Commerce at a Glance: March 15, 2021

The Latest News

Gina M. Raimondo Sworn in as 40th U.S. Secretary of Commerce

On March 3, Gina M. Raimondo was sworn in as the 40th U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Secretary Raimondo was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris after a bipartisan vote of 84-15 in the United States Senate.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo Statement on the Signing of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act

Following President Joe Biden signing the American Rescue Plan Act into law, Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo released the following statement: “Far too many families, small businesses, and workers have seen their lives and livelihoods devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. But today, President Biden sent a clear message to the American people: Help is here."

Commerce Implements New Export Controls on Burma and Makes Entity List Additions in Response to the Military Coup and Escalating Violence against Peaceful Protesters

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has implemented new restrictions on exports and reexports to Burma, and transfers (in-country) within Burma, of sensitive items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) in response to the military coup and escalating violence against peaceful protesters.

U.S. Department of Commerce Adds 14 Parties to the Entity List for Support of Russian Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs and Chemical Weapons Activities

The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is adding 14 entities located in Russia, Germany, and Switzerland to the Entity List based on their proliferation activities in support of Russia’s weapons of mass destruction programs and chemical weapons activities.

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Around Commerce

Journeys of Innovation: A Patent for Girls’ Empowerment

Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA and patented the organization’s iconic trefoil badge in 1914. A three-leafed clover design adapted from the Boy Scouts’ similar badge,

Tracking Job Losses for Mothers of School-Age Children During a Health Crisis

Moms, Work and the Pandemic

Around 10 million U.S. mothers living with their own school-age children were not actively working in January — 1.4 million more than during the same month last year, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data.

Acting NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Paul Doremus highlights NOAA’s role in preventing IUU fish and fish products from entering U.S. markets.

NOAA Plays Pivotal Role in Combating Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing Globally

Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a top priority for the United States. NOAA Fisheries is proud to be a leader in the nation’s comprehensive approach to this battle. It includes many government agencies working in concert to identify bad actors...

Traveling on Your Mind? The U.S. Travel and Tourism Industry is Eager to Welcome You to the United States

We miss traveling too. Whether you are seeking beaches, mountains, big city towers, or national parks, America offers many exciting destinations for tourists. And let’s face it: Bucket lists have only grown during quarantine.

Commerce Grants & Reports

Build to Scale Program

The Fiscal Year 2021 Build to Scale program is now live with $38M in funding available to build regional economies through scalable startups. Under the Build to Scale Program, the U.S. Economic Development Administration is soliciting applications for two separate competitions: Venture Challenge and Capital Challenge.

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MBDA Business Center Program Grant Competitions

The Minority Business Development Agency is seeking proposals to open and operate an MBDA Business Center to provide technical and business development services to minority business enterprises. The 5-year grant will expand the Agency’s national network to 36 locations in 29 states.

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Annual Report to Congress Demonstrates How FirstNet is “Rising to the Challenge”

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is proud to release its Annual Report to Congress for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, highlighting the FirstNet Authority’s operations, activities, financial condition, and accomplishments over the past fiscal year.

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In Case You Missed It

March 9, 2021

Study Indicates That Humidity in Breath Makes Cotton Masks More Effective at Slowing the Spread of COVID-19

Researchers have come up with a better way to test which fabrics work best for masks that are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.

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March 4, 2021

Notice of Recruitment of FirstNet Board Members

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration issues this Notice to initiate the annual process to seek expressions of interest from individuals who would like to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority Board or Board). The terms of 11 of the 12 non-permanent members to the FirstNet Authority Board will be available for appointment and reappointment in 2021.

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March 2, 2021

NIST Tool Will Help Military Vehicles Fight Fires Using Less Harmful Chemicals

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new, interactive spreadsheet that will help the U.S. military extinguish aircraft and vehicle fires using the latest environmentally friendly chemicals.

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