What about reverse engineering orange schematics? If my memory doesn't fail me, at least in one of the first weekend beta builds you could RE the schematics from UT missions but I don't remember what the result was.
I'm also having the same issues with grenades as well with ship parts.
I got a blue energy shield schematic from slicing and even though I'm well past the required cybertech level but when I try to RE the shield I crafted it's the same as for grenades. I can see the requirements stated and it says right click to reveres engineer but the item is dark.
I believe you can't link it in chat but I'm not certain since I've never tried. You can check the schematics of someone near you by selecting them and right clicking on their portrait (I've forgotten what the option is called though)
(Based on beta up until the end)
If it's just crafting then you can queue up to five items per companion. Gathering and mission skills can't be queued.