NIST tech program seeks bidders

Manufacturing & Technology News, July 31, 2008

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a call for proposals under its reconfigured "Technology Innovation Program." TIP is seeking proposals for technologies that can inspect and monitor roads, bridges and drinking and wastewater systems. NIST has $9 million to spend on new awards. TIP, the follow-on to the controversial Advanced Technology Program, was created "in an effort to address critical societal challenges."

NIST invites submissions for projects "focused on new, efficient, accurate, low-cost and reliable sensors and related technologies that provide quantitative assessments of the structural integrity or degree of deterioration of bridges, roads, water mains and wastewater collection systems," says the agency. "The competition ... addresses a critical national need for improved sensing technologies to help local, state and national authorities more cost-effectively monitor and maintain the nation's vast public infrastructure, some portions of which have been in place for many years and are rapidly and dangerously aging."

Companies and organizations hoping to win contracts have to provide a 50 percent cost-share. To view the solicitation, go to http://www.nist.gov/tip/comp08_apply.html.>

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