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MTS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
ACTION PLAN 2007-2008
Purpose: Identify and prioritize MTS government relations actions from 2007 to 2008.
Background: Consistent with the MTS Objective to “Elevate the MTS presence and
engagement in the public dialogue in marine technology affairs,” MTS will establish
government relationships that serve to advocate a robust marine technology capability for
the Nation. MTS Policy 6020 calls for the development and execution of a biennial
action plan to accomplish this. This plan will be in effect until election of the next VP of
Government and Public Affairs in 2008.
Contents: The action plan consists of prioritized theme areas, with a stated message,
target audience, and actions for each theme. The plan is supported by four appendices
(I: Customers, II: Issues, III: Venues, IV: Resources) which capture the full range of
potential government relations partnerships, and can be used as a reference for
development of future action plans.
Themes: The MTS Government Relations Action Plan for 2007/2008 consists of three
themes: Federal Ocean Policy, American Competitiveness Initiative, and Cultural
Marine Heritage, as described below:
1) Federal Ocean Policy: The Ocean Act of 1998 began an upsurge of national ocean
policy initiatives that continues today. The Ocean Action Plan created a new hierarchy of
multi-agency ocean policy organizations, including the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean
Science and Technology (JSOST). The Ocean Commission and the Pew Commission
have joined to become the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (JOCI), and continue to
provide independent advice to policymakers. Congress has increased its emphasis on
ocean related legislation. The importance of and need for a robust national capability in
marine technology is often lacking in these documents and efforts. MTS, in fulfilling its
mission to “promote awareness, understanding, advancement and application of marine
technology,” will develop a strategy to engage the stakeholders and policymakers in this
arena to ensure they are informed of the value of marine technology to society.
Message: So What? Showcase the value marine technology has brought to society.
Target Audience: JSOST, JOCI, Congressional Ocean Caucus
Actions:
1. Develop a product
a. MTS Journal issue, Spring 2007, “Economic and Social Benefits of
Marine Technology.” Action: Co-guest editors Karen Kohanowich and
Craig Mclean
b. Web information: Action: MTS staff and VP/GPA once website is
updated.
c. Review and consolidate agency strategic plans as the relate to undersea
technology
2. Present product
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a. Capitol Hill Oceans Week June 2007
b. Other federal and Congressional venues tbd
Primary poc: Karen Kohanowich, MTS VP/GPA
2) American Competitive Initiative: The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation
Committee’s American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 (S.2802) would
establish a President’s Council on Innovation and Competitiveness that would develop a
comprehensive agenda for strengthen the innovation and competitiveness capabilities of
the U.S. public, private and academic sectors. The bill authorizes increases in the budget
for the National Science Foundation and contains provisions supporting basic research
and innovation activities at NASA and the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST). An amendment was adopted that directs NOAA, NASA and NSF to
establish a coordinated program of ocean and atmospheric research and development.
This program is intended to develop advanced technologies and analytical methods to
promote U.S. leadership in ocean and atmospheric science. The amended bill also directs
NOAA to conduct, develop, support, promote, and coordinate formal and informal
educational activities to enhance public awareness and understanding of ocean, coastal
and atmospheric science and stewardship. Furthermore, the bill would direct NOAA to
develop a science education plan setting forth education goals and strategies for the next
20 years.
Message: Marine technology is an important and vital component of American
innovation and competitiveness.
Target Audience: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, agency
representatives
Actions:
1) Monitor progress of bill
2) Evaluate the potential ramifications and opportunities if the Competitiveness Act is
made into law
Primary POC: Paula Keener-Chavis, Chair of Ocean Exploration Committee
3) Underwater Cultural Heritage: On March 3, 2003, President Bush signed Executive
Order 13287 establishing the Preserve America Initiative. The Order calls on federal
agencies to inventory, preserve, and showcase federally-managed historic and cultural
resources. The Order also calls on the Secretary of Commerce to assist states and local
communities foster tourism to these "heritage" sites. A significant portion of these
heritage sites are located underwater.
Message: Marine technology is essential to the discovery, preservation, and showcasing
of underwater cultural heritage sites. Without technology, humans would be unable to
access all but the shallowest shipwreck sites. Cutting-edge marine technology is needed
to access and preserve shipwreck and other historic sites and facilitate remote access to
support educational and outreach programs.
Target Audience: NOAA Maritime Heritage Program, National Marine Sanctuary staff,
Department of State
Actions:
1) Develop a product
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a) Consolidate information on available technology from preservation and
exploration of underwater heritage.
b) Determine federal agency technology needs
c) Organize an event to highlight technology
2) Present Product
a) MTS Journal Issue
Primary POC: Stephanie Showalter, Vice Chair of Marine Law and Policy Committee
APPENDIX 1
CUSTOMERS
Government
Federal ocean agencies
NOAA (Id specific offices)
Navy (ID specific offices: ONR, Oceanographer, NAVSEA, etc)
USCG
Homeland Security
DOI (MMS, USGS, FWS)
CEQ
OSTP
Multi-agency
JSOST, SIMOR
Congress
House: Representatives and Committees
Senate: Representatives and Committees
State and local agencies
Other
National Governor’s Association
US Conference of Mayors
Public
Industry (Companies - )
Academia (Universities)
Non Governmental Organizations
Associations
CORE
NAML
IEEE
NOIA
AAES
TOS
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AGU
AMS (Meteorology Society)
Issue-based advocacy groups
APPENDIX II
ISSUES OF INTEREST
Legislation:
NOAA Organic Act
Competitive Act
Policy Documents:
JSOST ORPP
JOCI Top Ten Priorities
Technologies:
Ocean Observations
AUVs
Homeland Security
Alternative Fuel
Biotechnology
Ocean Exploration
Other:
Overall Ocean Technology funding
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APPENDIX III
VENUES
Conferences
Capitol Hill Oceans Week
Hill visits (Types: Ocean Caucus members, Committees, Bill-specific…)
Web information
Washington Section activities
Local Section activities (e.g., Congressional Site visits)
APPENDIX IV
RESOURCES
Board
Staff
Committees
Speakers Bureau
Expert List
Resources