Authors: Dave Lang
Date Submitted: March 31, 2009
Article Type: Discourse

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) strives to stimulate certain types of research through sponsoring grants via what NIST calls the Technology Innovation Program (TIP). The TIP generally is aimed at sponsoring research that is not being funded through any other source, in particular, research that while presenting a high risk, has a potential for high rewards if outcomes are successful. Recently, NIST/TIP has been focusing on research related to solving socioeconomic problems that have significant impact on the US national welfare. For instance, this year’s subject is energy and manufacturing.

NIST first solicits White Papers (WPs) to identify areas of national concern related to the announced broad subject matter. These WPs are then used to help NIST formulate more specifically what types of grant proposals will then be solicited. Having identified the areas of research to be granted, NIST then issues Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to the subject research. NIST RFPs specifically target consortiums consisting of small business (large business is excluded), educational institutions, and non-profit organizations/ research agencies.

The WP below was written to (hopefully) stimulate NIST to consider funding research on one variant of wind power harvesting related to the use of kites at sea. This scheme is inextricably entwined with, and makes ultimate sense in the context of, the concept of a “modified hydrogen economy.” It is aimed at stimulating NIST funding to study a specific scheme of harvesting hydrogen at sea. Said scheme, of course, is not fully divulged, since in this phase of the NIST cycle, specific solutions are to be avoided at the behest of NIST instructions.

Page Number: 65
PDF Link: Discourse Issue