[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3740 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3740
To provide for a comprehensive and integrative program to accelerate
microelectronics research and development at the Department of Energy,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 2, 2022
Mr. Kelly (for himself and Mrs. Blackburn) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide for a comprehensive and integrative program to accelerate
microelectronics research and development at the Department of Energy,
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.
This Act may be cited as the ``Microelectronics Research for Energy
Innovation Act of 2022'' or the ``Micro Act of 2022''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Center.--The term ``Center'' means a Microelectronics
Science Research Center established pursuant to section 5.
(2) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Energy.
(3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Office of Science.
(4) Historically black college or university.--The term
``historically Black college or university'' has the meaning
given the term ``part B institution'' in section 322 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).
(5) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(6) Minority-serving institution.--The term ``minority-
serving institution'' means an institution described in any of
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
(7) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory''
has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(8) Program.--The term ``program'' means the program
established under section 4(a).
(9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(10) Skilled technical workforce.--The term ``skilled
technical workforce'' has the meaning given the term in section
4(b)(3) of the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and
Apprenticeships Act (42 U.S.C. 1862p note; Public Law 115-402).
(11) Tribal college or university.--The term ``Tribal
College or University'' has the meaning given the term in
section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1059c).
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the coming end of Moore's Law presents major
technological challenges and opportunities for the United
States and has important implications for national security,
economic competitiveness, and scientific discovery;
(2) future progress and innovation in microelectronics, and
the maintenance of a robust domestic microelectronics supply
chain, will require an approach that advances relevant
materials science, electronic and photonic device technologies,
processing and packaging technologies, manufacturing
technologies, circuit, chip, and system architecture, and
software system and algorithm development in a codesign
fashion;
(3) the National Laboratories possess unique technical
expertise and user facilities that are essential to--
(A) overcoming foundational research challenges
relevant to the topics described in paragraph (2); and
(B) translating and transferring research outcomes
to industry; and
(4) the expertise and user facilities of the National
Laboratories described in paragraph (3) will enable the
Department to drive advances in microelectronics that are
essential to meeting future needs in areas critical to the
missions of the Department and the future competitiveness of
the domestic microelectronics industry, including high-
performance computing, emerging data-centric computing
approaches and energy-efficient computing, optical sensors,
sources, and wireless networks, and power electronics and
electricity delivery systems.
SEC. 4. MICROELECTRONICS RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a crosscutting
program of research, development, and demonstration of microelectronics
relevant to the missions of the Department to enable advances and
breakthroughs in measurement science, standards, material
characterization, instrumentation, testing, and manufacturing
capabilities that will--
(1) accelerate underlying research and development for
design, development, and manufacturability of next-generation
microelectronics; and
(2) ensure the global competitiveness of the United States
in the field of microelectronics.
(b) Research Projects.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary
shall provide financial assistance to eligible entities
described in paragraph (2) to carry out research projects in--
(A) foundational science areas, including--
(i) materials sciences, chemical sciences,
and plasma science synthesis and fabrication;
(ii) novel microelectronics devices,
including emerging memory and storage
technologies;
(iii) diverse computing architectures and
paradigms, including analog computing and edge
computing;
(iv) data-driven modeling and simulation;
(v) integrated sensing, power harvesting,
and communications;
(vi) component integration and subsystems;
(vii) photonic integration and packaging;
and
(viii) development of codesign frameworks
for all stages of microelectronics design,
development, fabrication, and application;
(B) cybersecurity by design to result in trusted
and resilient microelectronics;
(C) methods for leveraging advanced simulation and
artificial intelligence to enhance codesign and
discovery in microelectronics;
(D) in consultation with the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, fabrication and processing
science and metrology associated with microelectronics
manufacturing, including lithography, patterning,
surface deposition, etching, and cleaning;
(E) approaches for optimizing system-level energy
efficiency of advanced computing systems, the
electrical grid, power electronics, and other energy
infrastructure;
(F) approaches for enhancing the durability and
lifetime of radiation-hardened electronics;
(G) enhancement of microelectronics security,
including the development of integrated devices,
packages, and thermal management for severe
environments and national security; and
(H) in coordination with other relevant initiatives
of the Department, methods to improve the lifetime,
maintenance, recycling, reuse, and sustainability of
microelectronics components and systems, including
technologies and strategies that reduce the use of
energy, water, critical materials, and other
commodities that the Secretary determines are
vulnerable to disruption.
(2) Eligible entities.--An eligible entity referred to in
paragraph (1) is--
(A) an institution of higher education, including a
historically Black college or university, a Tribal
College or University, and a minority-serving
institution;
(B) a nonprofit research organization;
(C) a State research agency;
(D) a National Laboratory;
(E) a private commercial entity;
(F) a partnership or consortium of 2 or more
entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E);
and
(G) any other entity that the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(3) Notification.--Not later than 30 days after the
Secretary provides financial assistance to an eligible entity
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a notification of the financial assistance
provided, including--
(A) the criteria used by the Secretary to select
the eligible entity receiving the financial assistance;
(B) the manner in which the criteria described in
subparagraph (A) comport with the purposes of the
program described in subsection (a); and
(C) a description of the research project that the
eligible entity will carry out using the financial
assistance.
(c) Technology Transfer.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Office of
Technology Transitions and in consultation with the private sector,
shall--
(1) support translational research and transfer of
microelectronics technologies; and
(2) identify emerging research and development needs of
industry and government for the benefit of United States
economic competitiveness.
(d) Workforce Development.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary shall support--
(1) workforce development through existing authorities and
mechanisms available to the Department, including internships,
fellowships, individual investigator grants, and other
activities the Secretary determines appropriate; and
(2) education and outreach activities--
(A) to disseminate information and promote
understanding of microelectronics and related fields
among students at elementary school, secondary school,
high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels; and
(B) that may include educational programming with
an emphasis on experiential and project-based learning.
(e) Outreach.--The Secretary shall conduct outreach to recruit
applicants to the program and engage participants from all regions of
the United States, especially individuals from underserved communities
and groups historically underrepresented in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics.
(f) Coordination.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary
shall--
(1) coordinate across all relevant programs and offices of
the Department; and
(2) coordinate the research carried out under the program
relating to microelectronics with activities carried out by
other Federal agencies and programs relating to
microelectronics research, development, manufacturing, and
supply chain security, including the programs authorized under
subsections (c) through (f) of section 9906 of the William M.
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4656).
(g) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives a report describing the
goals, priorities, and anticipated outcomes of the program.
(h) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary to carry out this section--
(1) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
(2) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
(3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
(4) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
(5) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
SEC. 5. MICROELECTRONICS SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTERS.
(a) In General.--In carrying out the program, subject to the
availability of appropriations, the Director shall designate not more
than 4 eligible entities as Microelectronics Science Research Centers--
(1) to conduct mission-driven research to address
foundational challenges in the design, development,
characterization, prototyping, demonstration, and fabrication
of microelectronics; and
(2) to facilitate the translation of research results to
industry.
(b) Eligible Entities.--An eligible entity referred to in
subsection (a) is--
(1) a National Laboratory;
(2) an institution of higher education, including a
historically Black college or university, a Tribal College or
University, and a minority-serving institution;
(3) a private commercial entity;
(4) a research center;
(5) a partnership or consortium of 2 or more entities
described in paragraphs (1) through (4); and
(6) any other entity that the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(c) Activities.--The activities of a Center shall include research,
development, and demonstration activities for--
(1) accelerating the development of new microelectronics
science and technology, including materials, devices, circuits,
systems, architectures, fabrication tools, processes,
diagnostics, modeling, synthesis, and, in consultation with the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, metrology;
(2) advancing the sustainability and energy efficiency of
new microelectronics devices, packages, and systems;
(3) application-driven codesign and prototyping of novel
devices to facilitate laboratory-to-fabrication transition;
(4) advancing knowledge and experimental capabilities in
surface and materials science, plasma science, and
computational and theoretical methods, including artificial
intelligence, multiscale codesign, and advanced supercomputing
capabilities to invent and manufacture revolutionary
microelectronic devices;
(5) creating technology testbeds for prototyping platforms
for validation and verification of new capabilities and sharing
of ideas, intellectual property, and the unique facilities of
the Department;
(6) supporting development of cybersecurity capabilities
for computing architectures that measurably improve safety and
security and are adaptable for existing and future
applications; and
(7) supporting long-term and short-term workforce
development in microelectronics.
(d) Request for Proposals.--The Director shall, at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Director determines
to be appropriate, issue a request for proposals from eligible entities
described in subsection (b) seeking to be designated as a Center.
(e) Operation.--
(1) Duration.--
(A) In general.--Each Center shall operate for a
period of not more than 5 years, unless renewed for an
additional 5-year period in accordance with
subparagraph (B).
(B) Renewal.--
(i) Initial renewal.--In the case of a
Center that has operated for not more than 5
years, the Director may renew support for the
Center on a merit-reviewed basis for a period
of not more than 5 years.
(ii) 10-year operation.--In the case of a
Center that has operated for not less than 5
years but not more than 10 years, the Director
may renew support for the Center on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis for a period
of not more than 5 years.
(iii) 15-year operation.--In the case of a
Center that has operated for not less than 10
years but not more than 15 years, the Director
may renew support for the Center on a merit-
reviewed basis for a period of not more than 5
years.
(2) Termination.--Consistent with the existing authorities
of the Department, the Director may terminate an
underperforming Center during the performance period.
(f) Technology Transfer.--The Director, in coordination with the
Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, shall seek to enter
into partnerships with industry groups to facilitate the translation
and transfer of research results produced by the Centers.
(g) Coordination.--The Secretary shall--
(1) establish a coordinating network to coordinate cross-
cutting research and foster communication and collaboration
among the Centers; and
(2) ensure coordination, and avoid unnecessary duplication,
of the activities of each Center with the activities of--
(A) other research entities of the Department,
including--
(i) the Nanoscale Science Research Centers;
(ii) the National Quantum Information
Science Research Centers;
(iii) the Energy Frontier Research Centers;
(iv) the Energy Innovation Hubs;
(v) the National Laboratories; and
(vi) other offices of the Department;
(B) the national semiconductor technology center
established under section 9906(c)(1) of the William M.
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4656(c)(1));
(C) institutions of higher education;
(D) industry; and
(E) relevant research activities carried out by
other Federal agencies.
(h) Workforce Development.--Each Center shall support workforce
development through--
(1) incorporation of undergraduate students, postdoctoral
fellows, graduate students, and early career researchers, as
well as elementary school, secondary school, and high school
students, through opportunities such as dual-enrollment
programs and work-based learning programs, as applicable;
(2) hands-on research and equipment training programs;
(3) technical training and certificate programs for the
skilled technical workforce;
(4) facilitation of engagement among academic, industry,
and laboratory researchers; and
(5) public outreach activities, including to students at
elementary school, secondary school, high school,
undergraduate, and graduate levels, which activities may
include educational programming with an emphasis on
experiential and project-based learning.
(i) Outreach.--The Secretary shall conduct outreach to recruit
applicants to the program and engage participants from all regions of
the United States, especially individuals from underserved communities
and groups historically underrepresented in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics.
(j) Intellectual Property.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
intellectual property and value proposition created by the Centers are
retained within the United States.
(k) Notification.--
(1) Definition of covered determination.--In this
subsection, the term ``covered determination'' means a
determination of the Secretary--
(A) to designate an eligible entity as a Center
under subsection (a);
(B) to renew support for a Center under subsection
(e)(1)(B); or
(C) to terminate a Center under subsection (e)(2).
(2) Notification.--Not later than 30 days after the
Secretary makes a covered determination, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives a notification of the covered
determination, including--
(A) the criteria used by the Secretary to make the
covered determination; and
(B) the manner in which the criteria described in
subparagraph (A) comport with the purposes of the
program described in subsection (a).
(l) Funding.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Secretary shall use not more than $25,000,000 to fund each Center for
each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
<all>