§ 193. Technology clearinghouse to encourage and support innovative solutions to enhance homeland security
(a)
Establishment of program
The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, shall establish and promote a program to encourage technological innovation in facilitating the mission of the Department (as described in section
111 of this title).
(b)
Elements of program
The program described in subsection (a) of this section shall include the following components:
(1)
The establishment of a centralized Federal clearinghouse for information relating to technologies that would further the mission of the Department for dissemination, as appropriate, to Federal, State, and local government and private sector entities for additional review, purchase, or use.
(2)
The issuance of announcements seeking unique and innovative technologies to advance the mission of the Department.
(3)
The establishment of a technical assistance team to assist in screening, as appropriate, proposals submitted to the Secretary (except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section) to assess the feasibility, scientific and technical merits, and estimated cost of such proposals, as appropriate.
(c)
Miscellaneous provisions
(1)
In general
Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary or the technical assistance team established under subsection (b)(3) of this section to set standards for technology to be used by the Department, any other executive agency, any State or local government entity, or any private sector entity.