Technology Administration
OFFICES

The Technology Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce works to maximize technology's contribution to America's economic growth by: advocating for technology in the federal policy-making process, expanding opportunity for high-technology business, and promoting the development and commercialization of new innovations and state-of-the-art technologies.

The Under Secretary for Technology, supported by the Deputy Under Secretary for Technology, manages the Technology Administration's (TA) three agencies:

The Office of Technology Policy (OTP) fosters dialogue and develops and advocates national policies and initiatives that use technology to build America's economic strength.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) develops and promotes measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life.

The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) collects and disseminates scientific, technical, engineering and related business information produced by the U.S. government and foreign sources.

In addition to overseeing these agencies, the Under Secretary:

• oversees the Commerce Science and Technology Fellowship (ComSci) Program, which provides senior-level executive branch employees with an opportunity to study national and international issues relating to the development, application, and management of science and technology
• administers TA's Office of Public Affairs and Office of Congressional Affairs
• serves on four committees of the President's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC): the Committee on Education and Training; the Committee on International Science, Engineering, and Technology; the Committee on National Security; and the Committee on Technology

The Office of Technology Policy (OTP) works in partnership with the private sector to achieve its objective of developing and advocating national policies and initiatives that use technology to build America's economic strength, promote the creation of high-wage jobs, and bring about improvements in our quality of life.

Under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, OTP works with U.S. business to help address the unique challenges that confront technology industries and the broad range of factors that affect these companies' ability to rapidly develop and commercialize new technologies for the global marketplace.

In addition to pursuing its core research, analysis and advocacy functions, OTP manages several offices and programs:

The International Technology programs promote international technology partnerships that strengthen U.S. competitiveness, and advocates policies to advance U.S. technology leadership in the global economy. The office currently manages activities in four regions: Middle East and Africa; Asia-Pacific; Europe, including Russia; and the Western Hemisphere.

The National Medal of Technology is the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation.

The Office of Technology Competiveness works to promote domestic technological competitiveness in four interrelated policy areas: technology development and transfer, business innovation, state and local efforts to promote technology-based economic growth, and work force preparation for a technology-driven future. In each of these areas, the office works closely with industry, conducts issue analyses, disseminates useful information, and supports the Assistant Secretary in developing and advocating policy tools that can advance U.S. innovation, technological growth, and competitiveness.

GetTech a public-private partnership designed by the Department of Commerce's Office of Technology Policy and the National Association of Manufacturers to inspire teens to prepare for the technology-driven jobs of the future.

GO4IT is a website that provides information on hundreds of IT education, employment, and training programs to provide users with access valuable information resources and find opportunities for collaboration.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology carries out its mission through four types of programs:

NIST's Research Laboratories conduct research that advances the nation's technology infrastructure and is needed by U.S. industry to continually improve products and services.

The Baldrige National Quality Program promotes performance excellence among U.S. manufacturers, service companies, educational institutions, and health care providers.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a nationwide network of local centers offering technical and business assistance to smaller manufacturers.

The Advanced Technology Program accelerates the development of innovative technologies for broad national benefit by co-funding R&D partnerships with the private sector.

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Date created: September 19, 2002