15 U.S.C. § 272a — Technology services

In addition to any other technology services and technology-extension activities already required or allowed by law, and in order to help small and medium-sized industrial firms in the United States use technology better, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall, as appropriate: (1) work directly with states, local governments, and other appropriate organizations to widely distribute Standard Reference Materials, Standard Reference Data, calibrations, and related technical services, and to help transfer other expertise and technology to states and to small and other businesses within them; (2) evaluate inventions from small businesses or individuals that show significant potential to improve competitiveness; (3) support workshops on technical and entrepreneurial topics, and share information developed through the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award Program; and (4) work with other federal agencies to provide technical and related assistance to states and to businesses within them.