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Commerce at a glance [ [link removed] ]


*April 30, 2020*




Coronavirus Disease

COVID-19

Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know [ [link removed] ]



Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) [ [link removed] ]



Guidelines for Opening Up America Again [ [link removed] ]







Latest News

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on Q1 2020 GDP Advance Estimate [ [link removed] ]

This weeks GDP numbers are weak, but in line with expectations as a result of the COVID-19-driven disruptions to daily lives at home and around the globe that have rocked global markets and supply chains. We continue to have the most resilient economy in the world, driven by innovative and hardworking Americans who have shown that they are willing to make the needed sacrifices to defeat this invisible enemy.



Commerce Tightens Restrictions on Technology Exports to Combat Chinese, Russian and Venezuelan Military Circumvention Efforts [ [link removed] ]

The Department of Commerce announced new export control actions to prevent efforts by entities in China, Russia, and Venezuela to acquire U.S. technology that could be used in development of weapons, military aircraft, or surveillance technology through civilian supply chains, or under civilian-use pretenses, for military end uses and military end-users.



Dont Forget to Respond: 2020 Census Reminder Postcards Arriving [ [link removed] ]

The U.S. Census Bureau is beginning to send reminder notice postcards to an estimated 69 million households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. About53.4% of households across the countryhave already responded sinceinvitations began arriving in mailboxes on March 12. Those households that have not yet responded to the census will receive an in person visit by a census taker to collect their information later this summer.



U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $13 Million to Build Disaster Resilient Business Incubator in Puerto Rico Opportunity Zone [ [link removed] ]

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Departments Economic Development Administration is awarding a $13 million grant to the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce to establish a disaster resilient research and business facility to support high-growth businesses focused on the health and medical tourism industries. The EDA grant, to be located in aTax Cuts and Jobs ActOpportunity Zone, will be matched with $2,350,000 in local funds and is expected to create 30 jobs.



In Glowing Colors: Seeing the Spread of Drug Particles in a Forensic Lab [ [link removed] ]

When two scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology brought black lights and glow powder into the Maryland State Police crime lab, they werent setting up a laser tag studio or nightclub.Instead, their aim was to study the way drug particles get spread around crime labs when analysts test suspected drug evidence.



Innovate for our heroes: Advance Emergency Response through Augmented Reality and the Internet of Things [ [link removed] ]

When first responders have access to more information, they are better able to respond to incidents and protect themselves and others. Recognizing this need for greater situational awareness, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is supporting the Public Safety Communications Research Division of the National Institute for Standards and Technology on a new prize challenge:CHARIoT.



Department of Commerce Issues Proposed Regulations to Create Aluminum Import Monitor [ [link removed] ]

The U.S. Department of Commerce issuedproposed regulationsto create a new Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis (AIM) program. Modeled on the successful Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis program, AIM will allow both external users and the U.S. Government to track surges in aluminum imports and to detect potential evasion and circumvention of aluminum duties as well as transshipment.



NOAAs 2020 Business Brief [ [link removed] ]

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is celebrating its 50th-anniversary by continuing to provide vital,science-based information used by Americans every day.Thanks to new and creative partnerships with space and weather enterprises and by upgrading our global weather forecast model and supercomputer capacity, NOAA is poised to deliver the worlds best weather forecasts.



NTIA Updates Comprehensive Guide to Federal Broadband Funding [ [link removed] ]

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has updated its BroadbandUSA websitedatabaseof 57 federal broadband programs, spanning 14 federal agencies with billions of dollars for broadband grants, loans, and other resources. The site,createdwith the help of participating federal agencies, fulfills a goal set out in the Trump AdministrationsAmerican Broadband Initiativeto make it easier for providers and stakeholders to find federal funding and permitting information.



PTAB launches the Legal Experience and Advancement Program (LEAP) for the next generation of patent practitioners [ [link removed] ]

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially launches the Patent Trial and Appeal Boards (PTAB) Legal Experience and Advancement Program (LEAP). LEAP is designed to foster development of the next generation of patent practitioners by creating opportunities to gain the proper skills and experience in oral arguments before the Board. The USPTO understands that stand up speaking opportunities before tribunals are limited and that gaining courtroom experience is advantageous for practitioners in their career development. Additionally, having a patent bar with strong oral advocacy skills benefits clients, the USPTO, the courts, and the whole IP system.



Gross Domestic Product, First Quarter 2020 [ [link removed] ]

Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased 4.8 percent in the first quarter of 2020, according to the advance estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the fourth quarter of 2019, real GDP increased 2.1 percent.



Complying with US Export Controls [ [link removed] ]

In partnership withWomen in International Trade Orange County(WITOC)and utilizing the power of virtual, interactive learning tools, the Bureau of Industry and Security is now offering our Complying with U.S. Export Controls seminar as an online program. This interactive course delivers critical information for compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).




In Case You Missed It

*2020 Census Internet Self-Response Exceeds Goals Amid Pandemic [ [link removed] ]*

The U.S. Census Bureaus return to field operations for the 2020 national head count will take place in phases based on a regions lockdown orders and the availability of protective gear against the new coronavirus, bureau officials told lawmakers late last week. Census Bureau officials told members of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform last Friday that there would be a phased start to the resumption of field operations on June 1 In statement, the Census Bureau said information from federal, state and local officials will guide its timing for re-starting field operations. As a result, selected field operations will resume on a phased schedule on a geographic basis, the statement said.



*NIST Provides Software Vulnerability Mitigation Framework [ [link removed] ]*

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a white paper on how to mitigate the risks of software vulnerabilities through adopting a Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) The NIST white paper is intended to provide a common language for business owners, software developers, cybersecurity professionals, and others in describing fundamental secure software development practices. Additionally, its stated intent is to focus on the practices of implementing SSDF, rather than tools and techniques because they might be different from organization to organization.



*Agencies Make Progress on the Federal Data Strategy 2020 Action Plan [ [link removed] ]*

Federal agencies are building a solid foundation for leveraging the full value of data. Find out how at strategy.data.gov/progress [ [link removed] ].













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