[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1482 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1482

To reauthorize the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development 
                      Act, and for other purposes.

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 21, 2009

Mr. Kerry (for himself, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Pryor, and Mr. 
Wyden) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred 
       to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To reauthorize the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development 
                      Act, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE: TABLE OF CONTENTS; AMENDMENT OF ACT.

    This Act may be cited as the ``National Nanotechnology Initiative 
Amendments Act of 2009''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Enhancements to National Nanotechnology Program.
Sec. 3. Enhancements to National Nanotechnology Program coordination.
Sec. 4. Enhancement of National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel.
Sec. 5. Triennial external review of National Nanotechnology Program.
Sec. 6. Societal dimensions of nanotechnology.
Sec. 7. Transfer of nanotechnology.
Sec. 8. Research in areas of national importance.
Sec. 9. Nanomanufacturing research.
Sec. 10. Nanoscale characterization and metrology.
Sec. 11. Deliberative public input in decisionmaking processes.
Sec. 12. Amendments to definitions.
    (c) Amendment of 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and 
Development Act.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in 
this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment 
to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be 
considered to be made to a section or other provision of the 21st 
Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7501 et 
seq.).

SEC. 2. ENHANCEMENTS TO NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    (a) Expansion of Program Scope.--Section 2(a) (15 U.S.C. 7501(a)) 
is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon in paragraph 
        (2);
            (2) by striking ``Program.'' in paragraph (3) and inserting 
        ``Program; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) sponsor nanotechnology education and workforce 
        development programs, including information on nanotechnology, 
        to prepare scientists, engineers, and technicians to work in 
        nanotechnology;
            ``(5) fully support the development of standard reference 
        materials and instrumentation, metrology, and computational 
        tools necessary to measure, characterize, and predict the 
        properties of nanoscale materials;
            ``(6) participate in national and international 
        organizations developing trade, commercialization, and 
        regulatory guidelines, plans, and standards for the safe use of 
        nanotechnology;
            ``(7) establish and sustain the infrastructure, tools, and 
        instruments to provide cost effective state-of-the-art 
        measurement, characterization, manipulation, and simulations 
        capabilities;
            ``(8) utilize the perspectives of the industrial community 
        to promote the rapid commercial development of nanoscale-
        enabled devices, systems, and technologies; and
            ``(9) coordinate research to determine key physical and 
        chemical characteristics of nanoparticles and nanomaterials 
        that may pose environmental, health, and safety risks.''.
    (b) Addition of Program Activities.--
            (1) In general.--Section 2(b) (15 U.S.C. 7501(b)) is 
        amended--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (11) as 
                paragraphs (4) through (12), respectively; and
                    (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
            ``(3) issuing guidance each year to the agencies 
        participating in the Program that--
                    ``(A) prioritizes the Program's research 
                initiatives;
                    ``(B) documents the benefit of the research to the 
                United States;
                    ``(C) describes a clear strategy for transitioning 
                the research into commercial products and technologies; 
                and
                    ``(D) describes how the Program will coordinate or 
                conduct research on the environmental, health, and 
                safety issues related to nanotechnology.''.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Section 2(c) (15 U.S.C. 7501(c)) is amended--
                            (i) in paragraph (7), by striking ``stated 
                        in subsection (b)(7)'' and inserting ``stated 
                        in subsection (b)(9)''; and
                            (ii) in paragraph (10), by striking 
                        ``pursuant to subsection (b)(10)(D)'' and 
                        inserting ``pursuant to subsection 
                        (b)(12)(D)''.
                    (B) Section 2(d) (15 U.S.C. 7501(d)) is amended in 
                paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking ``pursuant to 
                subsection (b)(10)'' each place it occurs and inserting 
                ``pursuant to subsection (b)(12)''.
                    (C) Section 7(a)(1) (15 U.S.C. 7506(a)(1)) is 
                amended by striking ``under section 2(b)(7)'' and 
                inserting ``under section 2(b)(9)''.
    (c) Enhancement of Program Management.--
            (1) Triennial strategic plan.--Section 2(c) (15 U.S.C. 
        7501(c)) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
        following:
            ``(4) develop, not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments 
        Act of 2009, and update every 3 years thereafter, a strategic 
        plan to guide the Program activities described under subsection 
        (b) that--
                    ``(A) specifies--
                            ``(i) near-term and long-term objectives 
                        for the Program;
                            ``(ii) the anticipated time frame for 
                        achieving the near-term objectives; and
                            ``(iii) the metrics to be used for 
                        assessing progress toward the objectives; and
                    ``(B) describes--
                            ``(i) how the Program will move results out 
                        of the laboratory and into applications for the 
                        benefit of society, including through 
                        cooperation and collaboration with 
                        nanotechnology research, development, and 
                        technology transition initiatives supported by 
                        the States;
                            ``(ii) how the Program will encourage and 
                        support interdisciplinary research and 
                        development in nanotechnology; and
                            ``(iii) proposed research in areas of 
                        national importance in accordance with the 
                        requirements of section 12;''.
            (2) Joint interagency solicitations.--Section 2(c) (15 
        U.S.C. 7501(c)) is further amended--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon in 
                paragraph (9);
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph 
                (11);
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
            ``(10) encourage joint interagency solicitation of grant 
        applications in high-priority multi-disciplinary research 
        areas, including--
                    ``(A) instrumentation and metrology equipment to 
                detect, measure, and characterize nanomaterials;
                    ``(B) chemical, biological, and nuclear sensor 
                technology for defense and homeland security 
                applications;
                    ``(C) sustainable energy, environment, water and 
                agriculture;
                    ``(D) long-term health and safety aspects, with a 
                particular focus on the workforce;
                    ``(E) simulation and modeling; and
                    ``(F) manufacturing of complex systems at the 
                nanoscale.''; and
                    (D) by striking ``through (9)'' and inserting 
                ``through (10)'' in paragraph (11), as redesignated by 
                subparagraph (B).
    (d) Expansion of Annual Report of the National Science and 
Technology Council.--Section 2(d) (15 U.S.C. 7501(d)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and the previous 
        fiscal year'' after ``current fiscal year'';
            (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'';
            (3) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) the research plan required by section 10(b)(1) and 
        updated under section 10(b)(5); and
            ``(7) a description of research and development areas 
        supported in accordance with section 12, including--
                    ``(A) the budget for such areas for the current and 
                previous fiscal year; and
                    ``(B) the budget for such areas for the next fiscal 
                year.''.
    (e) Support of Standards Setting Activities.--Section 2 (15 U.S.C. 
7501) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Standards Setting.--
            ``(1) In general.--The agencies participating in the 
        Program shall fully support the activities of the committees of 
        standards setting bodies involved in the development of 
        standards for nanotechnology.
            ``(2) Reimbursement of travel costs.--The agencies 
        participating in the Program may reimburse the travel costs of 
        participants described in paragraph (1).''.

SEC. 3. ENHANCEMENTS TO NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM COORDINATION.

    (a) Modifications to Funding of National Nanotechnology 
Coordination Office.--Section 3(b) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 7502(b)) is 
amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--The operation of the National 
        Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall be supported by funds 
        from each agency participating in the Program. The portion of 
        the total budget of the Office provided by each agency for each 
        fiscal year shall be in the same proportion as the agency's 
        share of the total budget for the Program for the previous 
        fiscal year, as specified in the report required under section 
        2(c)(1).
            ``(2) Standards research.--Of the amounts provided to the 
        Office under paragraph (1), $500,000 shall be made available to 
        the National Institute of Standards and Technology to be used 
        by the Institute, in coordination with the American National 
        Standards Institute, for the development of nanotechnology 
        standards.
            ``(3) NNCO database.--There are authorized to be 
        appropriated to the National Science Foundation for use by the 
        National Nanotechnology Coordination Office in developing and 
        maintaining the database required by subsection (d)--
                    ``(A) $1,750,000 for fiscal year 2010;
                    ``(B) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
                    ``(C) $750,000 for fiscal year 2012.''.
    (b) Annual Report on Funding of the National Nanotechnology 
Coordination Office.--Section 3 (15 U.S.C. 7502) is amended by striking 
subsection (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Annual Report.--The Council shall submit to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives each year, 
together with documents submitted to Congress in support of the budget 
of the President for the fiscal year beginning in such year (as 
submitted pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code), a 
report containing the following:
            ``(1) A description of the funding required by the National 
        Nanotechnology Coordination Office to perform the functions 
        specified in subsection (a) for the next fiscal year set forth 
        by category of activity, including the funding required to 
        carry out the requirements of--
                    ``(A) section 2(b)(12)(D);
                    ``(B) subsection (d) of this section; and
                    ``(C) section 5.
            ``(2) A description of the funding required by such Office 
        to perform the functions specified in subsection (a) for the 
        current fiscal year set forth by category of activity, 
        including the funding required to carry out the requirements of 
        subsection (d).
            ``(3) The amount of funding provided for such Office for 
        the current fiscal year set forth by each agency participating 
        in the Program.''.
    (c) Public Information.--Section 3 (15 U.S.C. 7502) is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Public Information.--
            ``(1) Database.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Director of the National 
                Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall develop and 
                maintain a searchable keyword database of all projects 
                funded by the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and 
                Technology Subcommittee of the National Science and 
                Technology Council.
                    ``(B) Database contents.--The database required by 
                subparagraph (A) shall include the following, with 
                respect to each project in the database:
                            ``(i) A description of the project.
                            ``(ii) The source of funding of the 
                        project, set forth by agency.
                            ``(iii) The funding history of the project.
                    ``(C) Grouping of projects in the environmental, 
                health, and safety program component area.--For 
                projects in the Environmental, Health, and Safety 
                program component area, or any successor program 
                component area, projects shall be grouped in the 
                database by major objective as specified in the 
                research plan required by section 10(b)(1).
                    ``(D) Grouping of projects in the education and 
                societal dimensions program component area.--For 
                projects in the Education and Societal Dimensions 
                program component area, or any successor program 
                component area, the projects shall be grouped in the 
                database in the following categories:
                            ``(i) Education in formal settings.
                            ``(ii) Education in informal settings.
                            ``(iii) Public outreach.
                            ``(iv) Ethical, legal, and other societal 
                        issues.
                    ``(E) Accessibility.--The Director shall make the 
                database required by subparagraph (A) accessible to the 
                public.
            ``(2) Information on nanotechnology facilities.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Director of the National 
                Nanotechnology Coordination Office--
                            ``(i) shall develop, maintain, and 
                        publicize information on nanotechnology 
                        facilities supported under the Program that are 
                        accessible for use by individuals from academic 
                        institutions and industry; and
                            ``(ii) may include information on 
                        nanotechnology facilities that are--
                                    ``(I) supported by the States; and
                                    ``(II) accessible for use by 
                                individuals from academic institutions 
                                and from industry.
                    ``(B) Information to be publicized.--The 
                information developed, maintained, and publicized under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
                            ``(i) The terms and conditions for the use 
                        of each nanotechnology facility supported under 
                        the Program.
                            ``(ii) A description of the capabilities of 
                        the instruments and equipment available for use 
                        at the facility.
                            ``(iii) A description of the technical 
                        support available to assist users of the 
                        facility.''.

SEC. 4. ENHANCEMENT OF NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY ADVISORY PANEL.

    (a) Establishment of Subpanel on Societal, Ethical, Legal, 
Environmental, and Workforce Concerns.--Section 4(a) of the Act (15 
U.S.C. 7503(a)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``or designate'';
            (2) by inserting ``as a distinct entity'' after ``Advisory 
        Panel'';
            (3) by inserting ``(1) Establishment of advisory panel.--'' 
        before ``The President shall'' and indenting paragraph (1) as 
        so designated 2 ems from the left margin; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Establishment of subpanel on societal, ethical, 
        legal, environmental, and workforce concerns.--The Advisory 
        Panel shall establish a subpanel with membership having 
        specific qualifications tailored to enable it to carry out the 
        requirements of subsection (c)(7).''.
    (b) Representation of Minority-Serving Institutions.--Section 4(b) 
(15 U.S.C. 7503(b)) is amended--
            (1) by designating the first, second, and third sentences 
        as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively, and indenting 
        such paragraphs, as so designated, 2 ems to the right;
            (2) in paragraph (1), as so designated by paragraph (1) of 
        this subsection--
                    (A) by striking ``or designated''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``Membership from academic 
                institutions and industry.--'' before ``The Advisory 
                Panel'';
            (3) in paragraph (2), as so designated by paragraph (1) of 
        this subsection, by inserting ``Qualified to provide advice.--
        '' before ``Members of'';
            (4) in paragraph (3), as so designated by paragraph (1) of 
        this subsection--
                    (A) by striking ``or designating''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``Seeking recommendations.--'' 
                before ``In selecting''; and
            (5) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Representation of minority-serving institutions.--At 
        least one member of the Advisory Panel shall be an individual 
        employed by and representing a minority-serving institution.''.

SEC. 5. TRIENNIAL EXTERNAL REVIEW OF NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    Section 5 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 7504) is amended to read as 
follows:

``SEC. 5. EXTERNAL REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--The Director of the National Nanotechnology 
Coordination Office shall, in consultation with the Nanoscale Science, 
Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee, the National Research Council 
of the National Academy of Sciences, and relevant Congressional staff, 
identify 3 highly targeted and timely topic areas that would benefit 
from review and evaluation. The Director will enter into an arrangement 
with the National Research Council to conduct these reviews.
    ``(b) Matters Evaluated.--The reviews shall include an evaluation 
of topics relevant to the following:
            ``(1) The research priorities and technical content of the 
        Program, including whether the allocation of funding among 
        program component areas, as designated according to section 
        2(c)(2), is appropriate.
            ``(2) The effectiveness of the Program's management and 
        coordination across agencies and disciplines, including an 
        assessment of the effectiveness of the National Nanotechnology 
        Coordination Office.
            ``(3) The scientific and technological accomplishments of 
        the Program and the success of the Program in transferring 
        technology to the private sector.
            ``(4) The adequacy of the activities of the Program in 
        addressing ethical, legal, environmental, workplace, and other 
        appropriate societal issues, including human health issues.
            ``(5) The adequacy and effectiveness of the Program's 
        public education and outreach efforts.
            ``(6) The worldwide investment in and activities related to 
        nanotechnology and an analysis of the relative position of the 
        United States compared to other countries with respect to 
        nanotechnology research and development.
            ``(7) The adequacy of the Program in incorporating the 
        results of deliberative public input into the decisionmaking 
        process.
    ``(c) External Review Reports.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2011, and 
        every 3 years thereafter, the Director of the National 
        Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall submit to the Advisory 
        Panel, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
        of the Senate, and the Committee on Science and Technology of 
        the House of Representatives a report prepared by the National 
        Research Council on the most recent external reviews carried 
        out under subsection (a).
            ``(2) Contents.--Each report required by paragraph (1) 
        shall include the following:
                    ``(A) The findings of the National Research Council 
                with respect to the matters described in subsection 
                (b).
                    ``(B) The recommendations of the Director of the 
                National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, if any--
                            ``(i) on ways to improve the management and 
                        coordination processes of the Program; and
                            ``(ii) for changes to the objectives, 
                        funding priorities, and technical content of 
                        the Program.
    ``(d) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the 
National Science Foundation for use by the National Nanotechnology 
Coordinating Office to carry out this section $500,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012.''.

SEC. 6. SOCIETAL DIMENSIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY.

    (a) In General.--The Act (15 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating section 10 as section 15;
            (2) by inserting after section 9 the following:

``SEC. 10. SOCIETAL DIMENSIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY.

    ``(a) Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology.--
            ``(1) Designation.--The Director of the Office of Science 
        and Technology Policy shall designate an associate director of 
        the Office of Science and Technology Policy as the Coordinator 
        for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology.
            ``(2) Duties.--The duties of the Coordinator for Societal 
        Dimensions of Nanotechnology are as follows:
                    ``(A) Providing oversight of the coordination, 
                planning, and budget prioritization of activities 
                required by section 2(b)(12).
                    ``(B) With the assistance of appropriate senior 
                officials of the agencies funding activities within the 
                Environmental, Health, and Safety program component 
                area and the Education and Societal Dimensions program 
                component area, or any successor program component 
                areas, ensuring that the requirements of section 
                2(b)(12) are satisfied.
                    ``(C) Ensuring that the research plan required 
                under subsection (b)(1) is--
                            ``(i) developed, updated, and implemented 
                        as required thereunder; and
                            ``(ii) responsive to the recommendations of 
                        the subpanel established under section 4(a)(2).
                    ``(D) Encouraging and monitoring the efforts of the 
                agencies participating in the Program to allocate the 
                level of resources and management attention necessary 
                to ensure that the ethical, legal, environmental, and 
                other appropriate societal concerns related to 
                nanotechnology, including human health and workplace 
                safety concerns, are addressed under the Program, 
                including the implementation of the research plan 
                required under subsection (b)(1).
                    ``(E) Encouraging the agencies required to develop 
                the research plan under subsection (b) to identify, 
                assess, and implement suitable mechanisms for the 
                establishment of public-private partnerships for 
                support of environmental, health, and safety research.
    ``(b) Research Plan.--
            ``(1) In general.--
                    ``(A) Panel convened and plan required.--Not later 
                than 60 days after the date of enactment of the 
                National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 
                2009, the Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of 
                Nanotechnology designated under subsection (a)(1) shall 
                convene and chair a panel to develop, periodically 
                update, and coordinate the implementation of a research 
                plan for the Environmental, Health, and Safety program 
                component area, or any successor program component 
                area.
                    ``(B) Membership.--The panel convened under 
                subparagraph (A) shall be comprised of representatives 
                from--
                            ``(i) the agencies funding research 
                        activities under the program component area 
                        described in such subparagraph; and
                            ``(ii) such other agencies as the 
                        Coordinator considers necessary.
                    ``(C) Solicitation of advice.--In developing and 
                updating the plan required by subparagraph (A), the 
                panel convened under such subparagraph shall solicit 
                and be responsive to recommendations and advice from--
                            ``(i) the subpanel established under 
                        section 4(a)(2); and
                            ``(ii) the agencies responsible for 
                        environmental, health, and safety regulations 
                        associated with the production, use, and 
                        disposal of nanoscale materials and products.
            ``(2) Development of standards.--The plan required by 
        paragraph (1) shall include a description of how the Program 
        will help to ensure the development of the following:
                    ``(A) Standards related to nomenclature associated 
                with engineered nanoscale materials.
                    ``(B) Engineered nanoscale standard reference 
                materials for environmental, health, and safety 
                testing.
                    ``(C) Instruments required to fill major gaps in 
                metrology capabilities.
                    ``(D) Standards related to methods and procedures 
                for detecting, measuring, monitoring, sampling, and 
                testing engineered nanoscale materials for 
                environmental, health, and safety impacts.
            ``(3) Components of plan.--The plan required under 
        paragraph (1) shall--
                    ``(A) specify near-term research objectives and 
                long-term research objectives;
                    ``(B) specify milestones associated with each near-
                term objective and the estimated time and resources 
                required to reach each milestone;
                    ``(C) with respect to subparagraphs (A) and (B), 
                describe the role of each agency carrying out or 
                sponsoring research in order to meet the objectives 
                specified under subparagraph (A) and to achieve the 
                milestones specified under subparagraph (B);
                    ``(D) specify the funding allocated to each major 
                objective of the plan and the source of funding by 
                agency for the current fiscal year; and
                    ``(E) estimate the funding required for each major 
                objective of the plan and the source of funding by 
                agency for the following 3 fiscal years.
            ``(4) Incorporation of recommendations of advisory panel.--
        The Coordinator designated under subsection (a)(1) and the 
        panel convened under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection shall 
        incorporate any recommendations of the Advisory panel under 
        subsection (g)(2) into the planning activity required under 
        this subsection and provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
        and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science 
        and Technology of the House of Representatives justification 
        should the funding in the research plan not meet such 
        recommendations.
            ``(5) Submittal of initial plan to congress.--Not later 
        than 180 days after the date of enactment of the National 
        Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009, the 
        Coordinator designated under subsection (a)(1) shall submit to 
        the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology of the House 
        of Representatives the initial plan required by paragraph (1).
            ``(6) Annual update of plan.--Each year, the panel convened 
        under paragraph (1) shall update the plan required under such 
        paragraph and submit the plan to the Council for inclusion in 
        the annual report of the Council required by section 2(d).
    ``(c) Report Requirements.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Coordinator designated under 
        subsection (a)(1) shall enter into an arrangement with the 
        National Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences to 
        create a report that identifies the broad goals and needs for 
        environmental, health, and safety researchers.
            ``(2) Matters evaluated.--The report shall identify--
                    ``(A) broad strategic goals of overall research;
                    ``(B) critical needs of researchers; and
                    ``(C) gaps in current research.
            ``(3) Support not supplant.--The report shall compliment 
        and support the research plan required by subsection (b) but 
        not supplant it.
            ``(4) Solicitation of advice.--In developing the report, 
        the National Academy of Sciences shall solicit and be 
        responsive to advice from--
                    ``(A) the Advisory Panel under subsection (h)(2);
                    ``(B) industry representatives; and
                    ``(C) academia.
    ``(d) Undergraduate Education Programs.--
            ``(1) Activities supported.--As part of the activities 
        included under the Education and Societal Dimensions program 
        component area, or any successor program component area, the 
        Program shall support efforts to introduce nanoscale science, 
        engineering, and technology into undergraduate science and 
        engineering education through a variety of interdisciplinary 
        approaches. Activities supported may include the following:
                    ``(A) The development of courses of instruction or 
                modules to existing courses.
                    ``(B) Faculty professional development.
                    ``(C) The acquisition of equipment and 
                instrumentation suitable for undergraduate education 
                and research in nanotechnology.
            ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the National 
        Science Foundation to carry out activities described in 
        paragraph (1), amounts as follows:
                    ``(A) Course, curriculum, and laboratory 
                improvement program.--Through the Course, Curriculum, 
                and Laboratory Improvement program of the National 
                Science Foundation--
                            ``(i) from amounts authorized under section 
                        7002(b)(2)(B) of the America COMPETES Act 
                        (Public Law 110-69), $5,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2009; and
                            ``(ii) from amounts authorized under 
                        section 7002(c)(2)(B) of such Act, $5,000,000 
                        for fiscal year 2010.
                    ``(B) Advanced technology education.--Through the 
                Advanced Technology Education program of the National 
                Science Foundation--
                            ``(i) from amounts authorized under section 
                        7002(b)(2)(B) of the America COMPETES Act 
                        (Public Law 110-69), $5,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2009; and
                            ``(ii) from amounts authorized under 
                        section 7002(c)(2)(B) of such Act, $5,000,000 
                        for fiscal year 2010.
    ``(e) Interagency Working Group.--The Council shall establish an 
Education Working Group under the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and 
Technology Subcommittee of the Council to coordinate, prioritize, and 
plan both formal and informal educational activities supported under 
the Program, including activities to help participants understand 
environmental, health, and safety implications of nanotechnology.
    ``(f) Societal Dimensions in Nanotechnology Education Activities.--
Activities supported under the Education and Societal Dimensions 
program component area, or any successor program component area, that 
involve informal, precollege, or undergraduate nanotechnology education 
shall include education regarding the environmental, health and safety, 
and other societal aspects of nanotechnology.
    ``(g) Remote Access to Nanotechnology Facilities.--
            ``(1) In general.--Agencies supporting nanotechnology 
        research facilities as part of the Program shall require the 
        entities that operate such facilities to allow access via the 
        Internet by secondary school students and teachers to 
        instruments and equipment within such facilities for 
        educational purposes and to informal science educators for 
        science enrichment opportunities and public education purposes.
            ``(2) Support.--The agencies described in paragraph (1) 
        shall support the costs associated with the provision of such 
        access to facilities described in such paragraph.
            ``(3) Waiver.--The agencies described in paragraph (1) may 
        waive the requirement of paragraph (1) in cases when--
                    ``(A) use of particular facilities would be 
                inappropriate for educational purposes; or
                    ``(B) the costs for providing the access to 
                facilities as described in paragraph (1) would be 
                prohibitive.
            ``(4) Establishment and publication of procedures, 
        guidelines, and conditions for use of facilities.--The agencies 
        identified in paragraph (1) shall require the entities that 
        operate nanotechnology research facilities that are supported 
        by such agencies as part of the Program to establish and 
        publish procedures, guidelines, and conditions for the 
        submission and approval of applications for the use of such 
        facilities for the purpose identified in paragraph (1).
            ``(5) Technical support.--The agencies identified in 
        paragraph (1) shall authorize personnel who operate the 
        facilities described in such paragraph to provide necessary 
        technical support to students and teachers who use such 
        facilities.
    ``(h) Advisory Panel Review of Environmental, Health, and Safety 
Program Component Area.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Advisory Panel shall periodically 
        review the funding level of the Environmental, Health, and 
        Safety program component area, or any successor program 
        component area, relative to the overall budget of the Program 
        to determine whether the amount dedicated to this area is 
        sufficient to address the research funding needs as estimated 
        in the research plan required by subsection (b).
            ``(2) Recommendations.--If the Advisory Panel determines 
        under paragraph (1) that the amount described in such paragraph 
        is insufficient or excessive, the Advisory Panel shall submit 
        to the Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology a 
        recommendation for an appropriate level of funding for the 
        Environmental, Health, and Safety program component area, or 
        any successor program component area.''; and
            (3) in section 4(d), by adding at the end the following: 
        ``Such report shall include the findings of the Advisory Panel 
        with respect to the most recent review required by section 
        10(h)(1) and any recommendations of the Advisory Panel under 
        section 10(h)(2).''.
    (b) Nanotechnology Education Partnerships.--Section 9 of the 
National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n) 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Nanotechnology Education Partnerships.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--
                    ``(A) In general.--As part of the program 
                authorized by subsection (a), the Director shall 
                provide 1 or more grants under such subsection to 
                establish partnerships described in paragraph (2) of 
                such subsection, except that each such partnership 
                shall include 1 or more businesses engaged in the 
                production of nanoscale materials, products, or 
                devices.
                    ``(B) Designation.--A partnership established in 
                accordance with subparagraph (A) shall be designated as 
                a `Nanotechnology Education Partnership'.
            ``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of a Nanotechnology Education 
        Partnership is to recruit and help prepare secondary school 
        students to pursue postsecondary level courses of instruction 
        in nanotechnology and assist secondary institution and informal 
        learning centers with outreach programs directed at secondary 
        students.
            ``(3) Use of grant funds.--Notwithstanding subsection 
        (a)(3), each entity receiving a grant under this subsection 
        shall use the grant for the purposes described in paragraph 
        (2), including uses in support of the following:
                    ``(A) Professional development activities in formal 
                and informal settings to enable secondary school 
                teachers to use curricular materials incorporating 
                nanotechnology and to inform teachers about career 
                possibilities for students in nanotechnology.
                    ``(B) Enrichment programs for students, including 
                access to nanotechnology facilities and equipment at 
                partner institutions in formal and informal settings, 
                to increase their understanding of nanoscale science 
                and technology and to inform them about career 
                possibilities in nanotechnology as scientists, 
                engineers, and technicians.
                    ``(C) Identification of appropriate formal and 
                informal nanotechnology educational materials and 
                incorporation of nanotechnology into the curriculum for 
                secondary school students at one or more organizations 
                participating in a Nanotechnology Education 
                Partnership.
            ``(4) Selection of grant recipients.--Grants under this 
        subsection shall be awarded in accordance with subsection (b), 
        except that paragraph (3)(B) of such subsection shall not apply 
        to grants awarded under this subsection.
            ``(5) Nanotechnology defined.--In this subsection, the term 
        `nanotechnology' has the meaning given the term in section 15 
        of the Act.''.

SEC. 7. TRANSFER OF NANOTECHNOLOGY.

    (a) In General.--The Act (15 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is amended by 
inserting after section 10, as added by section 6(a)(2) of this Act, 
the following:

``SEC. 11. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.

    ``(a) Prototyping.--
            ``(1) Access to facilities.--In accordance with section 
        2(b)(9), the agencies supporting nanotechnology research 
        facilities as part of the Program shall provide access to such 
        facilities to representatives from industry and other 
        stakeholders for the purpose of transferring research results 
        or assisting in the development of prototypes of nanoscale 
        products, devices, or processes (or products, devices, or 
        processes enabled by nanotechnology) for determining proof of 
        concept.
            ``(2) Publication of availability.--The agencies described 
        in paragraph (1) shall publicize the availability of the 
        facilities described in such paragraph and encourage their use 
        by companies as provided for in this section.
            ``(3) Procedures.--The agencies described in paragraph 
        (1)--
                    ``(A) shall establish and publish procedures, 
                guidelines, and conditions for the submission and 
                approval of applications for use of nanotechnology 
                facilities;
                    ``(B) shall publish descriptions of the 
                capabilities of facilities available for use under this 
                subsection, including the availability of technical 
                support; and
                    ``(C) may waive recovery, require full recovery, or 
                require partial recovery of the costs associated with 
                use of the facilities for projects under this 
                subsection.
            ``(4) Selection and criteria.--In cases when less than full 
        cost recovery is required pursuant to paragraph (3)(C), 
        projects provided access to nanotechnology facilities in 
        accordance with this subsection shall be selected through a 
        competitive, merit-based process, and the criteria for the 
        selection of such projects shall include the following:
                    ``(A) The readiness of the project for technology 
                demonstration.
                    ``(B) Evidence of a commitment by the applicant for 
                further development of the project to full 
                commercialization if the proof of concept is 
                established by the prototype.
                    ``(C) Evidence of the potential for further funding 
                from private sector sources following the successful 
                demonstration of proof of concept.
            ``(5) Special consideration for projects relevant to 
        important national needs.--In selecting projects under 
        paragraph (4), the agencies described in paragraph (1) may give 
        special consideration to applications that are relevant to 
        important national needs or requirements.
    ``(b) Use of Existing Technology Transfer Programs.--Each agency 
participating in the Program shall--
            ``(1) if the agency administers a Small Business Innovation 
        Research Program or a Small Business Technology Transfer 
        Program, encourage the submission of applications for support 
        of nanotechnology related projects to such programs; and
            ``(2) through the National Nanotechnology Coordination 
        Office established under section 3(a) and not later than 180 
        days after the date of enactment of the National Nanotechnology 
        Initiative Amendments Act of 2009, submit to the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives--
                    ``(A) the plan described in section 2(c)(7); and
                    ``(B) a report specifying, if the agency 
                administers a Small Business Innovation Research 
                Program and a Small Business Technology Transfer 
                Program--
                            ``(i) the number of proposals received for 
                        nanotechnology related projects during the 
                        current fiscal year and the previous 2 fiscal 
                        years;
                            ``(ii) the number of such proposals funded 
                        in each year;
                            ``(iii) the total number of nanotechnology 
                        related projects funded and the amount of 
                        funding provided for fiscal year 2003 through 
                        fiscal year 2007; and
                            ``(iv) a description of the projects 
                        identified in accordance with clause (iii) 
                        which received private sector funding beyond 
                        the period of phase II support of the Small 
                        Business Innovation Research Program and the 
                        Small Business Technology Transfer Program.
    ``(c) Industry Liaison Groups.--An objective of the Program shall 
be to establish industry liaison groups for all industry sectors that 
would benefit from applications of nanotechnology. The 
Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, and Innovation Working Group of 
the National Science and Technology Council shall actively pursue 
establishing such liaison groups.''.
    (b) Technology Innovation Program Support for Nanotechnology.--
Section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act 
(15 U.S.C. 278n) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) by striking ``The Director'' and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) In general.--The Director''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Solicitation of nanotechnology proposals.--The 
        Director shall encourage the submission of proposals under 
        paragraph (1) for support of nanotechnology related 
        projects.'';
            (2) in subsection (g)--
                    (A) by striking ``The Director'' and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) In general.--The Director''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Nanotechnology report requirements.--The report 
        required by paragraph (1) shall include a description of--
                    ``(A) how the requirement of subsection (d)(2) is 
                being met;
                    ``(B) the number of proposals for nanotechnology 
                related projects received;
                    ``(C) the number of such proposals funded;
                    ``(D) the total number of such projects funded 
                since the beginning of the Technology Innovation 
                Program; and
                    ``(E) the outcomes of such funded projects in terms 
                of the metrics described in paragraph (1).'';
            (3) in subsection (k)(3)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) advice on how to accomplish the requirement 
                of subsection (d)(2); and
                    ``(F) an assessment of the adequacy of the 
                allocation of resources for nanotechnology related 
                projects supported under the Technology Innovation 
                Program.''; and
            (4) in subsection (l)--
                    (A) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking the ``and'' at 
                the end;
                    (B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) the term `nanotechnology' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 15 of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research 
        and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7501(a)).''.
    (c) Coordination With State Initiatives.--Section 2(b)(7) of the 
Act, as redesignated by section 2(b)(1)(A) of this Act, is amended to 
read as follows:
            ``(7) ensuring United States global leadership in the 
        development and application of nanotechnology, including 
        through coordination and leveraging Federal investments with 
        nanotechnology research, development, and technology transition 
        initiatives supported by the States;''.

SEC. 8. RESEARCH IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.

    The Act (15 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is amended by inserting after 
section 11, as added by section 7(a) of this Act, the following:

``SEC. 12. RESEARCH IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.

    ``(a) In General.--The Program shall include support for 
nanotechnology research and development activities directed toward 
application areas that have the potential for significant contributions 
to national economic competitiveness and for other significant societal 
benefits. The activities supported shall be designed to advance the 
development of research discoveries by demonstrating solutions to 
important problems in areas such as the following:
            ``(1) Nano-electronics.
            ``(2) Energy production, transmission, storage, use, and 
        efficiency, including renewable energy.
            ``(3) Health care.
            ``(4) Water remediation and purification.
            ``(5) Instrumentation for nanoscale characterization and 
        metrology.
            ``(6) Rapid production nanomanufacturing for information 
        and intelligence, including cost-effective, green, and safe 
        nanomaterial manufacturing methods.
            ``(7) Precision agriculture.
            ``(8) Sensors and sensor networks for defense and homeland 
        security.
    ``(b) Additional Research.--In addition, the program will support 
research that addresses the following:
            ``(1) The environment, health, and safety risks of 
        nanoparticles.
            ``(2) Ethical, legal, and societal issues relating to 
        nanotechnology.
    ``(c) Recommendations.--The Advisory Panel shall make 
recommendations to the Program for candidate research and development 
areas for support under this section.
    ``(d) Characteristics.--
            ``(1) In general.--Research and development activities 
        under this section shall--
                    ``(A) include projects selected on the basis of 
                applications for support through a competitive, merit-
                based process;
                    ``(B) involve collaborations among researchers in 
                academic institutions and industry, and may involve 
                nonprofit research or educational institutions and 
                Federal and National laboratories, as appropriate;
                    ``(C) when possible, leverage Federal investments 
                through collaboration with related State initiatives; 
                and
                    ``(D) include a plan for fostering the transfer of 
                research discoveries and the results of technology 
                demonstration activities to industry for commercial 
                development.
            ``(2) Procedures.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Determination of the 
                requirements for applications under this subsection, 
                review and selection of applications for support, and 
                subsequent funding of projects shall be carried out by 
                a collaboration of no fewer than 2 agencies 
                participating in the Program.
                    ``(B) Special consideration.--In selecting 
                applications for support, the agencies shall give 
                special consideration to projects that include cost 
                sharing from non-Federal sources.
            ``(3) Interdisciplinary research centers.--Research and 
        development activities under this section may be supported 
        through interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers, as 
        authorized by section 2(b)(6), that are organized to 
        investigate basic research questions and carry out technology 
        demonstration activities in areas such as those identified 
        under subsection (b).''.

SEC. 9. NANOMANUFACTURING RESEARCH.

    (a) In General.--The Act (15 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is amended by 
inserting after section 12, as added by section 8 of this Act, the 
following:

``SEC. 13. NANOMANUFACTURING RESEARCH.

    ``(a) Research Areas.--The Nanomanufacturing component area of the 
Program, or any successor component area, shall include research on the 
following:
            ``(1) Development of instrumentation and tools required for 
        the rapid characterization of nanoscale materials and for 
        monitoring of nanoscale manufacturing processes.
            ``(2) Approaches and techniques for scaling the synthesis 
        of new nanoscale materials to achieve industrial-level 
        production rates.
            ``(3) Improvements in atomically precise measurement, 
        monitoring, manipulating, and manufacturing.
            ``(4) Development of nanotechnology production methods and 
        tools for aerospace information and intelligence applications.
    ``(b) Green Nanotechnology.--Interdisciplinary research centers 
supported under the Program in accordance with section 2(b)(6) that are 
focused on nanomanufacturing research and centers established under the 
authority of section 12(c)(3) shall include, as part of the activities 
of such centers, the following:
            ``(1) Research on methods and approaches to develop 
        environmentally benign nanoscale products and nanoscale 
        manufacturing processes, taking into consideration relevant 
        findings and results of research supported under the 
        Environmental, Health, and Safety program component area, 
        particularly as to full life-cycle assessments, or any 
        successor program component area.
            ``(2) Fostering the transfer of the results of such 
        research to industry, including through industry-led 
        collaborative translational research, with priority 
        consideration given to proposals that provide non-Federal funds 
        in an amount not less than 25 percent of the total amount of 
        any funding to be awarded under the Program.
            ``(3) Providing for the education of scientists and 
        engineers through interdisciplinary studies in the principles 
        and techniques for the design and development of 
        environmentally benign nanoscale products and processes and in 
        the full life-cycle assessment of the nanomaterials and 
        nanotechnologies involved.''.
    (b) Review of Nanomanufacturing Research and Research Facilities.--
            (1) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms 
        ``nanotechnology'', ``nanoscale'', ``program component area'', 
        ``Program'', and ``Advisory Panel'' have the meaning given such 
        terms in section 15 of the Act, as redesignated by section 
        6(a)(1) and amended by section 13 of this Act.
            (2) Public meeting.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the 
                date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the 
                National Nanotechnology Coordination Office established 
                under section 3(a) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 7502(a)) 
                shall sponsor a public meeting, including 
                representation from a wide range of industries engaged 
                in nanoscale manufacturing--
                            (i) to obtain the views of participants at 
                        the meeting on--
                                    (I) the relevance and value of the 
                                research being carried out under the 
                                Nanomanufacturing program component 
                                area, or any successor program 
                                component area to industry, labor, and 
                                the larger public interest; and
                                    (II) whether the capabilities of 
                                nanotechnology research facilities 
                                supported under the Program are 
                                adequate--
                                            (aa) to meet current and 
                                        near-term requirements for the 
                                        fabrication and 
                                        characterization of nanoscale 
                                        devices and systems; and
                                            (bb) to provide access to 
                                        and use of instrumentation and 
                                        equipment at the facilities, by 
                                        means of networking technology, 
                                        to individuals who are at 
                                        locations remote from the 
                                        facilities; and
                            (ii) to receive any recommendations on ways 
                        to strengthen the research portfolio supported 
                        under the Nanomanufacturing program component 
                        area, or any successor program component area, 
                        and on improving the capabilities of 
                        nanotechnology research facilities supported 
                        under the Program.
                    (B) Invitations to public meeting.--The Director of 
                the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall 
                invite companies and labor organizations that are 
                participating in industry liaison groups to participate 
                in the meeting required by subparagraph (A).
                    (C) Report on public meeting.--Not later than 1 
                year after the meeting sponsored by the Office, the 
                Director shall prepare and submit to the Advisory Panel 
                a report documenting the findings and recommendations 
                of the Director with respect to the meeting required by 
                subparagraph (A).
            (3) Advisory panel review.--
                    (A) In general.--The Advisory Panel shall review 
                the Nanomanufacturing program component area, or any 
                successor program component area, and the capabilities 
                of nanotechnology research facilities supported under 
                the Program to assess the following:
                            (i) Whether the funding for the 
                        Nanomanufacturing program component area, or 
                        any successor program component area, is 
                        adequate and receiving appropriate priority 
                        within the overall resources available for the 
                        Program.
                            (ii) The relevance of the research being 
                        supported to the identified needs and 
                        requirements of industry, labor, and long-term 
                        public interest.
                            (iii) Whether the capabilities of 
                        nanotechnology research facilities supported 
                        under the Program are adequate--
                                    (I) to meet current and near-term 
                                requirements for the fabrication and 
                                characterization of nanoscale devices 
                                and systems; and
                                    (II) to provide access to and use 
                                of instrumentation and equipment at the 
                                facilities, by means of networking 
                                technology, to individuals who are at 
                                locations remote from the facilities.
                            (iv) The level of funding that would be 
                        needed to support--
                                    (I) the acquisition of 
                                instrumentation, equipment, and 
                                networking technology sufficient to 
                                provide the capabilities at 
                                nanotechnology research facilities 
                                described in subparagraph (C); and
                                    (II) the operation and maintenance 
                                of such facilities.
                    (B) Incorporation of findings from public 
                meeting.--In carrying out the review required by 
                subparagraph (A), the Advisory Panel shall take into 
                consideration the findings and recommendations in the 
                report submitted by the Director of the National 
                Nanotechnology Coordination Office under paragraph 
                (2)(C).
                    (C) Report on advisory panel review.--Not later 
                than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
                the Advisory Panel shall submit to the Committee on 
                Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and 
                the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
                Representatives a report on the review required by 
                subparagraph (A), including the following:
                            (i) The recommendations, if any, of the 
                        Advisory Panel with respect to the 
                        Nanomanufacturing program component area.
                            (ii) The report required by paragraph 
                        (2)(C).

SEC. 10. NANOSCALE CHARACTERIZATION AND METROLOGY.

    The Act (15 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is amended by inserting after 
section 13, as added by section 9(a) of this Act, the following:

``SEC. 14. NANOSCALE CHARACTERIZATION AND METROLOGY.

    ``(a) Research Areas.--The Instrument Research, Metrology, and 
Standards program component area, or any successor program component 
area, shall include research on translational development of 
instrumentation, tools, approaches, and techniques required for the 
characterization of nanoscale materials and for nanoscale metrology, 
including improvements in speed, accuracy, and scalability.
    ``(b) Environmental, Health, and Safety Effects.--Interdisciplinary 
research centers supported under the Program in accordance with section 
2(b)(6) that are focused on nanoscale characterization and metrology in 
accordance with section 12(c)(3) shall include as part of the 
activities of such centers--
            ``(1) research on methods and approaches to develop 
        characterization and metrology capabilities relevant to the 
        Environmental, Health, and Safety program component area, or 
        any successor program component area; and
            ``(2) fostering the transfer of the results of such 
        research to industry, including through industry-led 
        collaborative translational research.''.

SEC. 11. DELIBERATIVE PUBLIC INPUT IN DECISIONMAKING PROCESSES.

    (a) Beginning a National Discussion.--Not later than 6 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National 
Nanotechnology Coordination Office, established under section 3(a) of 
the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 
7502(a)), shall convene the first in a series of national discussions 
to engage the people of the United States, increase their awareness of 
nanotechnology, and give them a continuing voice in the evolution of 
nanotechnology.
    (b) Form.--The Director shall convene the national discussions 
required by subsection (a) through not fewer than 2 deliberative forums 
in the first 18 months, including one large-scale forum and one small-
scale forum, and, in each subsequent year, at least one deliberative 
forum that includes each of the stakeholder groups described in 
subsection (d).
    (c) Participation.--The Director shall ensure that the population 
of participants in the forums is diverse in--
            (1) age;
            (2) geography;
            (3) income;
            (4) ethnicity; and
            (5) education.
    (d) Broad Participation and Incorporation of Stakeholder Views.--
The Director shall incorporate the views, positions, and the 
participation of key stakeholder groups in the forums, including 
representatives of--
            (1) academia;
            (2) industry;
            (3) labor;
            (4) environmental organizations;
            (5) consumer advocacy organizations;
            (6) other public-interest, non-governmental organizations; 
        and
            (7) citizens from the general public.
    (e) Identification of Priorities and Concerns.--The Director shall 
identify the collective priorities and concerns of the general public 
and other stakeholder groups that relate to--
            (1) nanotechnology products;
            (2) research and development;
            (3) regulatory policy;
            (4) other concerns as identified by the group; and
            (5) the means by which citizens can learn about and 
        participate in policies affecting the design and use of 
        nanotechnology on an ongoing basis.
    (f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the completion of each of 
the forums, the Director shall submit a report to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives summarizing 
the results of the forums and a report issued and approved by the 
participants of the small-scale forum.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
        the Director of National Nanotechnology Coordination Office 
        $2,000,000 to carry out this section.
            (2) Supplement Not Supplant.--The amount authorized to be 
        appropriated by paragraph (1) for the purpose described in that 
        paragraph is in addition to amounts provided in support of the 
        operation of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office 
        under section 3(b) of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research 
        and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7502(b)), as amended by section 
        2(b)(1) of this Act.

SEC. 12. AMENDMENTS TO DEFINITIONS.

    Section 15 of the Act, as redesignated by section 6(a)(1) of this 
Act, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by striking ``atomic, molecular, and 
                supramolecular levels'' and inserting ``nanoscale''; 
                and
                    (B) by striking ``molecular organization, 
                properties, and'' and inserting ``properties or''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(7) Nanoscale.--The term `nanoscale' means one or more 
        dimensions of between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers.
            ``(8) Formal Learning.--The term `formal learning' means 
        learning that takes place in a classroom setting with 
        traditional academic activities and learning outcomes and 
        emphasizes conceptual knowledge.
            ``(9) Informal Learning.--The term `informal learning' 
        means learning that can take place in museums, nature centers, 
        and through everyday activities like gardening, hiking, and 
        participation in clubs. Informal learning is self-motivated, 
        guided by learner interests, voluntary, personal, ongoing, 
        contextually relevant, collaborative, non-linear, and open-
        ended.
                                 <all>