A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds for a Defense and Security technology Accelerator.
Whereas, the nation has committed enormous resources to national security and to countering terrorism evidenced by the fact that between 2001 and 2004 total federal spending on defense, homeland security, and international affairs rose more than fifty percent, in excess of five hundred forty‑seven billion dollars; and
Whereas, North Carolina is home to five major military installations, including three first‑strike military bases; and
Whereas, North Carolina is recognized as a global leader in technology development and home to world‑class innovation and achievement, and by connecting the technology and scientific expertise with the military knowledge and relationships, North Carolina can achieve powerful opportunities for new business; and
Whereas, a comprehensive action plan, entitled the Defense Technology Innovation Center, was written by the North Carolina Technology Association to couple the State's innovation assets and military relationships into a sector‑focused business accelerator for fueling entrepreneurs and innovators to create technologies that could be used in the global war on terror; and
Whereas, the name of the Defense Technology Innovation Center has been changed to the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator; and
Whereas, this model of business acceleration could have a powerful economic impact in North Carolina by developing technologies that can be used in the defense and intelligence communities; and
Whereas, intellectual property and technologies developed at the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator would be of a sensitive nature and would need to be secure; and
Whereas, in order for the Accelerator to successfully implement its business plan, all documentation and financial audits should be executed by a private company; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Partnership for Defense Innovation the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year to be used for the development of a Defense and Security Technology Accelerator, a business accelerator focusing on economic development opportunities in the industries relating to homeland security and national defense.  Funds appropriated under this act shall be used in accordance with Section 2 of this act.
SECTION 2.  Funds appropriated in this act shall be used for the following:
(1)	Site selection and acquisition, including the purchase or lease of real property to house the Accelerator; the construction of buildings or other site structures; the improvement or refurbishment of existing structures to provide appropriate laboratory and administrative space; and the improvement of existing infrastructure at the facility, including improvements to utility, telecommunications, and Internet infrastructure.
(2)	Equipment acquisition, including acquisition of laboratory equipment and supplies and office furniture, equipment, and supplies.
(3)	Employment of staff to support the mission of the Accelerator and to oversee day‑to‑day operations of the Accelerator.
(4)	Implementation of a comprehensive business and marketing plan for the Accelerator.
(5)	Development of a tenant screening process and the recruitment of appropriate tenants for the Accelerator.
(6)	Administration and operation of the Accelerator and the development of a sustainable business plan for the Accelerator.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.