Archive
Agency: Department of Commerce
Title: Dealing with Defense Downsizing
Background Information
The Economic Development Administration, in a joint effort with the Department of Defense, has established a national clearinghouse for the information needs of communities, industries, and workers who are adjusting to the effects of defense downsizing. Since its opening in November 1993, the clearinghouse has taken more than 17,685 calls.
The Economic Development Administration's Office of Economic Conversion Information was established to:
- Facilitate interagency and intergovernmental cooperation,
- assist customers in determining their information needs,
- identify and compile information that is relevant to customer needs, and
- encourage communication and information sharing among user groups while trying to improve and expand the pool of existing information.
The office makes available, among other information, current news on economic conversion, bulletins announcing new events, the names, addresses, and phone numbers for a wide variety of contacts, military installations slated for closure, principle contacts in affected communities, federal program contacts, status reports on industry adjustment projects, impact estimates and more general economic data. The office provides examples of civilian applications of defense technology as well as research and development incentives and models of emerging products to help communities make the transition from a defense-oriented to a civilian technology economy.
Main NPR Category: Customer Service
Related NPR Categories: Cutting Back to Basics
Contact Person: Chester Straub
Contact Phone: (202) 482-0534
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