2006 Massachusetts Code - Chapter 23F — Section 4. Technology 2000 governing provisions.

Section 4. The following additional provisions shall govern the program:

(1) manufacturing extension services supported or provided by Technology 2000 under this chapter shall be designed to increase competitiveness of small and medium sized companies in Massachusetts through access to technical, technology, systems, and management assistance, in accessing training and consulting services, and the transitioning of technologies from research or military uses to viable products and processes.

(2) the program shall support the improvement of business practices, including but not limited to: technology, quality systems, work organization and management practices, including total quality management and just-in-time delivery systems, encouragement of employee-management cooperation in training, product design and manufacturing improvement, marketing, or alternative use development. Technology extension services provided under this chapter may be supported through a fee for service program as provided in subsection (p) of section five of chapter forty I or as otherwise determined by the program administrator in consultation with the appropriate Regional Employment Boards, the director of economic development, the advisory board created in section eight of this chapter, the legislature and other interested parties; provided, however, that the program administrator may waive all fees in cases of financial hardship as determined by the program administrator.

(3) the program may also seek to stimulate the creation of advanced technologies and techniques to improve both products and manufacturing processes, including activity-based accounting, concurrent engineering, and new problem-solving techniques.

(4) the program administrator shall provide the advisory board, as created in section eight, with copies of the following documents for review prior to their release or submission: (i) request-for-proposals or solicitations for services or grants provided pursuant to this chapter; (ii) contracts between the program administrator and regional consortia, as specified in section three; and (iii) applications for public or private grants or aid.