"The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent agency of the U.S. Government, established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, and related legislation, and was given additional authority by the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act, and Title I of the Education for Economic Security Act. The Foundation consists of the National Science Board of 24 part-time members and a Director (who also serves as ex officio National Science Board member), each appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. The National Science Foundation is located in the Ballston area of North Arlington, Virginia, between Wilson Boulevard and Fairfax Drive, one block south of the Ballston-Marymount University Metro stop on the Orange Line.

The Technology Administration (TA) is the only Federal agency working to maximize technology's contribution to America's economic growth. The Technology Administration seeks to maximize technology's contribution to economic growth, high-wage job creation, and the social well being of the United States. In addition, the Under Secretary will present a pair of �Recognition of Excellence in Innovation� certificates to Nanomaterials and Nanofabrication Laboratories (NN-Labs), and NanoMech, both spin-off companies based on technology developed at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. The companies are housed in the Genesis Technology Incubator.

The Conference promotes interdisciplinary understanding of aerospace systems, their underlying science and technology, and their applications to government and commercial endeavors. Spinoff is NASA's annual premier publication featuring successfully commercialized NASA technology. For more than 40 years, the NASA Innovative Partnerships Program has facilitated the transfer of NASA technology to the private sector, benefiting global competition and the economy. The resulting commercialization has contributed to the development of commercial products and services in the fields of health and medicine, industry, consumer goods, transportation, public safety, computer technology, and environmental resources.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)is the central research and development organization for the Department of Defense (DoD). It manages and directs selected basic and applied research and development projects for DoD, and pursues research and technology where risk and payoff are both very high and where success may provide dramatic advances for traditional military roles and missions.

From automated teller machines and atomic clocks to mammograms and semiconductors, innumerable products and services rely in some way on technology, measurement, and standards provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Founded in 1901, NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Commerce Department's Technology Administration. NIST's mission is to develop and promote measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. NIST employs about 3,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support and administrative personnel. About 1,600 guest researchers complement the staff. In addition, NIST partners with 2,000 manufacturing specialists and staff at affiliated centers around the country.