FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:             NIST 94-12
March 17, 1994

Contact:  Michael E. Newman        FEDERAL FUNDS AVAILABLE
          (301) 975-3025           FOR STATE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
                                   FROM NIST


     The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards
and Technology today announced funding is available for state
projects to plan, coordinate and, in special cases, to implement
technology extension activities.  The request was announced in
today's Federal Register.

     Approximately $2.5 million in grants is being made available
through the State Technology Extension Program component of
NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership.  The MEP is a
nationwide network of organizations to support U.S.-based
manufacturers in increasing their competitiveness nationally and
internationally through ongoing technological advancement.  NIST
is building and coordinating the partnership to help smaller
manufacturers tap into regional and national sources of
information, knowledge and insight into the use of modern
manufacturing and production technologies.

     Funded proposals will help states (1) plan extension systems
or technical assistance programs, (2) support the initial
implementation of such programs, or (3) develop links between
existing programs and those in other regions to enhance
effectiveness.

     For program implementation and regional linkage projects,
NIST plans to give priority consideration to proposals having the
best potential to benefit areas with relatively sparse
distribution of industry, or low-industry areas whose technology
assistance needs can not be met by a large extension center.

     Proposals will be accepted until 4 p.m. EDT on April 18,
1994.  Only state governments or private/public, non-profit
organizations acting with approval of state governments are
qualified to apply.  For more information, contact Roger Kilmer
at (301) 975-3423 or e-mail: kilmer@cme.nist.gov (via Internet). 
Copies of the required forms (SF-424 and CD-511) may be obtained
from the NIST Grants Office at (301) 975-6394.

     As a non-regulatory agency of the Commerce Department's
Technology Administration, NIST promotes U.S. economic growth by
working with industry to develop and apply technology,
measurements and standards.   

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