110 HR 4165 IH: To provide grants to encourage and enhance the study of U.S. House of Representatives 2007-11-13 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
I 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4165 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 13, 2007 Mr. Scott of Virginia (for himself, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Ortiz, Mrs. Drake, and Mr. Keller of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor A BILL To provide grants to encourage and enhance the study of modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education.
1.
Modeling and Simulation programs
The Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title: <enum>VIII</enum><header>Additional Programs</header> <section id="HA23FF1F320A64070AB668707DB478EA6"><enum>801.</enum><header>Modeling and Simulation programs</header> <subsection id="H65AFBB51B2B04A7991488BA0000424EC"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Purpose; definition</header> <paragraph id="HF85006297A0D4B66A59CBE5124530007"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Purpose</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The purpose of this section is to promote the study of modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education, through the collaboration with new and existing programs, and specifically to promote the use of technology in such study through the creation of accurate models that can simulate processes or recreate real life, by—</text> <subparagraph id="H57EDE458A597459FA707F9DA86E6436D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>establishing a task force at the Department of Education to raise awareness of and define the study of modeling and simulation;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H67E5AA44FB5D4EB1AAB3DDDA3B2A59C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provide grants to institutions of higher education to develop new modeling and simulation degree programs; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC7D8772333F2458D86037DFA8900A7A2"><enum>(C)</enum><text>create grants for institutions of higher education to enhance existing modeling and simulation degree programs.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HFA6CF19CC9A44A588E57601E75CD900"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Definition</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In this section, the term <term>modeling and simulation</term> means a field of study related to the application of computer science and mathematics to develop a level of understanding of the interaction of the parts of a system and of a system as a whole.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7F47F412C35848108CA16964FF00E88F"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Establishment of Taskforce</header> <paragraph id="H5ED716D94BAC4957AA4F7D7C8C19BEE7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a taskforce within the Department of Education to study modeling and simulation and to support the development of the modeling and simulation field. The activities of such taskforce shall include—</text> <subparagraph id="H708C528C9A464A8C8318E1B826DE5C09"><enum>(A)</enum><text>helping to define the study of modeling and simulation (including the content of modeling and simulation classes and programs);</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5996665CEFD84836B400B9B5C2D72637"><enum>(B)</enum><text>identifying best practices for such study;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H654817EB59B846F4A2F6F4CA2C9D1C5"><enum>(C)</enum><text>identifying core knowledge and skills that individuals who participate in modeling and simulation programs should aquire; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H32AAD25295544593B24BCA0010A3C6E9"><enum>(D)</enum><text>providing recommendations to the Secretary with respect to—</text> <clause id="H7F55AD78B2244736B49E619C07D27E65"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the information described in subparagraphs (A) through (C); and</text> </clause><clause id="H48EF23BBEBD246039C9145CA204D7580"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a system by which grants under this section will be distributed.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HA61C9EA848EF4E1ABC60F3C55669C241"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Taskforce membership</header><text>The membership of the taskforce under this subsection shall be composed of representatives from—</text> <subparagraph id="H2180390FEAF54C3483CF20316EE0017D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>institutions of higher education with established modeling and simulation degree programs;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2AE6796C827F449AACFA37A63830368F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the National Science Foundation;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCD82F9FAA0AB40CA99347BA7F9C80058"><enum>(C)</enum><text>Federal Government agencies that use modeling and simulation extensively, including the Department of Defense, the National Institute of Health, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Transportation;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H79BA84088EE241388B73D2AE9641611B"><enum>(D)</enum><text>private industries with a primary focus on modeling and simulation; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA1B4DE22875845EAA068BAC17C7B3300"><enum>(E)</enum><text>national modeling and simulation organizations.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HACF6B2A0BF214E1DA23E716DBB8512EA"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Enhancing modeling and simulation at institutions of higher education</header> <paragraph id="H257ED51BE6514C1A922726F1B69C48FC"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Enhancement grants authorized</header> <subparagraph id="HB400BED1884E498295A4A818902F51E3"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text>The Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to enhance modeling and simulation degree programs at such eligible institutions.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAB72943AEE4D40B5B646402569288349"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Duration of grant</header><text>A grant awarded under this subsection shall be awarded for a 3-year period, and such grant period may be extended for not more than 2 years if the Secretary determines that an eligible institution has demonstrated success in enhancing the modeling and simulation degree program at such eligible institution.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA3ABF44516C2420880E9F3751D816BAC"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Minimum grant amount</header><text>Subject to the availability of appropriations, a grant awarded to an eligible institution under this subsection shall not be for an amount less than $750,000.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2BE832D0FD4B4AD1A77764A7526F317"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Non-Federal share</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in kind, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities supported by the grant. The Secretary may waive the non-Federal share requirement under this subparagraph for an eligible institution if the Secretary determines a waiver to be appropriate based on the financial ability of the institution.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H592C2683F95043478CBE00C3E9D1D0E2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Eligible institutions</header><text>For the purposes of this subsection, an eligible institution is an institution of higher education that—</text> <subparagraph id="H1ABA562B5DAE45598C8EE3FBD809822E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>has an established modeling and simulation degree program, including a major, minor, or career-track program; or</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5DC5FB72465E4DE5A679BAA19E05D4B"><enum>(B)</enum><text>has an established modeling and simulation certifcate or concentration program.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HDFA30BC91B934D8F999D38402DD13930"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Application</header><text>To be considered for a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include—</text> <subparagraph id="HF8811CEFCA1C4CFD95773CA259D411DC"><enum>(A)</enum><text>a letter from the President or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the enhancement of the modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAAE230CAFFDE431787DA6B1D8EB008C6"><enum>(B)</enum><text>identification of designated faculty responsible for the enhancement of the institution’s modeling and simulation program; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HFDE9E8A26B0C488DAC7F56A0D9F383AA"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to enhance the modeling and simulation program of the institution.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H17119692466248D8A33BDD1FCB9510DD"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Uses of Funds</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A grant awarded under this subsection shall be used by an eligible institution to carry out the plan developed in accordance with <internal-xref idref="HFDE9E8A26B0C488DAC7F56A0D9F383AA" legis-path="801.(d)(3)(C)">paragraph (3)(C)</internal-xref> to enhance modeling and simulation programs at the institution, which may include—</text> <subparagraph id="HE2015573E0EB408086251F055ED57E6"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in the case of an institution that is eligible under <internal-xref idref="H5DC5FB72465E4DE5A679BAA19E05D4B" legis-path="801.(d)(2)(B)">paragraph (2)(B)</internal-xref>, activities to assist in the establishment of a major, minor, or career-track modeling and simulation program at the eligible institution;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7CE9324707FB415DA2FDD1043F338C57"><enum>(B)</enum><text>expanding the multi-disciplinary nature of the institution’s modeling and simulation programs;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8265D63D50BE4B35A235A215B1FE426F"><enum>(C)</enum><text>recruiting students into the field of modeling and simulation through the provision of fellowships or assistantships;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HB8DA221E72344F818D0062A97EF72902"><enum>(D)</enum><text>creating new courses to compliment existing courses and reflect emerging developments in the modeling and simulation field;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1BCC9B8B08E44B838436C8E3005D13BE"><enum>(E)</enum><text>conducting research to support new methodologies and techniques in modeling and simulation; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF7FD3508902E49C099C6D402EF1744F2"><enum>(F)</enum><text>purchasing equipment necessary for modeling and simulation programs.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HEE8AAEF863F447F991030000FF29E785"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Establishing modeling and simulation programs</header> <paragraph id="HB618D76BFB574FA70008CAFC85F728C5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Establishment grants authorized</header> <subparagraph id="H316066BD1B514032ABAA92E5A043CE59"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary is authorized to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish a modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H71D46A58328F406F85A55BD82D21BE22"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Duration of grant</header><text>A grant awarded under this subsection shall be awarded for a 3-year period, and such grant period may be extended for not more than 2 years if the Secretary determines that an eligible institution has demonstrated success in establishing a modeling and simulation degree program at such eligible institution.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1D2F6851D6DC4BA980DB57D13731008D"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Minimum grant amount</header><text>Subject to the availability of appropriations, a grant awarded to an eligible institution under this subsection shall not be for an amount less than $750,000.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HEA3803700A88494A95E2BD6368ABB85C"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Non-Federal share</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall provide, from non-Federal sources, in cash or in kind, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant to carry out the activities supported by the grant. The Secretary may waive the non-Federal share requirement under this subparagraph for an eligible institution if the Secretary determines a waiver to be appropriate based on the financial ability of the institution.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H900333B9492545DB9E9DC5DEFE000204"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Application</header><text>To apply for a grant under this subsection, an eligible institution shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include—</text> <subparagraph id="HD62AA01204EB4DD4A8EBAA0B9AA789B"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a letter from the President or provost of the eligible institution that demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the establishment of a modeling and simulation program at the institution of higher education;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H52448FCB751743E2A766612EA99846A3"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a detailed plan for how the grant funds will be used to establish a modeling and simulation program at the institution; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCB1466EDB8044C2DADCE9606C33D9E04"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a description of how the modeling and simulation program established under this subsection will complement existing programs and fit into the institution’s current program and course offerings.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H211F3854DEF04B04B200BAD9FA5B45C"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Uses of Funds</header><text>A grant awarded under this subsection may be used by an eligible institution to—</text> <subparagraph id="H7538C7EF7CAB42ED9E00034B8BDC7F58"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">establish, or work toward the establishment of, a modeling and simulation program, including a major, minor, career-track, certificate, or concentration program at the eligible institution;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6356FC626FFF44268DCC7241AF9419E5"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provide adequate staffing to ensure the successful establishment of the modeling and simulation program, which may include the assignment of full-time dedicated or supportive faculty; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6801F23B694640CDB889621294E4B28E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>purchasing equipment necessary for a modeling and simulation program.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H5821116C433B4837B13D1EE7105D59FB"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Authorization of appropriations</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years. Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year—</text> <paragraph id="H78D5F9441A2649C99D66C34977D6D41"><enum>(1)</enum><text>$1,000,000 is authorized to carry out the activities of the task force established pursuant to <internal-xref idref="H65AFBB51B2B04A7991488BA0000424EC" legis-path="801.(b)">subsection (b)</internal-xref>; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H9E86F76ACB1A4386A6F8F9D6E0C4EDEF"><enum>(2)</enum><text>of the amount remaining after the allocation for <internal-xref idref="H78D5F9441A2649C99D66C34977D6D41" legis-path="801.(f)(1)">paragraph (1)</internal-xref>—</text> <subparagraph id="H3C729187C5E947BEB35F2E903EA891DD"><enum>(A)</enum><text>50 percent is authorized to carry out the grant program under <internal-xref idref="H7F47F412C35848108CA16964FF00E88F" legis-path="801.(c)">subsection (c)</internal-xref>; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H43D468C78B504FA88C9553DA6FF9B782"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">50 percent is authorized to carry out the grant program under <internal-xref idref="HACF6B2A0BF214E1DA23E716DBB8512EA" legis-path="801.(d)">subsection (d)</internal-xref>.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section>.