years and 
may be renewed for one additional period, not to exceed 2 years. Such 
grants may not at any time exceed 50 percent of the operating costs and 
in-kind contributions of the grant recipient.
    ``(4) In selecting applicants to participate in the Outreach 
Program and in making grants under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall 
solicit and consider evaluations of the applicant's performance record 
and current capabilities, and the potential usefulness of the 
applicant's proposal, from United States manufacturers that the 
Secretary considers qualified to make such evaluations.
    ``(d) Outreach Program Information Network.--(1) The Department of 
Commerce shall provide for an instantaneous, interactive electronic 
communications network (in this section referred to as the `outreach 
network') to serve the Outreach Program, to facilitate effective and 
efficient interaction within it, and to permit the collection and 
dissemination in electronic form, in a timely and accurate manner, of 
information described in subsection (e). The outreach network shall, 
wherever practicable, make use of existing public and private computer 
networks, data bases, and electronic bulletin boards. The design, 
configuration, acquisition plan, and operating policies, including user 
fees and appropriate electronic access for public and private 
information suppliers and users, of the outreach network shall be 
included in the 5-year plan prepared under subsection (g)(2) and shall 
address--
            ``(A) effective mechanisms for providing operating funds 
        for the maintenance and use of the outreach network established 
        under this paragraph, including user fees, industry support, 
        and continued Federal investment;
            ``(B) the future operation and evolution of the outreach 
        network, including its relationship with other public or 
        private information services;
            ``(C) how to protect the copyrights of material distributed 
        over the outreach network; and
            ``(D) appropriate policies--
                    ``(i) to ensure the security of proprietary 
                information that might be available on the outreach 
                network and to protect the privacy of users of the 
                outreach network; and
                    ``(ii) to facilitate and limit access to the 
                outreach network and its information to member 
                organizations of the Outreach Program and to United 
                States companies, State and local governments, United 
                States universities and colleges, and United States 
                nonprofit organizations that the Secretary deems 
                appropriate.
    ``(2) Except as provided in this section, the outreach network 
established under paragraph (1) shall be designed and configured in a 
manner that will enable interoperability with networks and technologies 
developed under the National High-Performance Computing Program 
described in section 101 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 
(15 U.S.C. 5511). The Secretary shall also, as appropriate, coordinate 
activities under this subsection with the relevant activities of other 
Federal agencies, particularly the agile manufacturing/enterprise 
integration activities of the Department of Defense.
    ``(e) Clearinghouse.--(1) The Secretary shall develop a 
clearinghouse system, using existing public and private sector 
information providers and carriers where appropriate, to--
            ``(A) identify expertise and acquire information, 
        appropriate to the purpose of the Outreach Program stated in 
        subsection (a), from all appropriate Federal sources, and where 
        appropriate from other sources, providing assistance where 
        necessary in making such information electronically available 
        through and compatible with the outreach network;
            ``(B) ensure ready access, through the outreach network, by 
        United States companies, Federal agencies, State and local 
        governments, United States universities and colleges, United 
        States nonprofit organizations that the Secretary deems 
        appropriate, and member organizations of the Outreach Program, 
        to the most recent relevant available information and 
        expertise;
            ``(C) ensure that common standards of interconnection are 
        utilized by the outreach network and the clearinghouse to allow 
        maximum interoperability and usership; and
            ``(D) to the extent practicable, inform United States 
        manufacturers of the availability of such information.
    ``(2) The clearinghouse shall include information available 
electronically on--
            ``(A) activities of Manufacturing Outreach Centers, 
        Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology, 
        the State Technology Extension Program, and the users of the 
        outreach network;
            ``(B) domestic and international standards and other export 
        promotion information, including conformity assessment 
        requirements and procedures;
            ``(C) the Malcolm Baldrige Quality program, and quality 
        principles and standards;
            ``(D) manufacturing processes minimizing waste and negative 
        environmental impact;
            ``(E) federally funded technology development and transfer 
        programs;
            ``(F) how to access data bases and services; and
            ``(G) skills training, particularly the implementation and 
        use of modern and advanced manufacturing techniques.
    ``(3) The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, may 
convene a national conference to develop recommendations for common 
standards for interconnection and for improved dissemination to users 
of the clearinghouse of information on domestic and international 
technical regulations and standards, and on conformity assessment 
procedures, including draft standards and regulations. Invited 
participants are to include a broad cross section of the standards, 
accreditation, and user communities.
    ``(f) Additional Requirements.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary shall satisfy the following requirements:
            ``(1) The Outreach Program and the outreach network shall 
        be established and operated through cooperation and cofunding 
        among Federal, State, and local governments, other public and 
        private contributors, and end users that the Secretary 
        determines are appropriate for providing maximum benefit to 
        United States manufacturers.
            ``(2) The Outreach Program and the outreach network shall 
        utilize and leverage, to the extent practicable, existing 
        organizations, data bases, electronic networks, facilities, 
        capabilities, and existing standards for interconnection, and 
        shall be designed to complement rather than supplant State and 
        local programs.
            ``(3) The Outreach Program and the outreach network shall 
        be subject to all applicable provisions of law for the 
        protection of trade secrets and business confidential 
        information.
            ``(4) Access to the services available through the Outreach 
        Program and information available through the outreach network 
        servicing the Outreach Program shall be limited, as 
        appropriate, to United States companies, State and local 
        governments, United States universities and colleges, and 
        United States nonprofit organizations that the Secretary deems 
        appropriate.
            ``(5) Local or regional needs should determine the 
        management structure and staffing of the Manufacturing Outreach 
        Centers. The Outreach Program shall strive for geographical 
        balance with the ultimate goal of access for all United States 
        manufacturers.
            ``(6) Manufacturing Outreach Centers should have the 
        capability to deliver outreach services directly to United 
        States manufacturers, actively work with, rather than supplant, 
        the private sector, and to the extent practicable, maximize the 
        exposure of United States manufacturers to demonstrations of 
        modern technologies in use, including flexible manufacturing 
        practices.
            ``(7) The Department of Commerce shall develop mechanisms 
        for--
                    ``(A) soliciting the perspectives of United States 
                manufacturers using the services of the Manufacturing 
                Outreach Centers and Regional Centers for the Transfer 
                of Manufacturing Technology; and
                    ``(B) evaluating the effectiveness of the 
                Manufacturing Outreach Centers and Regional Centers for 
                the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology.
    ``(g) Plan and Reports.--(1) Within 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this title, the Secretary, after consultation with the 
Under Secretary, the Director, the Department of Commerce Technology 
Advisory Board, other appropriate Federal agencies, and a cross-section 
of potential participants in the Outreach Program, shall submit an 
initial plan for the implementation of this title to Congress--
            ``(A) describing how the Secretary will carry out the 
        responsibility to create, operate, and support the Outreach 
        Program and the outreach network, including the interactive 
        electronic linkage of Manufacturing Outreach Centers to the 
        programs of the Technology Administration and other appropriate 
        Federal, State, and local agencies;
            ``(B) establishing criteria and procedures, consistent with 
        the requirements of this title, for--
                    ``(i) the selection of organizations to receive 
                Department of Commerce services or financial assistance 
                as part of the Outreach Program, including 
                qualifications and training of technology extension 
                agents;
                    ``(ii) access to services provided by participants 
                in the Outreach Program and to information available 
                through the outreach network servicing the Outreach 
                Program; and
                    ``(iii) the annual evaluation of the Outreach 
                Program in achieving the purposes of this title; and
            ``(C) evaluating the need for and the benefits of a 
        National Conference of States on Technology Extension, similar 
        in structure to the National Conference on Weights and 
        Measures, and, if the Secretary determines that such a 
        Conference is advisable, developing, in consultation with the 
        States and other interested parties, a plan for the 
        establishment, operation, funding, and evaluation of such a 
        Conference.
    ``(2) Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this title, the 
Secretary, in consultation with the Under Secretary, the Director, and 
the Department of Commerce Technology Advisory Board, shall prepare and 
submit to the Congress a 5-year plan for implementing the Outreach 
Program and the outreach network and clearinghouse established under 
subsections (d) and (e), respectively. Such 5-year plan shall identify 
appropriate methods for expanding the Outreach Program in a 
geographically balanced manner. Such 5-year plan shall include a 
detailed implementation plan and cost estimates and shall take into 
consideration and build on the report submitted under paragraph (1). In 
the preparation of such 5-year plan, the Secretary shall provide an 
opportunity for public comment, and the plan submitted to Congress 
shall include a summary of comments received. Such plan may not be 
implemented until 90 days after its submission to the Congress.
    ``(3) Beginning with first year after submission of the 5-year plan 
under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall annually report to the 
Congress, at the time of the President's annual budget request to 
Congress, on--
            ``(A) progress made in achieving the purposes of the 
        Outreach Program described in subsection (a) using criteria and 
        procedures established under paragraph (1)(B)(iii);
            ``(B) changes proposed to the 5-year plan;
            ``(C) performance in adhering to schedules; and
            ``(D) any recommendations for legislative changes necessary 
        to enhance the Outreach Program.
The report under this paragraph submitted at the end of the fourth year 
of operation of the Outreach Program shall include recommendations on 
whether to terminate the Outreach Program or extend it for an 
additional period not to exceed 5 years.''.

SEC. 5. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

    Title III of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 
1980, as added by sections 2, 3, and 4 of this Act, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 304. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary, through the Under Secretary 
and the Director, shall establish an Advanced Manufacturing Technology 
Development Program which shall include projects to develop advanced 
manufacturing systems, networks, electronic data exchange, and which 
shall be complementary with advanced manufacturing technology 
development programs supported by other Federal agencies.
    ``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Advanced Manufacturing 
Technology Development Program is to create collaborative multiyear 
technology development programs involving United States companies and, 
as appropriate, cooperating with other Federal agencies and 
laboratories, the States, worker organizations, universities and 
colleges, independent research organizations, and other interested 
persons, in order to develop, refine, test, and transfer design and 
manufacturing technologies and associated applications, including 
advanced computer integration and electronic networks for manufacturing 
information exchange.
    ``(c) Program Components.--The Advanced Manufacturing Technology 
Development Program shall include--
            ``(1) the advanced manufacturing research and development 
        activities at the Institute; and
            ``(2) one or more technology development testbeds within 
        the United States, selected in accordance with procedures, 
        including cost sharing, established for the Advanced Technology 
        Program established under section 28 of the National Institute 
        of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n), whose purpose 
        shall be to develop, refine, and test advanced manufacturing, 
        data exchange, and networking technologies and associated 
        applications and to facilitate the transfer of such 
        technologies and applications to United States manufacturers.
    ``(d) Functions and Activities.--The Advanced Manufacturing 
Technology Development Program, under the coordination of the 
Secretary, through the Director, shall--
            ``(1) test and, as appropriate, facilitate and support the 
        development of the equipment, computer software, and systems 
        integration necessary for the successful operation within the 
        United States of advanced design and manufacturing systems and 
        associated electronic networks;
            ``(2) establish at the Institute and the technology 
        development testbed or testbeds--
                    ``(A) prototype advanced computer-integrated 
                manufacturing systems;
                    ``(B) prototype electronic networks linking 
                manufacturing systems; and
                    ``(C) prototype clean manufacturing systems;
            ``(3) assist United States companies to develop voluntary 
        consensus standards relevant to advanced computer-integrated 
        manufacturing operations, including standards for networks, 
        electronic data interchange, and digital product data 
        specifications;
            ``(4) help to make high-performance computing and 
        networking technologies an integral part of design and 
        production processes where appropriate;
            ``(5) conduct research to identify and overcome technical 
        barriers to the successful and cost-effective operation of 
        advanced manufacturing systems and networks and to promote and 
        facilitate electronic data exchange;
            ``(6) facilitate the efforts of United States companies to 
        develop and test new applications for manufacturing systems, 
        networks, and information exchange;
            ``(7) involve in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology 
        Development Program, to the maximum extent practicable, both 
        those United States manufacturers which make manufacturing 
        technology and related computer equipment and software, and 
        United States companies which buy such technology, equipment 
        and software;
            ``(8) identify training needs, as appropriate, for 
        managers, engineers, and employees of United States 
        manufacturers in the operation and applications of advanced 
        manufacturing technologies and networks, with particular 
        emphasis on training for production workers in the effective 
        use of advanced manufacturing technology;
            ``(9) work with United States companies, universities, 
        independent research organizations, and other interested 
        parties to develop standards, tools, and techniques for the use 
        of advanced computer-based training systems, including multi-
        media and interactive learning technologies;
            ``(10) involve small businesses in its activities;
            ``(11) exchange information and personnel, as appropriate, 
        between the technology development testbeds and the outreach 
        network created under section 303(d); and
            ``(12) coordinate its activities with the National High-
        Performance Computing Program described in section 101 of the 
        High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511) to 
        ensure that both programs are complementary and compatible.
    ``(e) Testbed Awards.--(1) In selecting applicants to receive 
awards under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall 
give preferential consideration to applicants that have existing 
computer expertise in manufacturing applications and the ability to 
diffuse such expertise to United States companies, and that, in the 
case of joint research and development ventures, include both suppliers 
and users of advanced manufacturing technology. In the case of systems 
described in subsection (d)(2)(C), the Secretary shall also give 
preferential consideration to applicants that have existing program 
expertise in clean manufacturing, including the areas of concurrent 
engineering, materials research, and environmental science, and which 
have a technology transfer mechanism in place to transfer testbed 
results of a clean manufacturing program to industry participants.
    ``(2) An industry-led joint research and development venture 
applying for an award under subsection (c)(2) of this section may 
include one or more State research organizations, universities, Federal 
laboratories, independent research organizations, or Regional Centers 
for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology (as created under section 
25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
 Act) and other organizations as the Secretary considers appropriate.
    ``(f) Advice and Assistance.--(1) Within 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this title, and before any request for proposals is 
issued, the Secretary shall hold one or more workshops to solicit 
advice from United States companies and from other Federal agencies, 
particularly the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, regarding the 
specific missions and activities of the testbeds.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall, to the greatest extent possible, 
coordinate activities under this section with activities of other 
Federal agencies and initiatives relating to computer-aided acquisition 
and logistics support, electronic data interchange, flexible computer-
integrated manufacturing, and enterprise integration.
    ``(3) The Secretary may request and accept funds, facilities, 
equipment, or personnel from other Federal agencies in order to carry 
out this section.
    ``(g) Antitrust Savings Clause.--This section shall not be 
construed to modify, impair, or supersede the operation of the 
antitrust laws. For purposes of this subsection, the term `antitrust 
laws' has the meaning given it in subsection (a) of the first section 
of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12(a)), except that such term includes 
the Act of June 19, 1936 (49 Stat. 1526; 15 U.S.C. 13 et seq.), 
commonly known as the Robinson Patman Act, and section 5 of the Federal 
Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to the extent that such section 5 
applies to unfair methods of competition.''.

SEC. 6. MISCELLANEOUS AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703) is amended by adding at the end 
the following new paragraphs:
            ``(14) `Director' means the Director of the National 
        Institute of Standards and Technology.
            ``(15) `Institute' means the National Institute of 
        Standards and Technology.
            ``(16) `Assistant Secretary' means the Assistant Secretary 
        of Commerce for Technology Policy.
            ``(17) `Advanced manufacturing technology' means--
                    ``(A) numerically-controlled machine tools, robots, 
                automated process control equipment, computerized 
                flexible manufacturing systems, associated computer 
                software, and other technology for improving 
                manufacturing and industrial production of goods, 
                including biotechnology products, which advance the 
                state-of-the-art; or
                    ``(B) novel manufacturing techniques and processes 
                not previously generally available that improve 
                manufacturing quality, productivity, and practices, 
                including engineering design, quality assurance, 
                concurrent engineering, continuous process production 
                technology, inventory management, upgraded worker 
                skills, communications with customers and suppliers, 
                and promotion of sustainable economic growth.
            ``(18) `Modern technology' means the best available proven 
        technology, techniques, and processes appropriate to enhancing 
        the productivity of manufacturers or to promoting sustainable 
        economic growth.
            ``(19) `Sustainable economic growth' means economic growth 
        that enhances the national quality of life and preserves 
        environmental integrity.
            ``(20) The term `United States company' means an entity 
        which the Secretary finds, based on a demonstration by such 
        entity--
                    ``(A) maintains substantial employment in the 
                United States;
                    ``(B) agrees, with respect to a technology arising 
                from assistance provided under this Act or the 
                Manufacturing Technology and Extension Act of 1995, to 
                promote the manufacture within the United States of 
                products resulting from that technology;
                    ``(C) agrees to procure parts and materials for 
                such products from competitive United States suppliers; 
                and
                    ``(D) either--
                            ``(i) is a United States-owned company; or
                            ``(ii) is a company incorporated in the 
                        United States that has a parent company 
                        incorporated in a country which the Secretary 
                        finds--
                                    ``(I) affords to United States-
                                owned companies opportunities 
                                comparable to those afforded to any 
                                other company to participate in 
                                programs and to have access to 
                                resources and information equivalent to 
                                the opportunities authorized under this 
                                Act or the Manufacturing Technology and 
                                Extension Act of 1995 to foreign-owned 
                                entities engaged in commerce in the 
                                United States;
                                    ``(II) has a standards development 
                                and conformity assessment process that 
                                is open and transparent, and that 
                                results in standards that are fair and 
                                reasonable and do not discriminate 
                                against United States products and 
                                production processes;
                                    ``(III) affords to United States-
                                owned companies local investment 
                                opportunities comparable to those 
                                afforded any other company; and
                                    ``(IV) affords adequate and 
                                effective protection for the 
                                intellectual property rights of United 
                                States-owned companies.
            ``(21) The term `United States manufacturer' means a United 
        States company which the Secretary finds, based on a 
        demonstration by such company, makes substantial investments in 
        the United States in research, development, and manufacturing 
        (including the manufacture of major components or subassemblies 
        in the United States).
            ``(22) The term `United States-owned company' has the 
        meaning given such term in section 28(j)(2) of the National 
        Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 
        278n(j)(2).
            ``(23) `Independent research organizations' means nonprofit 
        organizations organized primarily for the purpose of conducting 
        or managing research activities.''.
    (b) Redesignations.--The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act 
of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.) is amended--
            (1) by inserting immediately after section 4 the following 
        new title heading:
       ``TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS'';

            (2) by redesignating sections 5 through 10 as sections 101 
        through 106, respectively;
            (3) by redesignating sections 16 through 22, as sections 
        107 through 113, respectively;
            (4) by inserting immediately after section 113 (as 
        redesignated by paragraph (3) of this subsection) the following 
        new title heading:
               ``TITLE II--FEDERAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER'';

            (5) by redesignating sections 11 through 15 as sections 201 
        through 205, respectively;
            (6) by redesignating section 23 as section 206;
            (7) in section 4--
                    (A) by striking ``section 5'' each place it appears 
                and inserting in lieu thereof ``section 101'';
                    (B) in paragraphs (4) and (6), by striking 
                ``section 6'' and ``section 8'' each place they appear 
                and inserting in lieu thereof ``section 102'' and 
                ``section 104'', respectively; and
                    (C) in paragraph (13), by striking ``section 6'' 
                and inserting in lieu thereof ``section 102'';
            (8) in section 105 (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of 
        this subsection) by striking ``section 6'' each place it 
        appears and inserting in lieu thereof ``section 102'';
            (9) in section 106(d) (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of 
        this subsection) by striking ``7, 9, 11, 15, 17, or 20'' and 
        inserting in lieu thereof ``103, 105, 108, 111, 201, or 205'';
            (10) in section 201(i) (as redesignated by paragraph (5) of 
        this subsection) by inserting ``loan, lease, or'' after 
        ``may''; and by inserting ``Actions taken under this subsection 
        shall not be subject to Federal requirements on the disposal of 
        property.'' after ``activities.'';
            (11) in section 202(b) (as redesignated by paragraph (5) of 
        this subsection) by striking ``section 14'' and inserting in 
        lieu thereof ``section 204'';
            (12) in section 204(a)(1) (as redesignated by paragraph (5) 
        of this subsection) by striking ``section 12'' and inserting in 
        lieu thereof ``section 202'';
            (13) in section 113 (as redesignated by paragraph (3) of 
        this subsection) by striking ``sections 11, 12, and 13'' and 
        inserting in lieu thereof ``sections 201, 202, and 203'';
            (14) in section 206 (as redesignated by paragraph (6) of 
        this subsection)--
                    (A) by striking ``section 11(b)'' in subsection 
                (a)(2) and inserting in lieu thereof ``section 
                201(b)''; and
                    (B) by striking ``section 6(d)'' in subsection (b) 
                and inserting in lieu thereof ``section 102(d)''; and
            (15) by adding at the end of section 201 (as redesignated 
        by paragraph (5) of this subsection) the following new 
        subsection:
    ``(j) Additional Technology Transfer Mechanisms.--In addition to 
the technology transfer mechanisms set forth in this section and 
section 202 of this Act, the heads of Federal departments and agencies 
also may transfer technologies through the technology transfer and 
extension programs of the Department of Commerce and the Department of 
Defense.''.

SEC. 7. MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTERS.

    Section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
Act (15 U.S.C. 278k), is amended--
            (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: 
        ``manufacturing technology centers'';
            (2) in subsection (c)(5), by striking ``which are 
        designed'' and all that follows through ``operation of a 
        Center'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``to a maximum of one-
        third Federal funding. Each Center which receives financial 
        assistance under this section shall be evaluated during its 
        sixth year of operation, and at such subsequent times as the 
        Secretary considers appropriate, by an evaluation panel 
        appointed by the Secretary in the same manner as was the 
        evaluation panel previously appointed. The Secretary shall not 
        provide funding for additional years of the Center's operation 
        unless the evaluation is positive and the Secretary finds that 
        continuation of funding furthers the goals of the Department. 
        Such additional Federal funding shall not exceed one-third of 
        the cost of the Center's operations'';
            (3) by striking subsection (d); and
            (4) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
    ``(d) If a Center receives a positive evaluation during its third 
year of operation, the Director may, any time after that evaluation, 
contract with the Center to provide additional technology extension or 
transfer services above and beyond the baseline activities of the 
Center. Such additional services may include, but are not limited to, 
the development and operation of the following:
            ``(1) Programs to assist United States companies that are 
        engaged in manufacturing and their employees, including front-
        line production workers, in the Center's region to learn and 
        apply the technologies, techniques, and processes associated 
        with systems management technology, electronic data exchange, 
        or improving manufacturing productivity.
            ``(2) Services focused on the testing, development, and 
        application of manufacturing and process technologies within 
        specific technical fields such as advanced materials or 
        electronics fabrication for the purpose of assisting United 
        States companies that
         are engaged in manufacturing, both within the Center's 
original service region and in other regions, to improve manufacturing 
quality, product design, workforce training, and production efficiency 
in those specific technical fields.
            ``(3) Industry-led demonstration programs that involve 
        United States manufacturing technology consortia to provide 
        ongoing research, technology transfer, and worker training 
        assistance to their members. An award under this paragraph 
        shall be for no more than $500,000 per year, and shall be 
        subject to renewal after a 1-year demonstration period.
    ``(e) In addition to any assistance provided or contracts entered 
into with a Center under this section, the Director is authorized to 
make separate and smaller awards, through a competitive process, to 
nonprofit organizations which wish to work with a Center. Such awards 
shall be for the purpose of enabling those organizations to provide 
outreach services, in collaboration with the Center, to United States 
manufacturers located in parts of the region served by the Center which 
are not easily accessible to the Center and which are not served by any 
other manufacturing outreach center. Organizations which receive such 
awards shall be known as Local Manufacturing Offices. In reviewing 
applications, the Director shall consider the needs of rural as well as 
urban manufacturers. No single award for a Local Manufacturing Office 
shall be for more than three years, awards shall be renewable through 
the competitive awards process, and no award shall be made unless the 
applicant provides matching funds at least equal to the amount received 
under this section.
    ``(f) In carrying out this section, the Director shall coordinate 
his efforts with the plans for the National Technology Outreach Program 
established under section 303 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 
Innovation Act of 1980.''.
SEC. 8. STATE TECHNOLOGY EXTENSION PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--Section 26(a) of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278l(a)), is amended--
            (1) by inserting immediately after ``(a)'' the following 
        new sentence: ``There is established within the Institute a 
        State Technology Extension Program.''; and
            (2) by inserting ``through that Program'' immediately after 
        ``technical assistance''.
    (b) Additional Authorities.--Section 26 of the National Institute 
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278l) is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) In addition to the general authorities listed in subsection 
(b) of this section, the State Technology Extension Program also may, 
through merit-based competitive review processes--
            ``(1) make awards to States and conduct workshops, pursuant 
        to section 5121(b) of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act 
        of 1988, in order to help States improve their planning and 
        coordination of technology extension activities;
            ``(2) support technology demonstration projects to help 
        States provide technical assistance and services to United 
        States manufacturers that will improve their productivity and 
        competitiveness;
            ``(3) support State efforts to develop and test innovative 
        ways to help United States manufacturers improve their 
        technical capabilities;
            ``(4) support State efforts designed to help United States 
        manufacturers in rural as well as urban areas adopt modern 
        manufacturing technologies;
            ``(5) support State efforts to assist interested United 
        States manufacturers in the defense industry to adapt to modern 
        or advanced manufacturing technologies as they convert to 
        nondefense or dual-use purposes;
            ``(6) support worker technology education programs in the 
        States at institutions such as research universities, community 
        colleges, labor education centers, labor-management committees, 
        and worker organizations in production technologies critical to 
        the Nation's future, with an emphasis on high-performance work 
        systems, the skills necessary to use modern or advanced 
        manufacturing systems well;
            ``(7) help States develop programs to train personnel who 
        in turn can provide technical skills to managers and workers of 
        United States manufacturers; and
            ``(8) support State efforts to assist United States 
        manufacturers to develop on-the-job training in modern and 
        advanced manufacturing technologies, techniques, and processes 
        and to promote the development and adoption of modern and 
        advanced manufacturing technologies.''.

SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of 
Commerce for carrying out the amendments made by this Act--
            (1) $146,600,000 for fiscal year 1996; and
            (2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal 
        years 1997 through 2000.
                                 <all>
HR 1844 IH----2
HR 1844 IH----3