(a) There is within the agency the Challenge Grant Program, consisting of technology transfer grants and defense industry conversion and diversification grants. Challenge grant projects funded shall include, but not be limited to, the following: defense industry conversion and diversification, access to ongoing research and research findings, exchange or transfer of personnel and research support services, including capital outlay, consortia development, and collaborative research.
(b) All funds appropriated or received by the Challenge Grant Program shall administratively be divided into either the Technology Transfer Grant Program or the Defense Industry Conversion and Diversification Program. Funding awards for the Technology Transfer Grant Program shall be made pursuant to the requirements set forth in Sections 13998.3 and 13998.6.
(c) The agency shall award grants based upon a competitive application process addressing the project’s eligibility and ability to fulfill the goals of the program.
(d) The agency shall report on this program to the Governor and the Legislature.
(Added by renumbering Section 13994.2 by Stats. 2015, Ch. 303, Sec. 198. (AB 731) Effective January 1, 2016.)