National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination

[Federal Register: March 19, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 52)]
[Notices][Page 11717-11718]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

To see the complete commment request access: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2009_register&docid=fr19mr09-40

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Patent and Trademark Office

National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination
Application

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The National Medal of Technology is the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States to America's leading innovators. Established by an Act of Congress in 1980, the Medal of Technology was first awarded in 1985. The Medal is given annually to individuals, teams, and/or companies/divisions for their outstanding contributions to the Nation's economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and concepts, technological innovation, and development of the Nation's technological manpower.

The purpose of the National Medal of Technology is to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to strengthening the Nation's technological workforce. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee, a distinguished, independent committee appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, reviews and evaluates the merit of all candidates nominated through an open, competitive solicitation process. The committee makes its recommendations for Medal candidates to the Secretary of Commerce, who in turn makes recommendations to the
President for final selection. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates are announced by the White House and the Department of Commerce once the Medalists are notified of their selection.

The public uses the National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Application to recognize through nomination an individual's or company's extraordinary leadership and innovation in technological achievement. The application must be accompanied by six letters of recommendation or support from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the cited achievement(s).


II. Method of Collection

The nomination application and instructions can be downloaded from the USPTO Web site. Nomination files should be submitted by electronic mail. Alternatively, letters of recommendation may be sent by electronic mail, fax or overnight delivery.