1.__Linkage with state policies.__The policies, programs and activities of the Maine EPSCoR Program must consider the State's economic, education and science and technology strategies and policies.

2.__Policy recommendation.__Through the office, the University of Maine System and the EPSCoR steering committee, the Maine EPSCoR Program may recommend to the Governor and the Legislature policies and programs essential to the strengthening of the State's science and engineering infrastructure.

§13110-A.__Maine EPSCoR Capacity Fund

The Maine EPSCoR Capacity Fund is established within the office to provide the matching funds that are required by several federal agencies in their EPSCoR activities.__The fund must be used to match EPSCoR awards, and is a nonlapsing Other Special Revenue Funds account.

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Fund" means the Maine EPSCoR Capacity Fund account within the Other Special Revenue Funds account.

B.__"Match" means the cash commitment required from the State as defined by a federal funding agency.__Match requirements vary among federal agencies.

C.__"Research capacity committee" means the EPSCoR steering committee referred to in section 13110.

2.__Organization.__The commissioner, at the commissioner's discretion, may delegate the administration of the fund to the director of the office.__The research capacity committee shall advise the commissioner or the director of the office on the use of the funds.

3.__Guidelines.__The commissioner or the director of the office, with the advice of the research capacity committee, shall establish guidelines for cash and in-kind match requirements based on the activities to be supported with the fund. Match