§7506 Department of Commerce Programs

Summary

NIST’s Director must run basic research on how to develop and manufacture nanotechnology. The research must cover measurement (metrology), reliability and quality assurance, process control, and manufacturing best practices. NIST must use the Manufacturing Extension Partnership as much as possible so small and medium manufacturers get the research. The Secretary of Commerce, or someone they choose, must create a central clearinghouse of information to help turn nanotech research into products. They must consult the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office and, when possible, use the National Technical Information Service. The clearinghouse must include regional and local efforts; how federal R&D becomes commercial and military products; tech-transfer best practices; ways to overcome deployment barriers; and information on using manufacturing facilities and workers.