[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 125 (Wednesday, August 1, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H9414-H9465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2272, AMERICA COMPETES ACT

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee submitted the following conference report and 
statement on the bill (H.R. 2272) to invest in innovation through 
research and development, and to improve the competitiveness of the 
United States:

                  Conference Report (H. Rept. 110-289)

       The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 
     two Houses on the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 
     2272), to invest in innovation through research and 
     development, and to improve the competitiveness of the United 
     States, having met, after full and free conference, have 
     agreed to recommend and do recommend to their respective 
     Houses as follows:
       That the House recede from its disagreement to the 
     amendment of the Senate and agree to the same with an 
     amendment as follows:
       In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the Senate 
     amendment, insert the following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``America COMPETES Act'' or 
     the ``America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote 
     Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act''.

     SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.

   TITLE I--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY; GOVERNMENT-WIDE 
                                SCIENCE

Sec. 1001. National Science and Technology Summit.
Sec. 1002. Study on barriers to innovation.
Sec. 1003. National Technology and Innovation Medal.
Sec. 1004. Semiannual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 
              Days.
Sec. 1005. Study of service science.
Sec. 1006. President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness.
Sec. 1007. National coordination of research infrastructure.
Sec. 1008. Sense of Congress on innovation acceleration research.
Sec. 1009. Release of scientific research results.

        TITLE II--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 2001. NASA's contribution to innovation.
Sec. 2002. Aeronautics.
Sec. 2003. Basic research enhancement.
Sec. 2004. Aging workforce issues program.
Sec. 2005. Sense of Congress regarding NASA's undergraduate student 
              research program.
Sec. 2006. Use of International Space Station National Laboratory to 
              support math and science education and competitiveness.

       TITLE III--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 3001. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 3002. Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act 
              of 1980.
Sec. 3003. Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Sec. 3004. Institute-wide planning report.
Sec. 3005. Report by Visiting Committee.
Sec. 3006. Meetings of Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology.
Sec. 3007. Collaborative manufacturing research pilot grants.
Sec. 3008. Manufacturing Fellowship Program.
Sec. 3009. Procurement of temporary and intermittent services.
Sec. 3010. Malcolm Baldrige awards.

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Sec. 3011. Report on National Institute of Standards and Technology 
              efforts to recruit and retain early career science and 
              engineering researchers.
Sec. 3012. Technology Innovation Program.
Sec. 3013. Technical amendments to the National Institute of Standards 
              and Technology Act and other technical amendments.
Sec. 3014. Retention of depreciation surcharge.
Sec. 3015. Post-doctoral fellows.

                TITLE IV--OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC PROGRAMS

Sec. 4001. Ocean and atmospheric Research and development Program.
Sec. 4002. NOAA ocean and atmospheric Science education Programs.
Sec. 4003. NOAA's contribution to innovation.

                     TITLE V--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Sec. 5001. Short title.
Sec. 5002. Definitions.
Sec. 5003. Science, engineering, and mathematics education at the 
              Department of Energy.
Sec. 5004. Nuclear science talent expansion program for institutions of 
              higher education.
Sec. 5005. Hydrocarbon systems science talent expansion program for 
              institutions of higher education.
Sec. 5006. Department of Energy early career awards for science. 
              engineering, and mathematics researchers.
Sec. 5007. Authorization of appropriations for Department of Energy for 
              basic research.
Sec. 5008. Discovery science and engineering innovation institutes.
Sec. 5009. Protecting America's Competitive Edge (PACE) graduate 
              fellowship program.
Sec. 5010. Sense of Congress regarding certain recommendations and 
              reviews.
Sec. 5011. Distinguished scientist program.
Sec. 5012. Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy.

                          TITLE VI--EDUCATION

Sec. 6001. Findings.
Sec. 6002. Definitions.

                     Subtitle A--Teacher Assistance

              Part I--Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow

Sec. 6111. Purpose.
Sec. 6112. Definitions.
Sec. 6113. Programs for baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, 
              engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign languages, 
              with concurrent teacher certification.
Sec. 6114. Programs for master's degrees in science, technology, 
              engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign language 
              education.
Sec. 6115. General provisions.
Sec. 6116. Authorization of appropriations.

  Part II--Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs

Sec. 6121. Purpose.
Sec. 6122. Definitions.
Sec. 6123. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs.

Part III--Promising Practices in Science, Technology, Engineering, and 
                          Mathematics Teaching

Sec. 6131. Promising practices.

                        Subtitle B--Mathematics

Sec. 6201. Math Now for elementary school and middle school students 
              program.
Sec. 6202. Summer term education programs.
Sec. 6203. Math skills for secondary school students.
Sec. 6204. Peer review of State applications.

            Subtitle C--Foreign Language Partnership Program

Sec. 6301. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 6302. Definitions.
Sec. 6303. Program authorized.
Sec. 6304. Authorization of appropriations.

              Subtitle D--Alignment of Education Programs

Sec. 6401. Alignment of secondary school graduation requirements with 
              the demands of 21st century postsecondary endeavors and 
              support for P-16 education data systems.

      Subtitle E--Mathematics and Science Partnership Bonus Grants

Sec. 6501. Mathematics and science partnership bonus grants.
Sec. 6502. Authorization of appropriations.

                 TITLE VII--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Sec. 7001. Definitions.
Sec. 7002. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 7003. Reaffirmation of the merit-review process of the National 
              Science Foundation.
Sec. 7004. Sense of the Congress regarding the mathematics and science 
              partnership programs of the Department of Education and 
              the National Science Foundation.
Sec. 7005. Curricula.
Sec. 7006. Centers for research on learning and education improvement.
Sec. 7007. Interdisciplinary research.
Sec. 7008. Postdoctoral research fellows.
Sec. 7009. Responsible conduct of research.
Sec. 7010. Reporting of research results.
Sec. 7011. Sharing research results.
Sec. 7012. Funding for successful science, technology, engineering, and 
              mathematics education programs.
Sec. 7013. Cost sharing.
Sec. 7014. Additional reports.
Sec. 7015. Administrative amendments.
Sec. 7016. National Science Board reports.
Sec. 7017. Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986 amendment.
Sec. 7018. Meeting critical national science needs.
Sec. 7019. Research on innovation and inventiveness.
Sec. 7020. Cyberinfrastructure.
Sec. 7021. Pilot program of grants for new investigators.
Sec. 7022. Broader impacts merit review criterion.
Sec. 7023. Donations.
Sec. 7024. High-performance computing and networking.
Sec. 7025. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics talent 
              expansion program.
Sec. 7026. Laboratory science pilot program.
Sec. 7027. Study on laboratory equipment donations for schools.
Sec. 7028. Mathematics and Science Education Partnerships amendments.
Sec. 7029. National Science Foundation teacher institutes for the 21st 
              century.
Sec. 7030. Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
Sec. 7031. Encouraging participation.
Sec. 7032. National Academy of Sciences report on diversity in science, 
              technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Sec. 7033. Hispanic-serving institutions undergraduate program.
Sec. 7034. Professional science master's degree programs.
Sec. 7035. Sense of Congress on communications training for scientists.
Sec. 7036. Major research instrumentation.
Sec. 7037. Limit on proposals.

                     TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 8001. Collection of data relating to trade in services.
Sec. 8002. Sense of the Senate regarding small business growth and 
              capital markets.
Sec. 8003. Government Accountability Office review of activities, 
              grants, and programs.
Sec. 8004. Sense of the Senate regarding anti-competitive tax policy.
Sec. 8005. Study of the provision of online degree programs.
Sec. 8006. Sense of the Senate regarding deemed exports.
Sec. 8007. Sense of the Senate regarding capital markets.
Sec. 8008. Accountability and transparency of activities authorized by 
              this Act.
   TITLE I--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY; GOVERNMENT-WIDE 
                                SCIENCE

     SEC. 1001. NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall convene a 
     National Science and Technology Summit to examine the health 
     and direction of the United States' science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics enterprises. The Summit shall 
     include representatives of industry, small business, labor, 
     academia, State government, Federal research and development 
     agencies, non-profit environmental and energy policy groups 
     concerned with science and technology issues, and other 
     nongovernmental organizations, including representatives of 
     science, technology, and engineering organizations and 
     associations that represent individuals identified in section 
     33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     conclusion of the Summit, the President shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the results of the Summit. The report 
     shall identify key research and technology challenges and 
     recommendations, including recommendations to increase the 
     representation of individuals identified in section 33 or 34 
     of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b) in science, engineering, and 
     technology enterprises, for areas of investment for Federal 
     research and technology programs to be carried out during the 
     5-year period beginning on the date the report is issued.
       (c) Annual Evaluation.--Beginning with the President's 
     budget submission for the fiscal year following the 
     conclusion of the National Science and Technology Summit and 
     for each of the following 4 budget submissions, the 
     Analytical Perspectives component of the budget document that 
     describes the Research and Development budget priorities 
     shall include a description of how those priorities relate to 
     the conclusions and recommendations of the Summit contained 
     in the report required under subsection (b).

     SEC. 1002. STUDY ON BARRIERS TO INNOVATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy shall enter into a contract 
     with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct and complete 
     a study to identify, and to review methods to mitigate, new 
     forms of risk for businesses beyond conventional operational 
     and financial risk that affect the ability to innovate, 
     including studying and reviewing--
       (1) incentive and compensation structures that could 
     effectively encourage long-term value creation and 
     innovation;
       (2) methods of voluntary and supplemental disclosure by 
     industry of intellectual capital, innovation performance, and 
     indicators of future valuation;
       (3) means by which government could work with industry to 
     enhance the legal and regulatory framework to encourage the 
     disclosures described in paragraph (2);
       (4) practices that may be significant deterrents to United 
     States businesses engaging in innovation risk-taking compared 
     to foreign competitors;

[[Page H9416]]

       (5) costs faced by United States businesses engaging in 
     innovation compared to foreign competitors, including the 
     burden placed on businesses by high and rising health care 
     costs;
       (6) means by which industry, trade associations, and 
     universities could collaborate to support research on 
     management practices and methodologies for assessing the 
     value and risks of longer term innovation strategies;
       (7) means to encourage new, open, and collaborative 
     dialogue between industry associations, regulatory 
     authorities, management, shareholders, labor, and other 
     concerned interests to encourage appropriate approaches to 
     innovation risk-taking;
       (8) incentives to encourage participation among 
     institutions of higher education, especially those in rural 
     and underserved areas, to engage in innovation;
       (9) relevant Federal regulations that may discourage or 
     encourage innovation;
       (10) all provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
     including tax provisions, compliance costs, and reporting 
     requirements, that discourage innovation;
       (11) the extent to which Federal funding promotes or 
     hinders innovation; and
       (12) the extent to which individuals are being equipped 
     with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the 
     21st century workforce, as measured by--
       (A) elementary school and secondary school student academic 
     achievement on the State academic assessments required under 
     section 1111(b)(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
     Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 (b)(3)), especially in 
     mathematics, science, and reading, identified by 
     ethnicity, race, and gender;
       (B) the rate of student entrance into institutions of 
     higher education, identified by ethnicity, race, and gender, 
     by type of institution, and barriers to access to 
     institutions of higher education;
       (C) the rates of--
       (i) students successfully completing postsecondary 
     education programs, identified by ethnicity, race, and 
     gender; and
       (ii) certificates, associate degrees, and baccalaureate 
     degrees awarded in the fields of science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics, identified by ethnicity, race, 
     and gender; and
       (D) access to, and availability of, high quality job 
     training programs.
       (b) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after entering 
     into the contract required by subsection (a) and 4 years 
     after entering into such contract, the National Academy of 
     Sciences shall submit to Congress a report on the study 
     conducted under such subsection.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Office of Science and Technology 
     Policy $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 for the purpose of 
     carrying out the study required under this section.

     SEC. 1003. NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MEDAL.

       Section 16 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation 
     Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3711) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``NATIONAL MEDAL'' 
     and inserting ``NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MEDAL''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``Technology Medal'' and 
     inserting ``Technology and Innovation Medal''.

     SEC. 1004. SEMIANNUAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND 
                   MATHEMATICS DAYS.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Director of the Office 
     of Science and Technology Policy should--
       (1) encourage all elementary and middle schools to observe 
     a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Day twice 
     in every school year for the purpose of bringing in science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics mentors to provide 
     hands-on lessons to excite and inspire students to pursue the 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields 
     (including continuing education and career paths);
       (2) initiate a program, in consultation with Federal 
     agencies and departments, to provide support systems, tools 
     (from existing outreach offices), and mechanisms to allow and 
     encourage Federal employees with scientific, technological, 
     engineering, or mathematical responsibilities to reach out to 
     local classrooms on such Science, Technology, Engineering, 
     and Mathematics Days to instruct and inspire school children, 
     focusing on real life science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics-related applicable experiences along with hands-
     on demonstrations in order to demonstrate the advantages and 
     direct applications of studying the science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics fields; and
       (3) promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and 
     Mathematics Days involvement by private sector and 
     institutions of higher education employees, including 
     partnerships with scientific, engineering, and mathematical 
     professional organizations representing individuals 
     identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering 
     Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b), in a 
     manner similar to the Federal employee involvement described 
     in paragraph (2).

     SEC. 1005. STUDY OF SERVICE SCIENCE.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that, 
     in order to strengthen the competitiveness of United States 
     enterprises and institutions and to prepare the people of the 
     United States for high-wage, high-skill employment, the 
     Federal Government should better understand and respond 
     strategically to the emerging management and learning 
     discipline known as service science.
       (b) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy shall, through the National Academy of 
     Sciences, conduct a study and report to Congress on how the 
     Federal Government should support, through research, 
     education, and training, the emerging management and learning 
     discipline known as service science.
       (c) Outside Resources.--In conducting the study under 
     subsection (b), the National Academy of Sciences shall 
     consult with leaders from 2- and 4-year institutions of 
     higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), leaders from 
     corporations, and other relevant parties.
       (d) Service Science Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``service science'' means curricula, training, and research 
     programs that are designed to teach individuals to apply 
     scientific, engineering, and management disciplines that 
     integrate elements of computer science, operations research, 
     industrial engineering, business strategy, management 
     sciences, and social and legal sciences, in order to 
     encourage innovation in how organizations create value for 
     customers and shareholders that could not be achieved through 
     such disciplines working in isolation.

     SEC. 1006. PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON INNOVATION AND 
                   COMPETITIVENESS.

       (a) In General.--The President shall establish a 
     President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness.
       (b) Duties.--The duties of the Council shall include--
       (1) monitoring implementation of public laws and 
     initiatives for promoting innovation, including policies 
     related to research funding, taxation, immigration, trade, 
     and education that are proposed in this Act or in any other 
     Act;
       (2) providing advice to the President with respect to 
     global trends in competitiveness and innovation and 
     allocation of Federal resources in education, job training, 
     and technology research and development considering such 
     global trends in competitiveness and innovation;
       (3) in consultation with the Director of the Office of 
     Management and Budget, developing a process for using metrics 
     to assess the impact of existing and proposed policies and 
     rules that affect innovation capabilities in the United 
     States;
       (4) identifying opportunities and making recommendations 
     for the heads of executive agencies to improve innovation, 
     monitoring, and reporting on the implementation of such 
     recommendations;
       (5) developing metrics for measuring the progress of the 
     Federal Government with respect to improving conditions for 
     innovation, including through talent development, investment, 
     and infrastructure improvements; and
       (6) submitting to the President and Congress an annual 
     report on such progress.
       (c) Membership and Coordination.--
       (1) Membership.--The Council shall be composed of the 
     Secretary or head of each of the following:
       (A) The Department of Commerce.
       (B) The Department of Defense.
       (C) The Department of Education.
       (D) The Department of Energy.
       (E) The Department of Health and Human Services.
       (F) The Department of Homeland Security.
       (G) The Department of Labor.
       (H) The Department of the Treasury.
       (I) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
       (J) The Securities and Exchange Commission.
       (K) The National Science Foundation.
       (L) The Office of the United States Trade Representative.
       (M) The Office of Management and Budget.
       (N) The Office of Science and Technology Policy.
       (O) The Environmental Protection Agency.
       (P) The Small Business Administration.
       (Q) Any other department or agency designated by the 
     President.
       (2) Chairperson.--The Secretary of Commerce shall serve as 
     Chairperson of the Council.
       (3) Coordination.--The Chairperson of the Council shall 
     ensure appropriate coordination between the Council and the 
     National Economic Council, the National Security Council, and 
     the National Science and Technology Council.
       (4) Meetings.--The Council shall meet on a semi-annual 
     basis at the call of the Chairperson and the initial meeting 
     of the Council shall occur not later than 6 months after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act.
       (d) Development of Innovation Agenda.--
       (1) In general.--The Council shall develop a comprehensive 
     agenda for strengthening the innovation and competitiveness 
     capabilities of the Federal Government, State governments, 
     academia, and the private sector in the United States.
       (2) Contents.--The comprehensive agenda required by 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) An assessment of current strengths and weaknesses of 
     the United States investment in research and development.
       (B) Recommendations for addressing weaknesses and 
     maintaining the United States as a world leader in research 
     and development and technological innovation, including 
     strategies for increasing the participation of individuals 
     identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering 
     Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b) in 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
       (C) Recommendations for strengthening the innovation and 
     competitiveness capabilities of the Federal Government, State 
     governments, academia, and the private sector in the United 
     States.
       (3) Advisors.--
       (A) Recommendation.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the National Academy of 
     Sciences, in consultation with the National Academy of 
     Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National 
     Research Council, shall develop and submit to the

[[Page H9417]]

     President a list of 50 individuals that are recommended to 
     serve as advisors to the Council during the development of 
     the comprehensive agenda required by paragraph (1). The list 
     of advisors shall include appropriate representatives from 
     the following:
       (i) The private sector of the economy.
       (ii) Labor.
       (iii) Various fields including information technology, 
     energy, engineering, high-technology manufacturing, health 
     care, and education.
       (iv) Scientific organizations.
       (v) Academic organizations and other nongovernmental 
     organizations working in the area of science or technology.
       (vi) Nongovernmental organizations, such as professional 
     organizations, that represent individuals identified in 
     section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b) in the areas of 
     science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.
       (B) Designation.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
     that the National Academy of Sciences submits the list of 
     recommended individuals to serve as advisors, the President 
     shall designate 50 individuals to serve as advisors to the 
     Council.
       (C) Requirement to consult.--The Council shall develop the 
     comprehensive agenda required by paragraph (1) in 
     consultation with the advisors.
       (4) Initial submission and updates.--
       (A) Initial submission.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit 
     to Congress and the President the comprehensive agenda 
     required by paragraph (1).
       (B) Updates.--At least once every 2 years, the Council 
     shall update the comprehensive agenda required by paragraph 
     (1) and submit each such update to Congress and the 
     President.
       (e) Optional Assignment.--Notwithstanding subsection (a) 
     and paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c), the President 
     may designate an existing council to carry out the 
     requirements of this section.

     SEC. 1007. NATIONAL COORDINATION OF RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) Identification and Prioritization of Deficiencies in 
     Federal Research Facilities.--Each year the Director of the 
     Office of Science and Technology Policy shall, through the 
     National Science and Technology Council, identify and 
     prioritize the deficiencies in research facilities and major 
     instrumentation located at Federal laboratories and national 
     user facilities at academic institutions that are widely 
     accessible for use by researchers in the United States. In 
     prioritizing such deficiencies, the Director shall consider 
     research needs in areas relevant to the specific mission 
     requirements of Federal agencies.
       (b) Planning for Acquisition, Refurbishment, and 
     Maintenance of Research Facilities and Major 
     Instrumentation.--The Director shall, through the National 
     Science and Technology Council, coordinate the planning by 
     Federal agencies for the acquisition, refurbishment, and 
     maintenance of research facilities and major instrumentation 
     to address the deficiencies identified under subsection (a).
       (c) Report.--The Director shall submit to Congress 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, current as of the 
     fiscal year ending in the year before such report is 
     submitted, setting forth the following:
       (1) A description of the deficiencies in research 
     infrastructure identified in accordance with subsection (a).
       (2) A list of projects and budget proposals of Federal 
     research facilities, set forth by agency, for major 
     instrumentation acquisitions that are included in the budget 
     proposal of the President.
       (3) An explanation of how the projects and instrumentation 
     acquisitions described in paragraph (2) relate to the 
     deficiencies and priorities identified pursuant to subsection 
     (a).

     SEC. 1008. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INNOVATION ACCELERATION 
                   RESEARCH.

       (a) Sense of Congress on Support and Promotion of 
     Innovation in the United States.--It is the sense of Congress 
     that each Federal research agency should strive to support 
     and promote innovation in the United States through high-
     risk, high-reward basic research projects that--
       (1) meet fundamental technological or scientific 
     challenges;
       (2) involve multidisciplinary work; and
       (3) involve a high degree of novelty.
       (b) Sense of Congress on Setting Annual Funding Goals for 
     Basic Research.--It is the sense of Congress that each 
     Executive agency that funds research in science, technology, 
     engineering, or mathematics should set a goal of allocating 
     an appropriate percentage of the annual basic research budget 
     of such agency to funding high-risk, high-reward basic 
     research projects described in subsection (a).
       (c) Report.--Each Executive agency described in subsection 
     (b) shall submit to Congress 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 describing whether a funding goal as 
     described in subsection (b) has been established, and if such 
     a goal has been established, the following:
       (1) A description of such funding goal.
       (2) Whether such funding goal is being met by the agency.
       (3) A description of activities supported by amounts 
     allocated in accordance with such funding goal.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Basic research.--The term ``basic research'' has the 
     meaning given such term in the Office of Management and 
     Budget Circular No. A-11.
       (2) Executive agency.--The term ``Executive agency'' has 
     the meaning given such term in section 105 of title 5, United 
     States Code.

     SEC. 1009. RELEASE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH RESULTS.

       (a) Principles.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the 
     Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the heads 
     of all Federal civilian agencies that conduct scientific 
     research, shall develop and issue an overarching set of 
     principles to ensure the communication and open exchange of 
     data and results to other agencies, policymakers, and the 
     public of research conducted by a scientist employed by a 
     Federal civilian agency and to prevent the intentional or 
     unintentional suppression or distortion of such research 
     findings. The principles shall encourage the open exchange of 
     data and results of research undertaken by a scientist 
     employed by such an agency and shall be consistent with 
     existing Federal laws, including chapter 18 of title 35, 
     United States Code (commonly known as the ``Bayh-Dole Act''). 
     The principles shall also take into consideration the 
     policies of peer-reviewed scientific journals in which 
     Federal scientists may currently publish results.
       (b) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy shall ensure that all civilian 
     Federal agencies that conduct scientific research develop 
     specific policies and procedures regarding the public release 
     of data and results of research conducted by a scientist 
     employed by such an agency consistent with the principles 
     established under subsection (a). Such polices and procedures 
     shall--
       (1) specifically address what is and what is not permitted 
     or recommended under such policies and procedures;
       (2) be specifically designed for each such agency;
       (3) be applied uniformly throughout each such agency; and
       (4) be widely communicated and readily accessible to all 
     employees of each such agency and the public.
        TITLE II--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

     SEC. 2001. NASA'S CONTRIBUTION TO INNOVATION.

       (a) Participation in Interagency Activities.--The National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration shall be a full 
     participant in any interagency effort to promote innovation 
     and economic competitiveness through near-term and long-term 
     basic scientific research and development and the promotion 
     of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     education, consistent with the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration's mission, including authorized activities.
       (b) Historic Foundation.--In order to carry out the 
     participation described in subsection (a), the Administrator 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall 
     build on the historic role of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration in stimulating excellence in the 
     advancement of physical science and engineering disciplines 
     and in providing opportunities and incentives for the pursuit 
     of academic studies in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics.
       (c) Balanced Science Program and Robust Authorization 
     Levels.--The balanced science program authorized by section 
     101(d) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16611) shall be an 
     element of the contribution by the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration to such interagency programs.
       (d) Sense of Congress on Contribution of Appropriately 
     Funded National Aeronautics and Space Administration.--It is 
     the sense of Congress that a robust National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration, funded at the levels authorized for 
     fiscal years 2007 and 2008 under sections 202 and 203 of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization 
     Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16631 and 16632) and at appropriate 
     levels in subsequent fiscal years--
       (1) can contribute significantly to innovation in, and the 
     competitiveness of, the United States;
       (2) would enable a fair balance among science, aeronautics, 
     education, exploration, and human space flight programs; and
       (3) would allow full participation in any interagency 
     efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness.
       (e) Annual Report.--
       (1) Requirement.--The Administrator shall submit to 
     Congress and the President an annual report describing the 
     activities conducted pursuant to this section, including a 
     description of the goals and the objective metrics upon which 
     funding decisions were made.
       (2) Content.--Each report submitted pursuant to paragraph 
     (1) shall include, with regard to science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics education programs, at a 
     minimum, the following:
       (A) A description of each program.
       (B) The amount spent on each program.
       (C) The number of students or teachers served by each 
     program.
       (f) Assessment Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
     to Congress a report on its plan for instituting assessments 
     of the effectiveness of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration's science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education programs

[[Page H9418]]

     in improving student achievement, including with regard to 
     challenging State achievement standards.

     SEC. 2002. AERONAUTICS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the aeronautics research and development program of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been an 
     important contributor to innovation and to the 
     competitiveness of the United States and the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration should maintain its 
     capabilities to advance the state of aeronautics.
       (b) Cooperation With Other Agencies on Aeronautics 
     Activities.--The Administrator shall coordinate, as 
     appropriate, the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration's aeronautics activities with relevant 
     programs in the Department of Transportation, the Department 
     of Defense, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of 
     Homeland Security, including the activities of the Joint 
     Planning and Development Office established under section 709 
     of the Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act 
     (Public Law 108-176; 117 Stat. 2582).

     SEC. 2003. BASIC RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Director of the 
     National Science Foundation, the Secretary of Energy, the 
     Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of Commerce shall, to the 
     extent practicable, coordinate basic research activities 
     related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics.
       (b) Basic Research Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``basic research'' has the meaning given such term in Office 
     of Management and Budget Circular No. A-11.

     SEC. 2004. AGING WORKFORCE ISSUES PROGRAM.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration should 
     implement a program to address aging work force issues in 
     aerospace that--
       (1) documents technical and management experiences before 
     senior people leave the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, including--
       (A) documenting lessons learned;
       (B) briefing organizations;
       (C) providing opportunities for archiving lessons in a 
     database; and
       (D) providing opportunities for near-term retirees to 
     transition out early from their primary assignment in order 
     to document their career lessons learned and brief new 
     employees prior to their separation from the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration;
       (2) provides incentives for retirees to return and teach 
     new employees about their career lessons and experiences; and
       (3) provides for the development of an award to recognize 
     and reward outstanding senior employees for their 
     contributions to knowledge sharing.

     SEC. 2005. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING NASA'S UNDERGRADUATE 
                   STUDENT RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       It is the sense of Congress that in order to generate 
     interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics and to help train the next generation of space 
     and aeronautical scientists, technologists, engineers, and 
     mathematicians the Administrator of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration should utilize the existing 
     Undergraduate Student Research Program of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration to support basic 
     research projects on subjects of relevance to the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration that--
       (1) are to be carried out primarily by undergraduate 
     students; and
       (2) combine undergraduate research with other research 
     supported by the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration.

     SEC. 2006. USE OF INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION NATIONAL 
                   LABORATORY TO SUPPORT MATH AND SCIENCE 
                   EDUCATION AND COMPETITIVENESS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the International Space Station National Laboratory offers 
     unique opportunities for educational activities and provides 
     a unique resource for research and development in science, 
     technology, and engineering, which can enhance the global 
     competitiveness of the United States.
       (b) Development of Educational Projects.--The Administrator 
     of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall 
     develop a detailed plan for implementation of 1 or more 
     education projects that utilize the resources offered by the 
     International Space Station. In developing any detailed plan 
     according to this paragraph, the Administrator shall make use 
     of the findings and recommendations of the International 
     Space Station National Laboratory Education Concept 
     Development Task Force.
       (c) Development of Research Plans for Competitiveness 
     Enhancement.--The Administrator shall develop a detailed plan 
     for identification and support of research to be conducted 
     aboard the International Space Station, which offers the 
     potential for enhancement of United States competitiveness in 
     science, technology, and engineering. In developing any 
     detailed plan pursuant to this subsection, the Administrator 
     shall consult with agencies and entities with which 
     cooperative agreements have been reached regarding 
     utilization of International Space Station National 
     Laboratory facilities.
       TITLE III--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY

     SEC. 3001. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Scientific and Technical Research and Services.--
       (1) Laboratory activities.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for the scientific 
     and technical research and services laboratory activities of 
     the National Institute of Standards and Technology--
       (A) $502,100,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $541,900,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (C) $584,800,000 for fiscal year 2010.
       (2) Construction and maintenance.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for construction 
     and maintenance of facilities of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology--
       (A) $150,900,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $86,400,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (C) $49,700,000 for fiscal year 2010.
       (b) Industrial Technology Services.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for 
     Industrial Technology Services activities of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology--
       (1) $210,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which--
       (A) $100,000,000 shall be for the Technology Innovation 
     Program under section 28 of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n), of which at 
     least $40,000,000 shall be for new awards; and
       (B) $110,000,000 shall be for the Manufacturing Extension 
     Partnership program under sections 25 and 26 of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 
     278l), of which not more than $1,000,000 shall be for the 
     competitive grant program under section 25(f) of such Act;
       (2) $253,500,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which--
       (A) $131,500,000 shall be for the Technology Innovation 
     Program under section 28 of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n), of which at 
     least $40,000,000 shall be for new awards; and
       (B) $122,000,000 shall be for the Manufacturing Extension 
     Partnership Program under sections 25 and 26 of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 
     278l), of which not more than $4,000,000 shall be for the 
     competitive grant program under section 25(f) of such Act; 
     and
       (3) $272,300,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which--
       (A) $140,500,000 shall be for the Technology Innovation 
     Program under section 28 of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n), of which at 
     least $40,000,000 shall be for new awards; and
       (B) $131,800,000 shall be for the Manufacturing Extension 
     Partnership Program under sections 25 and 26 of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 
     278l), of which not more than $4,000,000 shall be for the 
     competitive grant program under section 25(f) of such Act.

     SEC. 3002. AMENDMENTS TO THE STEVENSON-WYDLER TECHNOLOGY 
                   INNOVATION ACT OF 1980.

       (a) In General.--Section 5 of the Stevenson-Wydler 
     Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3704) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (a) through (e);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (a);
       (3) in subsection (a), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The Secretary, acting 
     through the Under Secretary, shall establish for fiscal year 
     1999'' and inserting ``Beginning in fiscal year 1999, the 
     Secretary shall establish'';
       (B) by striking ``, acting through the Under Secretary,'' 
     each place it appears;
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (6) as subsection (b);
       (D) by striking paragraph (7); and
       (E) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Experimental 
     Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology'' and inserting 
     ``Program Establishment'';
       (4) in subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (3)(C), 
     by striking ``this subsection'' and inserting ``subsection 
     (a)''; and
       (5) in the section heading by striking ``COMMERCE AND 
     TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION'' and inserting ``EXPERIMENTAL 
     PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE TECHNOLOGY''.
       (b) Construction.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall not be construed to eliminate the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology or the National Technical 
     Information Service.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Title 5, united states code.--Section 5314 of title 5, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``Under Secretary 
     of Commerce for Technology.''.
       (2) National institute of standards and technology.--The 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 
     271 et seq.) is amended--
       (A) in section 2 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 272)--
       (i) in subsection (b), by striking ``and, if appropriate, 
     through other officials,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (c), by striking ``and, if appropriate, 
     through other appropriate officials,''; and
       (B) in section 5 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 274), by striking 
     ``The Director shall have the general'' and inserting ``The 
     Director shall report directly to the Secretary and shall 
     have the general''.
       (3) Definitions.--Section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler 
     Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703) is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking paragraphs (1) and (3); and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (1) through (11), respectively.
       (4) Functions of secretary.--Section 11(g)(1) of such Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 3710(g)(1)) is amended by striking ``through the 
     Under Secretary, and''.
       (5) Repeal of authorization.--Section 21(a) of such Act (15 
     U.S.C. 3713(a)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``sections 5, 11(g), and 
     16'' and inserting ``sections 11(g) and 16''; and

[[Page H9419]]

       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$500,000 is authorized 
     only for the purpose of carrying out the requirements of the 
     Japanese technical literature program established under 
     section 5(d) of this Act;''.
       (6) High-performance computing act of 1991.--Section 208 of 
     the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5528) 
     is amended by striking subsection (c) and redesignating 
     subsection (d) as subsection (c).
       (7) Assistive technology act of 1998.--Section 
     6(b)(4)(B)(v) of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 
     U.S.C. 3005(b)(4)(B)(v)) is amended by striking ``the 
     Technology Administration of the Department of Commerce,'' 
     and inserting ``the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology,''.

     SEC. 3003. MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.

       (a) Clarification of Eligible Contributions in Connection 
     With Regional Centers Responsible for Implementing the 
     Objectives of the Program.--Paragraph (3) of section 25(c) of 
     the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 
     U.S.C. 278k(c)(3)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(3)(A) Any nonprofit institution, or group thereof, or 
     consortia of nonprofit institutions, including entities 
     existing on August 23, 1988, may submit to the Secretary an 
     application for financial support under this subsection, in 
     accordance with the procedures established by the Secretary 
     and published in the Federal Register under paragraph (2).
       ``(B) In order to receive assistance under this section, an 
     applicant for financial assistance under subparagraph (A) 
     shall provide adequate assurances that non-Federal assets 
     obtained from the applicant and the applicant's partnering 
     organizations will be used as a funding source to meet not 
     less than 50 percent of the costs incurred for the first 3 
     years and an increasing share for each of the last 3 years. 
     For purposes of the preceding sentence, the costs incurred 
     means the costs incurred in connection with the activities 
     undertaken to improve the management, productivity, and 
     technological performance of small- and medium-sized 
     manufacturing companies.
       ``(C) In meeting the 50 percent requirement, it is 
     anticipated that a Center will enter into agreements with 
     other entities such as private industry, universities, and 
     State governments to accomplish programmatic objectives and 
     access new and existing resources that will further the 
     impact of the Federal investment made on behalf of small- and 
     medium-sized manufacturing companies. All non-Federal costs, 
     contributed by such entities and determined by a Center as 
     programmatically reasonable and allocable under MEP program 
     procedures are includable as a portion of the Center's 
     contribution.
       ``(D) Each applicant under subparagraph (A) shall also 
     submit a proposal for the allocation of the legal rights 
     associated with any invention which may result from the 
     proposed Center's activities.''.
       (b) Manufacturing Center Evaluation.--Paragraph (5) of 
     section 25(c) of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(c)(5)) is amended by inserting 
     ``A Center that has not received a positive evaluation by the 
     evaluation panel shall be notified by the panel of the 
     deficiencies in its performance and shall be placed on 
     probation for one year, after which time the panel shall 
     reevaluate the Center. If the Center has not addressed the 
     deficiencies identified by the panel, or shown a significant 
     improvement in its performance, the Director shall conduct a 
     new competition to select an operator for the Center or may 
     close the Center.'' after ``at declining levels.''.
       (c) Federal Share.--Section 25 of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended by 
     striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Acceptance of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--In addition to such sums as may be 
     appropriated to the Secretary and Director to operate the 
     Centers program, the Secretary and Director also may accept 
     funds from other Federal departments and agencies and under 
     section 2(c)(7) from the private sector for the purpose of 
     strengthening United States manufacturing.
       ``(2) Allocation of funds.--
       ``(A) Funds accepted from other federal departments or 
     agencies.--The Director shall determine whether funds 
     accepted from other Federal departments or agencies shall be 
     counted in the calculation of the Federal share of capital 
     and annual operating and maintenance costs under subsection 
     (c).
       ``(B) Funds accepted from the private sector.--Funds 
     accepted from the private sector under section 2(c)(7), if 
     allocated to a Center, shall not be considered in the 
     calculation of the Federal share under subsection (c) of this 
     section.''.
       (d) MEP Advisory Board.--Such section 25 is further amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) MEP Advisory Board.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Institute a Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory 
     Board (in this subsection referred to as the `MEP Advisory 
     Board').
       ``(2) Membership.--
       ``(A) In general.--The MEP Advisory Board shall consist of 
     10 members broadly representative of stakeholders, to be 
     appointed by the Director. At least 2 members shall be 
     employed by or on an advisory board for the Centers, and at 
     least 5 other members shall be from United States small 
     businesses in the manufacturing sector. No member shall be an 
     employee of the Federal Government.
       ``(B) Term.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C) or (D), 
     the term of office of each member of the MEP Advisory Board 
     shall be 3 years.
       ``(C) Classes.--The original members of the MEP Advisory 
     Board shall be appointed to 3 classes. One class of 3 members 
     shall have an initial term of 1 year, one class of 3 members 
     shall have an initial term of 2 years, and one class of 4 
     members shall have an initial term of 3 years.
       ``(D) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy 
     occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his 
     predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the 
     remainder of such term.
       ``(E) Serving consecutive terms.--Any person who has 
     completed two consecutive full terms of service on the MEP 
     Advisory Board shall thereafter be ineligible for appointment 
     during the one-year period following the expiration of the 
     second such term.
       ``(3) Meetings.--The MEP Advisory Board shall meet not less 
     than 2 times annually, and provide to the Director--
       ``(A) advice on Manufacturing Extension Partnership 
     programs, plans, and policies;
       ``(B) assessments of the soundness of Manufacturing 
     Extension Partnership plans and strategies; and
       ``(C) assessments of current performance against 
     Manufacturing Extension Partnership program plans.
       ``(4) Federal advisory committee act.--In discharging its 
     duties under this subsection, the MEP Advisory Board shall 
     function solely in an advisory capacity, in accordance with 
     the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
       ``(5) Report.--The MEP Advisory Board shall transmit an 
     annual report to the Secretary for transmittal to Congress 
     within 30 days after the submission to Congress of the 
     President's annual budget request in each year. Such report 
     shall address the status of the program established pursuant 
     to this section and comment on the relevant sections of the 
     programmatic planning document and updates thereto 
     transmitted to Congress by the Director under subsections (c) 
     and (d) of section 23.''.
       (e) Manufacturing Extension Center Competitive Grant 
     Program.--Such section 25 is further amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(f) Competitive Grant Program.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Director shall establish, within 
     the Centers program under this section and section 26 of this 
     Act, a program of competitive awards among participants 
     described in paragraph (2) for the purposes described in 
     paragraph (3).
       ``(2) Participants.--Participants receiving awards under 
     this subsection shall be the Centers, or a consortium of such 
     Centers.
       ``(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the program under this 
     subsection is to develop projects to solve new or emerging 
     manufacturing problems as determined by the Director, in 
     consultation with the Director of the Centers program, the 
     Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board, and small 
     and medium-sized manufacturers. One or more themes for the 
     competition may be identified, which may vary from year to 
     year, depending on the needs of manufacturers and the success 
     of previous competitions. These themes shall be related to 
     projects associated with manufacturing extension activities, 
     including supply chain integration and quality management, 
     and including the transfer of technology based on the 
     technological needs of manufacturers and available 
     technologies from institutions of higher education, 
     laboratories, and other technology producing entities, or 
     extend beyond these traditional areas.
       ``(4) Applications.--Applications for awards under this 
     subsection shall be submitted in such manner, at such time, 
     and containing such information as the Director shall 
     require, in consultation with the Manufacturing Extension 
     Partnership Advisory Board.
       ``(5) Selection.--Awards under this subsection shall be 
     peer reviewed and competitively awarded. The Director shall 
     select proposals to receive awards--
       ``(A) that utilize innovative or collaborative approaches 
     to solving the problem described in the competition;
       ``(B) that will improve the competitiveness of industries 
     in the region in which the Center or Centers are located; and
       ``(C) that will contribute to the long-term economic 
     stability of that region.
       ``(6) Program contribution.--Recipients of awards under 
     this subsection shall not be required to provide a matching 
     contribution.''.

     SEC. 3004. INSTITUTE-WIDE PLANNING REPORT.

       Section 23 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278i) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(c) Three-Year Programmatic Planning Document.--
     Concurrent with the submission to Congress of the President's 
     annual budget request in the first year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Director shall submit to 
     Congress a 3-year programmatic planning document for the 
     Institute, including programs under the Scientific and 
     Technical Research and Services, Industrial Technology 
     Services, and Construction of Research Facilities functions.
       ``(d) Annual Update on Three-Year Programmatic Planning 
     Document.--Concurrent with the submission to the Congress of 
     the President's annual budget request in each year after the 
     date of enactment of this subsection, the Director shall 
     submit to Congress an update to the 3-year programmatic 
     planning document submitted under subsection (c), revised to 
     cover the first 3 fiscal years after the date of that 
     update.''.

     SEC. 3005. REPORT BY VISITING COMMITTEE.

       Section 10(h)(1) of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278(h)(1)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``on or before January 31 in each year'' 
     and inserting ``not later than 30 days after the submittal to 
     Congress of the President's annual budget request in each 
     year''; and

[[Page H9420]]

       (2) by adding to the end the following: ``Such report also 
     shall comment on the programmatic planning document and 
     updates thereto submitted to Congress by the Director under 
     subsections (c) and (d) of section 23.''.

     SEC. 3006. MEETINGS OF VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED 
                   TECHNOLOGY.

       Section 10(d) of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278(d)) is amended by striking 
     ``quarterly'' and inserting ``twice each year''.

     SEC. 3007. COLLABORATIVE MANUFACTURING RESEARCH PILOT GRANTS.

       The National Institute of Standards and Technology Act is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating the first section 32 (15 U.S.C. 271 
     note) as section 34 and moving it to the end of the Act; and
       (2) by inserting before the section moved by paragraph (1) 
     the following new section:

     ``SEC. 33. COLLABORATIVE MANUFACTURING RESEARCH PILOT GRANTS.

       ``(a) Authority.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Director shall establish a pilot 
     program of awards to partnerships among participants 
     described in paragraph (2) for the purposes described in 
     paragraph (3). Awards shall be made on a peer-reviewed, 
     competitive basis.
       ``(2) Participants.--Such partnerships shall include at 
     least--
       ``(A) 1 manufacturing industry partner; and
       ``(B) 1 nonindustry partner.
       ``(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the program under this 
     section is to foster cost-shared collaborations among firms, 
     educational institutions, research institutions, State 
     agencies, and nonprofit organizations to encourage the 
     development of innovative, multidisciplinary manufacturing 
     technologies. Partnerships receiving awards under this 
     section shall conduct applied research to develop new 
     manufacturing processes, techniques, or materials that would 
     contribute to improved performance, productivity, and 
     competitiveness of United States manufacturing, and build 
     lasting alliances among collaborators.
       ``(b) Program Contribution.--Awards under this section 
     shall provide for not more than one-third of the costs of a 
     partnership. Not more than an additional one-third of such 
     costs may be obtained directly or indirectly from other 
     Federal sources.
       ``(c) Applications.--Applications for awards under this 
     section shall be submitted in such manner, at such time, and 
     containing such information as the Director shall require. 
     Such applications shall describe at a minimum--
       ``(1) how each partner will participate in developing and 
     carrying out the research agenda of the partnership;
       ``(2) the research that the grant would fund; and
       ``(3) how the research to be funded with the award would 
     contribute to improved performance, productivity, and 
     competitiveness of the United States manufacturing industry.
       ``(d) Selection Criteria.--In selecting applications for 
     awards under this section, the Director shall consider at a 
     minimum--
       ``(1) the degree to which projects will have a broad impact 
     on manufacturing;
       ``(2) the novelty and scientific and technical merit of the 
     proposed projects; and
       ``(3) the demonstrated capabilities of the applicants to 
     successfully carry out the proposed research.
       ``(e) Distribution.--In selecting applications under this 
     section the Director shall ensure, to the extent practicable, 
     a distribution of overall awards among a variety of 
     manufacturing industry sectors and a range of firm sizes.
       ``(f) Duration.--In carrying out this section, the Director 
     shall run a single pilot competition to solicit and make 
     awards. Each award shall be for a 3-year period.''.

     SEC. 3008. MANUFACTURING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

       Section 18 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-1) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``The 
     Director is authorized''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(b) Manufacturing Fellowship Program.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--To promote the development of a 
     robust research community working at the leading edge of 
     manufacturing sciences, the Director shall establish a 
     program to award--
       ``(A) postdoctoral research fellowships at the Institute 
     for research activities related to manufacturing sciences; 
     and
       ``(B) senior research fellowships to established 
     researchers in industry or at institutions of higher 
     education who wish to pursue studies related to the 
     manufacturing sciences at the Institute.
       ``(2) Applications.--To be eligible for an award under this 
     subsection, an individual shall submit an application to the 
     Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Director may require.
       ``(3) Stipend levels.--Under this subsection, the Director 
     shall provide stipends for postdoctoral research fellowships 
     at a level consistent with the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 
     Program, and senior research fellowships at levels consistent 
     with support for a faculty member in a sabbatical 
     position.''.

     SEC. 3009. PROCUREMENT OF TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT 
                   SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--The Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology may procure the temporary or 
     intermittent services of experts or consultants (or 
     organizations thereof) in accordance with section 3109(b) of 
     title 5, United States Code, to assist with urgent or short-
     term research projects.
       (b) Extent of Authority.--A procurement under this section 
     may not exceed 1 year in duration, and the Director shall 
     procure no more than 200 experts and consultants per year.
       (c) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective after 
     September 30, 2010.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
     shall submit to the Committee on Science and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on whether 
     additional safeguards would be needed with respect to the use 
     of authorities granted under this section if such authorities 
     were to be made permanent.

     SEC. 3010. MALCOLM BALDRIGE AWARDS.

       Section 17(c)(3) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 
     Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3711a(c)(3)) is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(3) In any year, not more than 18 awards may be made 
     under this section to recipients who have not previously 
     received an award under this section, and no award shall be 
     made within any category described in paragraph (1) if there 
     are no qualifying enterprises in that category.''.

     SEC. 3011. REPORT ON NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND 
                   TECHNOLOGY EFFORTS TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN EARLY 
                   CAREER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCHERS.

       Not later than 3 months after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards 
     and Technology shall submit to the Committee on Science and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report on efforts to recruit and retain young 
     scientists and engineers at the early stages of their careers 
     at the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
     laboratories and joint institutes. The report shall include--
       (1) a description of National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology policies and procedures, including financial 
     incentives, awards, promotions, time set aside for 
     independent research, access to equipment or facilities, and 
     other forms of recognition, designed to attract and retain 
     young scientists and engineers;
       (2) an evaluation of the impact of these incentives on the 
     careers of young scientists and engineers at the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology, and also on the 
     quality of the research at the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology's laboratories and in the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology's programs;
       (3) a description of what barriers, if any, exist to 
     efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers, 
     including limited availability of full time equivalent 
     positions, legal and procedural requirements, and pay grading 
     systems; and
       (4) the amount of funding devoted to efforts to recruit and 
     retain young researchers and the source of such funds.

     SEC. 3012. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Repeal of Advanced Technology Program.--Section 28 of 
     the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 
     U.S.C. 278n) is repealed.
       (b) Establishment of Technology Innovation Program.--The 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 
     271 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 27 the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 28. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Institute a program linked to the purpose and functions of 
     the Institute, to be known as the `Technology Innovation 
     Program' for the purpose of assisting United States 
     businesses and institutions of higher education or other 
     organizations, such as national laboratories and nonprofit 
     research institutions, to support, promote, and accelerate 
     innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-
     reward research in areas of critical national need.
       ``(b) External Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall award competitive, 
     merit-reviewed grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts 
     to--
       ``(A) eligible companies that are small-sized businesses or 
     medium-sized businesses; or
       ``(B) joint ventures.
       ``(2) Single company awards.--No award given to a single 
     company shall exceed $3,000,000 over 3 years.
       ``(3) Joint venture awards.--No award given to a joint 
     venture shall exceed $9,000,000 over 5 years.
       ``(4) Federal cost share.--The Federal share of a project 
     funded by an award under the program shall not be more than 
     50 percent of total project costs.
       ``(5) Prohibitions.--Federal funds awarded under this 
     program may be used only for direct costs and not for 
     indirect costs, profits, or management fees of a contractor. 
     Any business that is not a small-sized or medium-sized 
     business may not receive any funding under this program.
       ``(c) Award Criteria.--The Director shall only provide 
     assistance under this section to an entity--
       ``(1) whose proposal has scientific and technical merit and 
     may result in intellectual property vesting in a United 
     States entity that can commercialize the technology in a 
     timely manner;
       ``(2) whose application establishes that the proposed 
     technology has strong potential to address critical national 
     needs through transforming the Nation's capacity to deal with 
     major societal challenges that are not currently being 
     addressed, and generate substantial benefits to the Nation 
     that extend significantly beyond the direct return to the 
     applicant;

[[Page H9421]]

       ``(3) whose application establishes that the research has 
     strong potential for advancing the state-of-the-art and 
     contributing significantly to the United States science and 
     technology knowledge base;
       ``(4) whose proposal explains why Technology Innovation 
     Program support is necessary, including evidence that the 
     research will not be conducted within a reasonable time 
     period in the absence of financial assistance under this 
     section;
       ``(5) whose application demonstrates that reasonable 
     efforts have been made to secure funding from alternative 
     funding sources and no other alternative funding sources are 
     reasonably available to support the proposal; and
       ``(6) whose application explains the novelty of the 
     technology and demonstrates that other entities have not 
     already developed, commercialized, marketed, distributed, or 
     sold similar technologies.
       ``(d) Competitions.--The Director shall solicit proposals 
     at least annually to address areas of critical national need 
     for high-risk, high-reward projects.
       ``(e) Intellectual Property Rights Ownership.--
       ``(1) In general.--Title to any intellectual property 
     developed by a joint venture from assistance provided under 
     this section may vest in any participant in the joint 
     venture, as agreed by the members of the joint venture, 
     notwithstanding section 202 (a) and (b) of title 35, United 
     States Code. The United States may reserve a nonexclusive, 
     nontransferable, irrevocable paid-up license, to have 
     practice for or on behalf of the United States in connection 
     with any such intellectual property, but shall not in the 
     exercise of such license publicly disclose proprietary 
     information related to the license. Title to any such 
     intellectual property shall not be transferred or passed, 
     except to a participant in the joint venture, until the 
     expiration of the first patent obtained in connection with 
     such intellectual property.
       ``(2) Licensing.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
     construed to prohibit the licensing to any company of 
     intellectual property rights arising from assistance provided 
     under this section.
       ``(3) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
     term `intellectual property' means an invention patentable 
     under title 35, United States Code, or any patent on such an 
     invention, or any work for which copyright protection is 
     available under title 17, United States Code.
       ``(f) Program Operation.--Not later than 9 months after the 
     date of the enactment of this section, the Director shall 
     promulgate regulations--
       ``(1) establishing criteria for the selection of recipients 
     of assistance under this section;
       ``(2) establishing procedures regarding financial reporting 
     and auditing to ensure that awards are used for the purposes 
     specified in this section, are in accordance with sound 
     accounting practices, and are not funding existing or planned 
     research programs that would be conducted within a reasonable 
     time period in the absence of financial assistance under this 
     section; and
       ``(3) providing for appropriate dissemination of Technology 
     Innovation Program research results.
       ``(g) Annual Report.--The Director shall submit annually 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 describing the Technology 
     Innovation Program's activities, including a description of 
     the metrics upon which award funding decisions were made in 
     the previous fiscal year, any proposed changes to those 
     metrics, metrics for evaluating the success of ongoing and 
     completed awards, and an evaluation of ongoing and completed 
     awards. The first annual report shall include best practices 
     for management of programs to stimulate high-risk, high-
     reward research.
       ``(h) Continuation of ATP Grants.--The Director shall, 
     through the Technology Innovation Program, continue to 
     provide support originally awarded under the Advanced 
     Technology Program, in accordance with the terms of the 
     original award and consistent with the goals of the 
     Technology Innovation Program.
       ``(i) Coordination With Other State and Federal Technology 
     Programs.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall, 
     as appropriate, coordinate with other senior State and 
     Federal officials to ensure cooperation and coordination in 
     State and Federal technology programs and to avoid 
     unnecessary duplication of efforts.
       ``(j) Acceptance of Funds From Other Federal Agencies.--In 
     addition to amounts appropriated to carry out this section, 
     the Secretary and the Director may accept funds from other 
     Federal agencies to support awards under the Technology 
     Innovation Program. Any award under this section which is 
     supported with funds from other Federal agencies shall be 
     selected and carried out according to the provisions of this 
     section. Funds accepted from other Federal agencies shall be 
     included as part of the Federal cost share of any project 
     funded under this section.
       ``(k) TIP Advisory Board.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Institute a TIP Advisory Board.
       ``(2) Membership.--
       ``(A) In general.--The TIP Advisory Board shall consist of 
     10 members appointed by the Director, at least 7 of whom 
     shall be from United States industry, chosen to reflect the 
     wide diversity of technical disciplines and industrial 
     sectors represented in Technology Innovation Program 
     projects. No member shall be an employee of the Federal 
     Government.
       ``(B) Term.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C) or (D), 
     the term of office of each member of the TIP Advisory Board 
     shall be 3 years.
       ``(C) Classes.--The original members of the TIP Advisory 
     Board shall be appointed to 3 classes. One class of 3 members 
     shall have an initial term of 1 year, one class of 3 members 
     shall have an initial term of 2 years, and one class of 4 
     members shall have an initial term of 3 years.
       ``(D) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy 
     occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his 
     predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the 
     remainder of such term.
       ``(E) Serving consecutive terms.--Any person who has 
     completed 2 consecutive full terms of service on the TIP 
     Advisory Board shall thereafter be ineligible for appointment 
     during the 1-year period following the expiration of the 
     second such term.
       ``(3) Purpose.--The TIP Advisory Board shall meet not less 
     than 2 times annually, and provide the Director--
       ``(A) advice on programs, plans, and policies of the 
     Technology Innovation Program;
       ``(B) reviews of the Technology Innovation Program's 
     efforts to accelerate the research and development of 
     challenging, high-risk, high-reward technologies in areas of 
     critical national need;
       ``(C) reports on the general health of the program and its 
     effectiveness in achieving its legislatively mandated 
     mission; and
       ``(D) guidance on investment areas that are appropriate for 
     Technology Innovation Program funding;
       ``(4) Advisory capacity.--In discharging its duties under 
     this subsection, the TIP Advisory Board shall function solely 
     in an advisory capacity, in accordance with the Federal 
     Advisory Committee Act.
       ``(5) Annual report.--The TIP Advisory Board shall transmit 
     an annual report to the Secretary for transmittal to the 
     Congress not later than 30 days after the submission to 
     Congress of the President's annual budget request in each 
     year. Such report shall address the status of the Technology 
     Innovation Program and comment on the relevant sections of 
     the programmatic planning document and updates thereto 
     transmitted to Congress by the Director under subsections (c) 
     and (d) of section 23.
       ``(l) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) the term `eligible company' means a small-sized or 
     medium-sized business that is incorporated in the United 
     States and does a majority of its business in the United 
     States, and that either--
       ``(A) is majority owned by citizens of the United States; 
     or
       ``(B) is owned by a parent company incorporated in another 
     country and the Director finds that--
       ``(i) the company's participation in the Technology 
     Innovation Program would be in the economic interest of the 
     United States, as evidenced by--

       ``(I) investments in the United States in research and 
     manufacturing;
       ``(II) significant contributions to employment in the 
     United States; and
       ``(III) agreement with respect to any technology arising 
     from assistance provided under this section to promote the 
     manufacture within the United States of products resulting 
     from that technology; and

       ``(ii) the company is incorporated in a country which--

       ``(I) affords to United States-owned companies 
     opportunities, comparable to those afforded to any other 
     company, to participate in any joint venture similar to those 
     receiving funding under this section;
       ``(II) affords to United States-owned companies local 
     investment opportunities comparable to those afforded any 
     other company; and
       ``(III) affords adequate and effective protection for 
     intellectual property rights of United States-owned 
     companies;

       ``(2) the term `high-risk, high-reward research' means 
     research that--
       ``(A) has the potential for yielding transformational 
     results with far-ranging or wide-ranging implications;
       ``(B) addresses critical national needs within the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology's areas of technical 
     competence; and
       ``(C) is too novel or spans too diverse a range of 
     disciplines to fare well in the traditional peer-review 
     process;
       ``(3) the term `institution of higher education' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 101 of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001);
       ``(4) the term `joint venture' means a joint venture that--
       ``(A) includes either--
       ``(i) at least 2 separately owned for-profit companies that 
     are both substantially involved in the project and both of 
     which are contributing to the cost-sharing required under 
     this section, with the lead entity of the joint venture being 
     one of those companies that is a small-sized or medium-sized 
     business; or
       ``(ii) at least 1 small-sized or medium-sized business and 
     1 institution of higher education or other organization, such 
     as a national laboratory or nonprofit research institute, 
     that are both substantially involved in the project and both 
     of which are contributing to the cost-sharing required under 
     this section, with the lead entity of the joint venture being 
     either that small-sized or medium-sized business or that 
     institution of higher education; and
       ``(B) may include additional for-profit companies, 
     institutions of higher education, and other organizations, 
     such as national laboratories and nonprofit research 
     institutes, that may or may not contribute non-Federal funds 
     to the project; and
       ``(5) the term `TIP Advisory Board' means the advisory 
     board established under subsection (k).''.

[[Page H9422]]

       (c) Transition.--Notwithstanding the repeal made by 
     subsection (a), the Director shall carry out section 28 of 
     the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 
     U.S.C. 278n) as such section was in effect on the day before 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, with respect to 
     applications for grants under such section submitted before 
     such date, until the earlier of--
       (1) the date that the Director promulgates the regulations 
     required under section 28(f) of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Act, as added by subsection (b); or
       (2) December 31, 2007.

     SEC. 3013. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF 
                   STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ACT AND OTHER 
                   TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Research Fellowships.--Section 18 of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-l) 
     is amended by striking ``up to 1 per centum of the'' and 
     inserting ``up to 1.5 percent of the''.
       (b) Financial Agreements Clarification.--Section 2(b)(4) of 
     the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 
     U.S.C. 272(b)(4)) is amended by inserting ``and grants and 
     cooperative agreements,'' after ``arrangements,''.
       (c) Outdated Specifications.--
       (1) Redefinition of the metric system.--Section 3570 of the 
     Revised Statutes of the United States (derived from section 2 
     of the Act of July 28, 1866, entitled ``An Act to authorize 
     the Use of the Metric System of Weights and Measures'' (15 
     U.S.C. 205; 14 Stat. 339)) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 3570. METRIC SYSTEM DEFINED.

       ``The metric system of measurement shall be defined as the 
     International System of Units as established in 1960, and 
     subsequently maintained, by the General Conference of Weights 
     and Measures, and as interpreted or modified for the United 
     States by the Secretary of Commerce.''.
       (2) Repeal of redundant and obsolete authority.--The Act of 
     July 21, 1950, entitled, ``An Act To redefine the units and 
     establish the standards of electrical and photometric 
     measurements.'' (15 U.S.C. 223 and 224) is hereby repealed.
       (3) Standard time.--Section 1 of the Act of March 19, 1918, 
     (commonly known as the ``Calder Act'') (15 U.S.C. 261) is 
     amended--
       (A) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``For the 
     purpose'';
       (B) by striking the second sentence and the extra period 
     after it and inserting ``Except as provided in section 3(a) 
     of the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 260a), the 
     standard time of the first zone shall be Coordinated 
     Universal Time retarded by 4 hours; that of the second zone 
     retarded by 5 hours; that of the third zone retarded by 6 
     hours; that of the fourth zone retarded by 7 hours; that of 
     the fifth zone retarded 8 hours; that of the sixth zone 
     retarded by 9 hours; that of the seventh zone retarded by 10 
     hours; that of the eighth zone retarded by 11 hours; and that 
     of the ninth zone shall be Coordinated Universal Time 
     advanced by 10 hours.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Coordinated Universal Time Defined.--In this section, 
     the term `Coordinated Universal Time' means the time scale 
     maintained through the General Conference of Weights and 
     Measures and interpreted or modified for the United States by 
     the Secretary of Commerce in coordination with the Secretary 
     of the Navy.''.
       (4) Idaho time zone.--Section 3 of the Act of March 19, 
     1918, (commonly known as the ``Calder Act'') (15 U.S.C. 264) 
     is amended by striking ``third zone'' and inserting ``fourth 
     zone''.
       (d) Non-Energy Inventions Program.--Section 27 of the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 
     278m) is repealed.

     SEC. 3014. RETENTION OF DEPRECIATION SURCHARGE.

       Section 14 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278d) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``Within''; 
     and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Retention of Fees.--The Director is authorized to 
     retain all building use and depreciation surcharge fees 
     collected pursuant to OMB Circular A-25. Such fees shall be 
     collected and credited to the Construction of Research 
     Facilities Appropriation Account for use in maintenance and 
     repair of the Institute's existing facilities.''.

     SEC. 3015. POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWS.

       Section 19 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-2) is amended by striking 
     ``nor more than 60 new fellows'' and inserting ``nor more 
     than 120 new fellows''.
                TITLE IV--OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC PROGRAMS

     SEC. 4001. OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
                   PROGRAM.

       The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, in consultation with the Director of the 
     National Science Foundation and the Administrator of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration, shall 
     establish a coordinated program of ocean, coastal, Great 
     Lakes, and atmospheric research and development, in 
     collaboration with academic institutions and other 
     nongovernmental entities, that shall focus on the development 
     of advanced technologies and analytical methods that will 
     promote United States leadership in ocean and atmospheric 
     science and competitiveness in the applied uses of such 
     knowledge.

     SEC. 4002. NOAA OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE EDUCATION 
                   PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration shall conduct, develop, 
     support, promote, and coordinate formal and informal 
     educational activities at all levels to enhance public 
     awareness and understanding of ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, 
     and atmospheric science and stewardship by the general public 
     and other coastal stakeholders, including underrepresented 
     groups in ocean and atmospheric science and policy careers. 
     In conducting those activities, the Administrator shall build 
     upon the educational programs and activities of the agency.
       (b) NOAA Science Education Plan.--The Administrator, 
     appropriate National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     programs, ocean atmospheric science and education experts, 
     and interested members of the public shall develop a science 
     education plan setting forth education goals and strategies 
     for the Administration, as well as programmatic actions to 
     carry out such goals and priorities over the next 20 years, 
     and evaluate and update such plan every 5 years.
       (c) Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
     to affect the application of section 438 of the General 
     Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232a) or sections 504 
     and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794 and 
     794d).

     SEC. 4003. NOAA'S CONTRIBUTION TO INNOVATION.

       (a) Participation in Interagency Activities.--The National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be a full 
     participant in any interagency effort to promote innovation 
     and economic competitiveness through near-term and long-term 
     basic scientific research and development and the promotion 
     of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     education, consistent with the agency mission, including 
     authorized activities.
       (b) Historic Foundation.--In order to carry out the 
     participation described in subsection (a), the Administrator 
     of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall 
     build on the historic role of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration in stimulating excellence in the 
     advancement of ocean and atmospheric science and engineering 
     disciplines and in providing opportunities and incentives for 
     the pursuit of academic studies in science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics.
                     TITLE V--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

     SEC. 5001. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Protecting America's 
     Competitive Edge Through Energy Act'' or the ``PACE-Energy 
     Act''.

     SEC. 5002. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the 
     Department of Energy.
       (2) 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)).
       (3) 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).
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Energy.

     SEC. 5003. SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AT 
                   THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY.

       (a) Science Education Programs.--Section 3164 of the 
     Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7381a) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as 
     subsections (c), (d), and (f), respectively;
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Organization of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics 
     Education Programs.--
       ``(1) Director of science, engineering, and mathematics 
     education.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
     Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science 
     (referred to in this subsection as the `Under Secretary'), 
     shall appoint a Director of Science, Engineering, and 
     Mathematics Education (referred to in this subsection as the 
     `Director') with the principal responsibility for 
     administering science, engineering, and mathematics education 
     programs across all functions of the Department.
       ``(2) Qualifications.--The Director shall be an individual, 
     who by reason of professional background and experience, is 
     specially qualified to advise the Under Secretary on all 
     matters pertaining to science, engineering, and mathematics 
     education at the Department.
       ``(3) Duties.--The Director shall--
       ``(A) oversee all science, engineering, and mathematics 
     education programs of the Department;
       ``(B) represent the Department as the principal interagency 
     liaison for all science, engineering, and mathematics 
     education programs, unless otherwise represented by the 
     Secretary or the Under Secretary;
       ``(C) prepare the annual budget and advise the Under 
     Secretary on all budgetary issues for science, engineering, 
     and mathematics education programs of the Department;
       ``(D) increase, to the maximum extent practicable, the 
     participation and advancement of women and underrepresented 
     minorities at every level of science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics education; and
       ``(E) perform other such matters relating to science, 
     engineering, and mathematics education as are required by the 
     Secretary or the Under Secretary.
       ``(4) Staff and other resources.--The Secretary shall 
     assign to the Director such personnel and other resources as 
     the Secretary considers necessary to permit the Director to 
     carry out the duties of the Director.
       ``(5) Assessment.--

[[Page H9423]]

       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into 
     a contract with the National Academy of Sciences under which 
     the National Academy, not later than 5 years after, and not 
     later than 10 years after, the date of enactment of this 
     paragraph, shall assess the performance of the science, 
     engineering, and mathematics education programs of the 
     Department.
       ``(B) Considerations.--An assessment under this paragraph 
     shall be conducted taking into consideration, where 
     applicable, the effect of science, engineering, and 
     mathematics education programs of the Department on student 
     academic achievement in science and mathematics.
       ``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this subsection.''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (d) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1)) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education 
     Fund.--The Secretary shall establish a Science, Engineering, 
     and Mathematics Education Fund, using not less than 0.3 
     percent of the amount made available to the Department for 
     research, development, demonstration, and commercial 
     application for each fiscal year, to carry out sections 3165, 
     3166, and 3167.
       ``(e) Annual Plan for Allocation of Education Funding.--The 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress as part of the annual 
     budget submission for a fiscal year a report describing the 
     manner in which the Department has complied with subsection 
     (d) for the prior fiscal year and the manner in which the 
     Department proposes to comply with subsection (d) during the 
     following fiscal year, including--
       ``(1) the total amount of funding for research, 
     development, demonstration, and commercial application 
     activities for the corresponding fiscal year;
       ``(2) the amounts set aside for the Science, Engineering, 
     and Mathematics Education Fund under subsection (d) from 
     funding for research activities, development activities, 
     demonstration activities, and commercial application 
     activities for the corresponding fiscal year; and
       ``(3) a description of how the funds set aside under 
     subsection (d) were allocated for the prior fiscal year and 
     will be allocated for the following fiscal year.''.
       (b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall--
       (1) consult with the Secretary of Education and the 
     Director of the National Science Foundation regarding 
     activities authorized under subpart B of the Department of 
     Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (as added by 
     subsection (d)(3)) to improve science and mathematics 
     education; and
       (2) otherwise make available to the Secretary of Education 
     reports associated with programs authorized under that 
     section.
       (c) Definition.--Section 3168 of the Department of Energy 
     Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381d) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) 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).''.
       (d) Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education 
     Programs.--The Department of Energy Science Education 
     Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) by inserting after section 3162 (42 U.S.C. 7381) the 
     following:

             ``Subpart A--Science Education Enhancement'';

       (2) in section 3169 (42 U.S.C. 7381e), by striking ``part'' 
     and inserting ``subpart''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:

 ``Subpart B--Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Programs

     ``SEC. 3170. DEFINITIONS.

       ``In this subpart:
       ``(1) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of 
     Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education.
       ``(2) 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).

 ``CHAPTER 1--PILOT PROGRAM OF GRANTS TO SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FOR SCIENCE 
                            AND MATHEMATICS

     ``SEC. 3171. PILOT PROGRAM OF GRANTS TO SPECIALTY SCHOOLS FOR 
                   SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish 
     a pilot program of grants to States to help establish or 
     expand public, statewide specialty secondary schools that 
     provide comprehensive science and mathematics (including 
     technology and engineering) education to improve the academic 
     achievement of students in science and mathematics.
       ``(b) Definition of Specialty School for Science and 
     Mathematics.--In this chapter, the term `specialty school for 
     science and mathematics' means a public secondary school 
     (including a school that provides residential services to 
     students) that--
       ``(1) serves students residing in the State in which the 
     school is located; and
       ``(2) offers to those students a high-quality, 
     comprehensive science and mathematics (including technology 
     and engineering) curriculum designed to improve the academic 
     achievement of students in science and mathematics.
       ``(c) Pilot Program Authorized.--
       ``(1) In general.--From the amounts authorized under 
     subsection (i), the Secretary, acting through the Director 
     and in consultation with the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation, shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to 
     States in order to provide assistance to the States for the 
     costs of establishing or expanding public, statewide 
     specialty schools for science and mathematics.
       ``(2) Resources.--The Director shall ensure that 
     appropriate resources of the Department, including the 
     National Laboratories, are available to schools funded under 
     this section in order to--
       ``(A) increase experiential, hands-on learning 
     opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics for students attending such schools; and
       ``(B) provide ongoing professional development 
     opportunities for teachers employed at such schools.
       ``(3) Assistance.--Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166, 
     the Director shall make available from funds authorized in 
     this section to carry out a program using scientific and 
     engineering staff of the National Laboratories, during which 
     the staff--
       ``(A) assists teachers in teaching courses at the schools 
     funded under this section;
       ``(B) uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in 
     teaching the courses; and
       ``(C) uses distance education and other technologies to 
     provide assistance described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) to 
     schools funded under this section that are not located near 
     the National Laboratories.
       ``(4) Restrictions.--
       ``(A) Maximum number of funded specialty schools per 
     state.--No State shall receive funding for more than 1 
     specialty school for science and mathematics for a fiscal 
     year.
       ``(B) Maximum amount and duration of grants.--A grant 
     awarded to a State for a specialty school for science and 
     mathematics under this section--
       ``(i) shall not exceed $2,000,000 for a fiscal year; and
       ``(ii) shall not be provided for more than 3 fiscal years.
       ``(d) Federal and Non-Federal Shares.--
       ``(1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the costs 
     described in subsection (c)(1) shall not exceed 33 percent.
       ``(2) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of the 
     costs described in subsection (c)(1) shall be--
       ``(A) not less than 67 percent; and
       ``(B) provided from non-Federal sources, in cash or in 
     kind, fairly evaluated, including services.
       ``(e) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, a State shall submit to the Director an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Director may require that describes--
       ``(1) the process by which and selection criteria with 
     which the State will select and designate a school as a 
     specialty school for science and mathematics in accordance 
     with this section;
       ``(2) how the State will ensure that funds made available 
     under this section are used to establish or expand a 
     specialty school for science and mathematics--
       ``(A) in accordance with the activities described in 
     subsection (g); and
       ``(B) that has the capacity to improve the academic 
     achievement of all students in all core academic subjects, 
     and particularly in science and mathematics;
       ``(3) how the State will measure the extent to which the 
     school increases student academic achievement on State 
     academic achievement standards in science, mathematics, and, 
     to the maximum extent applicable, technology and engineering;
       ``(4) the curricula and materials to be used in the school;
       ``(5) the availability of funds from non-Federal sources 
     for the costs of the activities authorized under this 
     section; and
       ``(6) how the State will use technical assistance and 
     support from the Department, including the National 
     Laboratories, and other entities with experience and 
     expertise in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education, including institutions of higher 
     education.
       ``(f) Distribution.--In awarding grants under this section, 
     the Director shall--
       ``(1) ensure a wide, equitable distribution among States 
     that propose to serve students from urban and rural areas; 
     and
       ``(2) provide equal consideration to States without 
     National Laboratories.
       ``(g) Uses of Funds.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--A State that receives a grant under 
     this section shall use the funds made available through the 
     grant to--
       ``(A) employ proven strategies and methods for improving 
     student learning and teaching in science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics;
       ``(B) integrate into the curriculum of the school 
     comprehensive science and mathematics education, including 
     instruction and assessments in science, mathematics, and to 
     the extent applicable, technology and engineering that are 
     aligned with the academic content and student academic 
     achievement standards of the State, within the meaning of 
     section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311);
       ``(C) create opportunities for enhanced and ongoing 
     professional development for teachers that improves the 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content 
     knowledge of the teachers; and
       ``(D) design and implement hands-on laboratory experiences 
     to help prepare students to pursue postsecondary studies in 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
       ``(2) Special rule.--Grant funds under this section may be 
     used for activities described in paragraph (1) only if the 
     activities are directly relating to improving student 
     academic achievement in science, mathematics, and to the 
     extent applicable, technology and engineering.
       ``(h) Evaluation and Report.--
       ``(1) State evaluation and report.--
       ``(A) Evaluation.--Each State that receives a grant under 
     this section shall develop and carry out an evaluation and 
     accountability plan for the activities funded through the 
     grant that

[[Page H9424]]

     measures the impact of the activities, including measurable 
     objectives for improved student academic achievement on State 
     science, mathematics, and, to the maximum extent applicable, 
     technology and engineering assessments.
       ``(B) Report.--The State shall submit to the Director a 
     report containing the results of the evaluation and 
     accountability plan.
       ``(2) Report to congress.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of the PACE-Energy Act, the Director shall 
     submit a report detailing the impact of the activities 
     assisted with funds made available under this section to--
       ``(A) the Committee on Science and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives;
       ``(B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
     Senate; and
       ``(C) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
     Pensions of the Senate.
       ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
       ``(1) $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(2) $22,500,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       ``(3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

         ``CHAPTER 2--EXPERIENTIAL-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

     ``SEC. 3175. EXPERIENTIAL-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES.

       ``(a) Internships Authorized.--
       ``(1) In general.--From the amounts authorized under 
     subsection (f), the Secretary, acting through the Director, 
     shall establish a summer internship program for middle school 
     and secondary school students that shall--
       ``(A) provide the students with internships at the National 
     Laboratories;
       ``(B) promote experiential, hands-on learning in science, 
     technology, engineering, or mathematics; and
       ``(C) be of at least 2 weeks in duration.
       ``(2) Residential services.--The Director may provide 
     residential services to students participating in the 
     internship program authorized under paragraph (1).
       ``(b) Selection Criteria.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall establish criteria to 
     determine the sufficient level of academic preparedness 
     necessary for a student to be eligible for an internship 
     under this section.
       ``(2) Participation.--The Director shall ensure the 
     participation of students from a wide distribution of States, 
     including States without National Laboratories.
       ``(3) Student achievement.--The Director may consider the 
     academic achievement of middle and secondary school students 
     in determining eligibility under this section, in accordance 
     with paragraphs (1) and (2).
       ``(c) Priority.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall give priority for an 
     internship under this section to a student who meets the 
     eligibility criteria described in subsection (b) and who 
     attends a school--
       ``(A)(i) in which not less than 30 percent of the children 
     enrolled in the school are from low-income families; or
       ``(ii) that is designated with a school locale code of 41, 
     42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary of Education; and
       ``(B) for which there is--
       ``(i) a high percentage of teachers who are not teaching in 
     the academic subject areas or grade levels in which the 
     teachers were trained to teach;
       ``(ii) a high teacher turnover rate; or
       ``(iii) a high percentage of teachers with emergency, 
     provisional, or temporary certification or licenses.
       ``(2) Coordination.--The Director shall consult with the 
     Secretary of Education in order to determine whether a 
     student meets the priority requirements of this subsection.
       ``(d) Outreach and Experiential-Based Programs for Minority 
     Students.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director, in cooperation with Hispanic-serving institutions, 
     historically Black colleges and universities, tribally 
     controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native- and 
     Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and other minority-
     serving institutions and nonprofit entities with substantial 
     experience relating to outreach and experiential-based 
     learning projects, shall establish outreach and experiential-
     based learning programs that will encourage underrepresented 
     minority students in kindergarten through grade 12 to pursue 
     careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.
       ``(2) Community involvement.--The Secretary shall ensure 
     that the programs established under paragraph (1) involve, to 
     the maximum extent practicable--
       ``(A) participation by parents and educators; and
       ``(B) the establishment of partnerships with business 
     organizations and appropriate Federal, State, and local 
     agencies.
       ``(3) Distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     programs established under paragraph (1) are located in 
     diverse geographic regions of the United States, to the 
     maximum extent practicable.
       ``(e) Evaluation and Accountability Plan.--The Director 
     shall develop an evaluation and accountability plan for the 
     activities funded under this chapter that objectively 
     measures the impact of the activities.
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010.

 ``CHAPTER 3--NATIONAL LABORATORIES CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE, 
           TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

     ``SEC. 3181. NATIONAL LABORATORIES CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN 
                   SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND 
                   MATHEMATICS EDUCATION.

       ``(a) Definition of High-Need Public Secondary School.--In 
     this section, the term `high-need public secondary school' 
     means a secondary school--
       ``(1) with a high concentration of low-income individuals 
     (as defined in section 1707 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6537)); or
       ``(2) designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, or 
     43, as determined by the Secretary of Education.
       ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish at each 
     of the National Laboratories a program to support a Center of 
     Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and 
     Mathematics (referred to in this section as a `Center of 
     Excellence') in at least 1 high-need public secondary school 
     located in the region served by the National Laboratory to 
     provide assistance in accordance with subsection (f).
       ``(c) Collaboration.--
       ``(1) In general.--To comply with subsection (g), each 
     high-need public secondary school selected as a Center of 
     Excellence and the National Laboratory shall form a 
     partnership with a school, department, or program of 
     education at an institution of higher education.
       ``(2) Nonprofit entities.--The partnership may include a 
     nonprofit entity with demonstrated experience and 
     effectiveness in science or mathematics, as agreed to by 
     other members of the partnership.
       ``(d) Selection.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director, shall establish criteria to guide the National 
     Laboratories in selecting the sites for Centers of 
     Excellence.
       ``(2) Process.--A National Laboratory shall select a site 
     for a Center of Excellence through an open, widely-
     publicized, and competitive process.
       ``(e) Goals.--The Secretary shall establish goals and 
     performance assessments for each Center of Excellence 
     authorized under subsection (b).
       ``(f) Assistance.--Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166, 
     the Director shall make available necessary assistance for a 
     program established under this section through the use of 
     scientific and engineering staff of a National Laboratory, 
     including the use of staff--
       ``(1) to assist teachers in teaching a course at a Center 
     of Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and 
     Mathematics; and
       ``(2) to use National Laboratory scientific equipment in 
     the teaching of the course.
       ``(g) Special Rules.--A Center of Excellence in a region 
     shall ensure--
       ``(1) provision of clinical practicum, student teaching, or 
     internship experiences for science, technology, and 
     mathematics teacher candidates as part of the teacher 
     preparation program of the Center of Excellence;
       ``(2) provision of supervision and mentoring for teacher 
     candidates in the teacher preparation program; and
       ``(3) to the maximum extent practicable, provision of 
     professional development for veteran teachers in the public 
     secondary schools in the region.
       ``(h) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall consider the results 
     of performance assessments required under subsection (e) in 
     determining the contract award fee of a National Laboratory 
     management and operations contractor.
       ``(i) Plan.--The Director shall--
       ``(1) develop an evaluation and accountability plan for the 
     activities funded under this section that objectively 
     measures the impact of the activities; and
       ``(2) disseminate information obtained from those 
     measurements.
       ``(j) No Effect on Similar Programs.--Nothing in this 
     section displaces or otherwise affects any similar program 
     being carried out as of the date of enactment of this section 
     at any National Laboratory under any other provision of law.

                     ``CHAPTER 4--SUMMER INSTITUTES

     ``SEC. 3185. SUMMER INSTITUTES.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible partner.--The term `eligible partner' 
     means--
       ``(A) the science, engineering, or mathematics department 
     at an institution of higher education, acting in coordination 
     with a school, department, or program of education at an 
     institution of higher education that provides training for 
     teachers and principals; or
       ``(B) a nonprofit entity with expertise in providing 
     professional development for science, technology, 
     engineering, or mathematics teachers.
       ``(2) Summer institute.--The term `summer institute' means 
     an institute, operated during the summer, that--
       ``(A) is hosted by a National Laboratory or an eligible 
     partner;
       ``(B) is operated for a period of not less than 2 weeks;
       ``(C) includes, as a component, a program that provides 
     direct interaction between students and faculty, including 
     personnel of 1 or more National Laboratories who have 
     scientific expertise;
       ``(D) provides for follow-up training, during the academic 
     year, that is conducted in the classroom; and
       ``(E) provides hands-on science, technology, engineering, 
     or mathematics laboratory experience for not less than 2 
     days.
       ``(b) Summer Institute Programs Authorized.--
       ``(1) Programs at the national laboratories.--The 
     Secretary, acting through the Director, shall establish or 
     expand programs of summer institutes at each of the National 
     Laboratories to provide additional training to strengthen the 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching 
     skills of teachers employed at public schools for 
     kindergarten

[[Page H9425]]

     through grade 12, in accordance with the activities 
     authorized under paragraphs (3) and (4).
       ``(2) Programs with eligible partners.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director, shall identify and provide assistance as described 
     in subparagraph (C) to eligible partners to establish or 
     expand programs of summer institutes that provide additional 
     training to strengthen the science, technology, engineering, 
     and mathematics teaching skills of teachers employed at 
     public schools for kindergarten through grade 12, in 
     accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4).
       ``(B) Selection criteria.--In identifying eligible partners 
     under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall require that 
     partner institutions describe--
       ``(i) how the partner institution has the capability to 
     administer the program in accordance with this section, which 
     may include a description of any existing programs at the 
     institution of the applicant that are targeted at education 
     of science and mathematics teachers and the number of 
     teachers graduated annually from the programs; and
       ``(ii) how the partner institution will assist the National 
     Laboratory in carrying out the activities described in 
     paragraphs (3) and (4).
       ``(C) Assistance.--Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166, 
     the Director shall make available funds authorized under this 
     section to carry out a program using scientific and 
     engineering staff of the National Laboratories, during which 
     the staff--
       ``(i) assists in providing training to teachers at summer 
     institutes; and
       ``(ii) uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in the 
     training.
       ``(3) Required activities.--Funds authorized under this 
     section shall be used for--
       ``(A) creating opportunities for enhanced and ongoing 
     professional development for teachers that improves the 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content 
     knowledge of the teachers;
       ``(B) training to improve the ability of science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers to 
     translate content knowledge and recent developments in 
     pedagogy into classroom practice, including training to use 
     curricula that are--
       ``(i) based on scientific research; and
       ``(ii) aligned with challenging State academic content 
     standards;
       ``(C) training on the use and integration of technology in 
     the classrooms; and
       ``(D) supplemental and follow-up professional development 
     activities as described in subsection (a)(2)(D).
       ``(4) Additional uses of funds.--Funds authorized under 
     this section may be used for--
       ``(A) training and classroom materials to assist in 
     carrying out paragraph (3);
       ``(B) expenses associated with scientific and engineering 
     staff at the National Laboratories assisting in providing 
     training to teachers at summer institutes;
       ``(C) instruction in the use and integration of data and 
     assessments to inform and instruct classroom practice; and
       ``(D) stipends and travel expenses for teachers 
     participating in the program.
       ``(c) Priority.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Director shall ensure that each summer institute program 
     authorized under subsection (b) provides training to--
       ``(1) teachers from a wide range of school districts;
       ``(2) teachers from high-need school districts; and
       ``(3) teachers from groups underrepresented in the fields 
     of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     teaching, including women and members of minority groups.
       ``(d) Coordination and Consultation.--The Director shall 
     consult and coordinate with the Secretary of Education and 
     the Director of the National Science Foundation regarding the 
     implementation of the programs authorized under subsection 
     (b).
       ``(e) Evaluation and Accountability Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall develop an evaluation 
     and accountability plan for the activities funded under this 
     section that measures the impact of the activities.
       ``(2) Contents.--The evaluation and accountability plan 
     shall include--
       ``(A) measurable objectives to increase the number of 
     science, technology, and mathematics teachers who participate 
     in the summer institutes involved; and
       ``(B) measurable objectives for improved student academic 
     achievement on State science, mathematics, and to the maximum 
     extent applicable, technology and engineering assessments.
       ``(3) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall submit to 
     Congress with the annual budget submission of the Secretary a 
     report on how the activities assisted under this section 
     improve the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     teaching skills of participating teachers.
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
       ``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       ``(3) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

           ``CHAPTER 5--NATIONAL ENERGY EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT

     ``SEC. 3191. NATIONAL ENERGY EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director and in consultation with the Director of the 
     National Science Foundation, shall establish a program to 
     coordinate and make available to teachers and students web-
     based kindergarten through high school science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics education resources relating to 
     the science and energy mission of the Department, including 
     existing instruction materials and protocols for classroom 
     laboratory experiments.
       ``(b) Energy Education.--The materials and other resources 
     required under subsection (a) shall include instruction 
     relating to--
       ``(1) the science of energy;
       ``(2) the sources of energy;
       ``(3) the uses of energy in society; and
       ``(4) the environmental consequences and benefits of all 
     energy sources and uses.
       ``(c) Dissemination.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director, shall take all steps necessary, such as through 
     participation in education association conferences, to 
     advertise the program authorized under this section to K-12 
     teachers and science education coordinators across the United 
     States.
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
       ``(1) $500,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
       ``(2) such sums as necessary for each fiscal year 
     thereafter.

                      ``CHAPTER 6--ADMINISTRATION

     ``SEC. 3195. MENTORING PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--As part of the programs established 
     under chapters 1, 3, and 4, the Director shall establish a 
     program to recruit and provide mentors for women and 
     underrepresented minorities who are interested in careers in 
     science, engineering, and mathematics.
       ``(b) Pairing.--The program shall pair mentors with women 
     and minorities who are in programs of study at specialty 
     schools for science and mathematics, Centers of Excellence, 
     and summer institutes established under chapters 1, 3, and 4, 
     respectively.
       ``(c) Program Evaluation.--The Secretary shall annually--
       ``(1) use metrics to evaluate the success of the programs 
     established under subsection (a); and
       ``(2) submit to Congress a report that describes the 
     results of each evaluation.''.

     SEC. 5004. NUCLEAR SCIENCE TALENT EXPANSION PROGRAM FOR 
                   INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

       (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       (1) to address the decline in the number of and resources 
     available to nuclear science programs at institutions of 
     higher education; and
       (2) to increase the number of graduates with degrees in 
     nuclear science, an area of strategic importance to the 
     economic competitiveness and energy security of the United 
     States.
       (b) Definition of Nuclear Science.--In this section, the 
     term ``nuclear science'' includes--
       (1) nuclear science;
       (2) nuclear engineering;
       (3) nuclear chemistry;
       (4) radio chemistry; and
       (5) health physics.
       (c) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish, in 
     accordance with this section, a program to expand and enhance 
     institution of higher education nuclear science educational 
     capabilities.
       (d) Nuclear Science Program Expansion Grants for 
     Institutions of Higher Education.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award up to 3 
     competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of 
     higher education that establish new academic degree programs 
     in nuclear science.
       (2) Priority.--In evaluating grants under this subsection, 
     the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that involve 
     partnerships with a National Laboratory or other eligible 
     nuclear-related entity, as determined by the Secretary.
       (3) Criteria.--Criteria for a grant awarded under this 
     subsection shall be based on--
       (A) the potential to attract new students to the program;
       (B) academic rigor; and
       (C) the ability to offer hands-on learning opportunities.
       (4) Duration and amount.--
       (A) Duration.--A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 
     years in duration.
       (B) Amount.--An institution of higher education that 
     receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for 
     up to $1,000,000 for each year of the grant period.
       (5) Use of funds.--An institution of higher education that 
     receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to--
       (A) recruit and retain new faculty;
       (B) develop core and specialized course content;
       (C) encourage collaboration between faculty and researchers 
     in the nuclear science field; and
       (D) support outreach efforts to recruit students.
       (e) Nuclear Science Competitiveness Grants for Institutions 
     of Higher Education.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award up to 5 
     competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of 
     higher education with existing academic degree programs that 
     produce graduates in nuclear science.
       (2) Criteria.--Criteria for a grant awarded under this 
     subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the 
     number and academic quality of graduates in the nuclear 
     sciences who enter into careers in nuclear-related fields.
       (3) Duration and amount.--
       (A) Duration.--A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 
     years in duration.
       (B) Amount.--An institution of higher education that 
     receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for 
     up to $500,000 for each year of the grant period.
       (4) Use of funds.--An institution of higher education that 
     receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to--
       (A) increase the number of graduates in nuclear science 
     that enter into careers in the nuclear science field;
       (B) enhance the teaching of advanced nuclear technologies;

[[Page H9426]]

       (C) aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities with 
     industry and National Laboratories;
       (D) bolster or sustain nuclear infrastructure and research 
     facilities of the institution of higher education, such as 
     research and training reactors or laboratories; and
       (E) provide tuition assistance and stipends to 
     undergraduate and graduate students.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) Nuclear science program expansion grants for 
     institutions of higher education.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out subsection (d)--
       (A) $3,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (C) $9,500,000 for fiscal year 2010.
       (2) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions 
     of higher education.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out subsection (e)--
       (A) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (C) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

     SEC. 5005. HYDROCARBON SYSTEMS SCIENCE TALENT EXPANSION 
                   PROGRAM FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

       (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       (1) to address the decline in the number of and resources 
     available to hydrocarbon systems science programs at 
     institutions of higher education; and
       (2) to increase the number of graduates with degrees in 
     hydrocarbon systems science, an area of strategic importance 
     to the economic competitiveness and energy security of the 
     United States.
       (b) Definition of Hydrocarbon Systems Science.--In this 
     section:
       (1) In general.--The term ``hydrocarbon systems science'' 
     means a science involving natural gas or other petroleum 
     exploration, development, or production.
       (2) Inclusions.--The term ``hydrocarbon systems science'' 
     includes--
       (A) petroleum or reservoir engineering;
       (B) environmental geoscience;
       (C) petrophysics;
       (D) geophysics;
       (E) geochemistry;
       (F) petroleum geology;
       (G) ocean engineering;
       (H) environmental engineering; and
       (I) computer science, as computer science relates to a 
     science described in this subsection.
       (c) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish, in 
     accordance with this section, a program to expand and enhance 
     institution of higher education hydrocarbon systems science 
     educational capabilities.
       (d) Hydrocarbon Systems Science Program Expansion Grants 
     for Institutions of Higher Education.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award up to 3 
     competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of 
     higher education that establish new academic degree programs 
     in hydrocarbon systems science.
       (2) Eligibility.--In evaluating grants under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals 
     that involve partnerships with the National Laboratories, 
     including the National Energy Technology Laboratory, or other 
     hydrocarbon systems scientific entities, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       (3) Criteria.--Criteria for a grant awarded under this 
     subsection shall be based on--
       (A) the potential to attract new students to the program;
       (B) academic rigor; and
       (C) the ability to offer hands-on learning opportunities.
       (4) Duration and amount.--
       (A) Duration.--A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 
     years in duration.
       (B) Amount.--An institution of higher education that 
     receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for 
     up to $1,000,000 for each year of the grant period.
       (5) Use of funds.--An institution of higher education that 
     receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to--
       (A) recruit and retain new faculty;
       (B) develop core and specialized course content;
       (C) encourage collaboration between faculty and researchers 
     in the hydrocarbon systems science field; and
       (D) support outreach efforts to recruit students.
       (e) Hydrocarbon Systems Science Competitiveness Grants for 
     Institutions of Higher Education.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award up to 5 
     competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of 
     higher education with existing academic degree programs that 
     produce graduates in hydrocarbon systems science.
       (2) Criteria.--Criteria for a grant awarded under this 
     subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the 
     number and academic quality of graduates in hydrocarbon 
     systems sciences who enter into careers in natural gas and 
     other petroleum exploration, development, and production 
     related fields.
       (3) Duration and amount.--
       (A) Duration.--A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 
     years in duration.
       (B) Amount.--An institution of higher education that 
     receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for 
     up to $500,000 for each year of the grant period.
       (4) Use of funds.--An institution of higher education that 
     receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to--
       (A) increase the number of graduates in the hydrocarbon 
     systems sciences that enter into careers in the natural gas 
     and other petroleum exploration, development, and production 
     science fields;
       (B) enhance the teaching of advanced natural gas and other 
     petroleum exploration, development, and production 
     technologies;
       (C) aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities with 
     industry and the National Laboratories, including the 
     National Energy Technology Laboratory;
       (D) bolster or sustain natural gas and other petroleum 
     exploration, development, and production infrastructure and 
     research facilities of the institution of higher education, 
     such as research and training or laboratories; and
       (E) provide tuition assistance and stipends to 
     undergraduate and graduate students.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) Hydrocarbon systems science program expansion grants 
     for institutions of higher education.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out subsection (d)--
       (A) $3,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (C) $9,500,000 for fiscal year 2010.
       (2) Hydrocarbon systems science competitiveness grants for 
     institutions of higher education.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out subsection (e)--
       (A) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (C) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

     SEC. 5006. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY EARLY CAREER AWARDS FOR 
                   SCIENCE. ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS 
                   RESEARCHERS.

       (a) Grant Awards.--The Director of the Office of Science of 
     the Department (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Director'') shall carry out a program to award grants to 
     scientists and engineers at an early career stage at 
     institutions of higher education and organizations described 
     in subsection (c) to conduct research in fields relevant to 
     the mission of the Department.
       (b) Amount and Duration.--
       (1) Amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under this 
     section shall be--
       (A) not less than $80,000; and
       (B) not more than $125,000.
       (2) Duration.--The term of a grant awarded under this 
     section shall be not more than 5 years.
       (c) Eligibility.--
       (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an individual shall, as determined by the 
     Director--
       (A) subject to paragraph (2), have completed a doctorate or 
     other terminal degree not more than 10 years before the date 
     on which the proposal for a grant is submitted under 
     subsection (e)(1);
       (B) have demonstrated promise in a science, engineering, or 
     mathematics field relevant to the missions of the Department; 
     and
       (C) be employed--
       (i) in a tenure track-position as an assistant professor or 
     equivalent title at an institution of higher education in the 
     United States;
       (ii) at an organization in the United States that is a 
     nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organization such as a 
     museum, observatory, or research laboratory; or
       (iii) as a scientist at a National Laboratory.
       (2) Waiver.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(A), the Director 
     may determine that an individual who has completed a 
     doctorate more than 10 years before the date of submission of 
     a proposal under subsection (e)(1) is eligible to receive a 
     grant under this section if the individual was unable to 
     conduct research for a period of time because of extenuating 
     circumstances, including military service or family 
     responsibilities, as determined by the Director.
       (d) Selection.--Grant recipients shall be selected on a 
     competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
       (e) Selection Process and Criteria.--
       (1) Proposal.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
     section, an individual shall submit to the Director a 
     proposal at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Director may require.
       (2) Evaluation.--In evaluating the proposals submitted 
     under paragraph (1), the Director shall take into 
     consideration, at a minimum--
       (A) the intellectual merit of the proposed project;
       (B) the innovative or transformative nature of the proposed 
     research;
       (C) the extent to which the proposal integrates research 
     and education, including undergraduate education in science 
     and engineering disciplines; and
       (D) the potential of the applicant for leadership at the 
     frontiers of knowledge.
       (f) Diversity Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
     Director shall endeavor to ensure that the grant recipients 
     represent a variety of types of institutions of higher 
     education and nonprofit, nondegree-granting research 
     organizations.
       (2) Requirement.--In support of the goal described in 
     paragraph (1), the Director shall broadly disseminate 
     information regarding the deadlines applicable to, and manner 
     in which to submit, proposals for grants under this section, 
     including by conducting outreach activities for--
       (A) part B institutions, as defined in section 322 of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061); and
       (B) minority institutions, as defined in section 365 of 
     that Act (20 U.S.C. 1067k).
       (g) Report on Recruiting and Retaining Early Career Science 
     and Engineering Researchers at National Laboratories.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the 
     Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources of the Senate a report describing efforts of the 
     Director to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers 
     at early career stages at the National Laboratories.
       (2) Inclusions.--The report under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--

[[Page H9427]]

       (A) a description of applicable Department and National 
     Laboratory policies and procedures, including policies and 
     procedures relating to financial incentives, awards, 
     promotions, time reserved for independent research, access to 
     equipment or facilities, and other forms of recognition, 
     designed to attract and retain young scientists and 
     engineers;
       (B) an evaluation of the impact of the incentives described 
     in subparagraph (A) on--
       (i) the careers of young scientists and engineers at the 
     National Laboratories; and
       (ii) the quality of the research at the National 
     Laboratories and in Department programs;
       (C) a description of barriers, if any, that exist with 
     respect to efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and 
     engineers, including the limited availability of full-time 
     equivalent positions, legal and procedural requirements, and 
     pay grading systems; and
       (D) the amount of funding devoted to efforts to recruit and 
     retain young researchers, and the source of the funds.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary, acting through the 
     Director, to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2008 through 2010.

     SEC. 5007. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR DEPARTMENT OF 
                   ENERGY FOR BASIC RESEARCH.

       Section 971(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
     16311(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) $5,814,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.''.

     SEC. 5008. DISCOVERY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INNOVATION 
                   INSTITUTES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish distributed, 
     multidisciplinary institutes (referred to in this section as 
     ``Institutes'') centered at National Laboratories to apply 
     fundamental science and engineering discoveries to 
     technological innovations relating to--
       (1) the missions of the Department; and
       (2) the global competitiveness of the United States.
       (b) Topical Areas.--The Institutes shall support scientific 
     and engineering research and education activities on critical 
     emerging technologies determined by the Secretary to be 
     essential to global competitiveness, including activities 
     relating to--
       (1) sustainable energy technologies;
       (2) multiscale materials and processes;
       (3) micro- and nano-engineering;
       (4) computational and information engineering; and
       (5) genomics and proteomics.
       (c) Partnerships.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary shall establish partnerships between the Institutes 
     and--
       (1) institutions of higher education--
       (A) to train undergraduate and graduate science and 
     engineering students;
       (B) to develop innovative undergraduate and graduate 
     educational curricula; and
       (C) to conduct research within the topical areas described 
     in subsection (b); and
       (2) private industry to develop innovative technologies 
     within the topical areas described in subsection (b).
       (d) Grants.--
       (1) In general.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary may 
     select not more than 3 Institutes to receive a grant under 
     this section.
       (2) Merit-based selection.--The selection of Institutes 
     under paragraph (1) shall be--
       (A) merit-based; and
       (B) made through an open, competitive selection process.
       (3) Term.--An Institute shall receive a grant under this 
     section for not more than 3 fiscal years.
       (e) Review.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into an 
     agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which 
     the Academy shall, by not later than 3 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act--
       (1) review the performance of the Institutes under this 
     section; and
       (2) submit to Congress and the Secretary a report 
     describing the results of the review.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to provide grants to each Institute 
     selected under this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2008 through 2010.

     SEC. 5009. PROTECTING AMERICA'S COMPETITIVE EDGE (PACE) 
                   GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

       (a) Definition of Eligible Student.--In this section, the 
     term ``eligible student'' means a student who attends an 
     institution of higher education that offers a doctoral degree 
     in a field relevant to a mission area of the Department.
       (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     graduate fellowship program for eligible students pursuing a 
     doctoral degree in a mission area of the Department.
       (c) Selection.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award fellowships to 
     eligible students under this section through a competitive 
     merit review process, involving written and oral interviews, 
     that will result in a wide distribution of awards throughout 
     the United States, as determined by the Secretary.
       (2) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish selection 
     criteria for awarding fellowships under this section that 
     require an eligible student--
       (A) to pursue a field of science or engineering of 
     importance to a mission area of the Department;
       (B) to demonstrate to the Secretary--
       (i) the capacity of the eligible student to understand 
     technical topics relating to the fellowship that can be 
     derived from the first principles of the technical topics;
       (ii) imagination and creativity;
       (iii) leadership skills in organizations or intellectual 
     endeavors, demonstrated through awards and past experience; 
     and
       (iv) excellent verbal and communication skills to explain, 
     defend, and demonstrate an understanding of technical 
     subjects relating to the fellowship; and
       (C) to be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the 
     United States.
       (d) Awards.--
       (1) Amount.--A fellowship awarded under this section 
     shall--
       (A) provide an annual living stipend; and
       (B) cover--
       (i) graduate tuition at an institution of higher education 
     described in subsection (a); and
       (ii) incidental expenses associated with curricula and 
     research at the institution of higher education (including 
     books, computers, and software).
       (2) Duration.--A fellowship awarded under this section 
     shall be up to 3 years duration within a 5-year period.
       (3) Portability.--A fellowship awarded under this section 
     shall be portable with the eligible student.
       (e) Administration.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education--
       (1) shall administer the program established under this 
     section; and
       (2) may enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity to 
     administer the program, including the selection and award of 
     fellowships.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section--
       (1) $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, including nonexpiring 
     fellowships for the preceding fiscal year; and
       (3) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, including nonexpiring 
     fellowships for preceding fiscal years.

     SEC. 5010. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING CERTAIN 
                   RECOMMENDATIONS AND REVIEWS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Department of Energy should implement the 
     recommendations contained in the report of the Government 
     Accountability Office numbered 04-639; and
       (2) the Secretary of Energy should annually conduct reviews 
     in accordance with title IX of the Education Amendments of 
     1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) of at least 2 recipients of 
     grants provided by the Department of Energy.

     SEC. 5011. DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIST PROGRAM.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to promote 
     scientific and academic excellence through collaborations 
     between institutions of higher education and National 
     Laboratories.
       (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program 
     to support the joint appointment of distinguished scientists 
     by institutions of higher education and National 
     Laboratories.
       (c) Qualifications.--To be eligible for appointment as a 
     distinguished scientist under this section, an individual, by 
     reason of professional background and experience, shall be 
     able to bring international recognition to the appointing 
     institution of higher education or National Laboratory in the 
     field of scientific endeavor of the individual.
       (d) Selection.--A distinguished scientist appointed under 
     this section shall be selected through an open, competitive 
     process.
       (e) Appointment.--
       (1) Institution of higher education.--An appointment by an 
     institution of higher education under this section shall be 
     filled within the tenure allotment of the institution of 
     higher education, at a minimum rank of professor.
       (2) National laboratory.--An appointment by a National 
     Laboratory under this section shall be at the rank of the 
     highest grade of distinguished scientist or technical staff 
     of the National Laboratory.
       (f) Duration.--An appointment under this section shall--
       (1) be for a term of 6 years; and
       (2) consist of 2 3-year funding allotments.
       (g) Use of Funds.--Funds made available under this section 
     may be used for--
       (1) the salary of the distinguished scientist and support 
     staff;
       (2) undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral 
     appointments;
       (3) research-related equipment;
       (4) professional travel; and
       (5) such other requirements as the Secretary determines to 
     be necessary to carry out the purpose of the program.
       (h) Review.--
       (1) In general.--The appointment of a distinguished 
     scientist under this section shall be reviewed at the end of 
     the first 3-year allotment for the distinguished scientist 
     through an open peer-review process to determine whether the 
     appointment is meeting the purpose of this section under 
     subsection (a).
       (2) Funding.--Funding of the appointment of the 
     distinguished scientist for the second 3-year allotment shall 
     be determined based on the review conducted under paragraph 
     (1).
       (i) Cost Sharing.--To be eligible for assistance under this 
     section, an appointing institution of higher education shall 
     pay at least 50 percent of the total costs of the 
     appointment.
       (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section--
       (1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

     SEC. 5012. ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY--ENERGY.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) ARPA-E.--The term ``ARPA-E'' means the Advanced 
     Research Projects Agency--Energy established by subsection 
     (b).
       (2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of 
     ARPA-E appointed under subsection (d).

[[Page H9428]]

       (3) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Energy 
     Transformation Acceleration Fund established under subsection 
     (m)(1).
       (b) Establishment.--There is established the Advanced 
     Research Projects Agency--Energy within the Department to 
     overcome the long-term and high-risk technological barriers 
     in the development of energy technologies.
       (c) Goals.--
       (1) In general.--The goals of ARPA-E shall be--
       (A) to enhance the economic and energy security of the 
     United States through the development of energy technologies 
     that result in--
       (i) reductions of imports of energy from foreign sources;
       (ii) reductions of energy-related emissions, including 
     greenhouse gases; and
       (iii) improvement in the energy efficiency of all economic 
     sectors; and
       (B) to ensure that the United States maintains a 
     technological lead in developing and deploying advanced 
     energy technologies.
       (2) Means.--ARPA-E shall achieve the goals established 
     under paragraph (1) through energy technology projects by--
       (A) identifying and promoting revolutionary advances in 
     fundamental sciences;
       (B) translating scientific discoveries and cutting-edge 
     inventions into technological innovations; and
       (C) accelerating transformational technological advances in 
     areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake 
     because of technical and financial uncertainty.
       (d) Director.--
       (1) Appointment.--There shall be in the Department of 
     Energy a Director of ARPA-E, who shall be appointed by the 
     President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
       (2) Qualifications.--The Director shall be an individual 
     who, by reason of professional background and experience, is 
     especially qualified to advise the Secretary on, and manage 
     research programs addressing, matters pertaining to long-term 
     and high-risk technological barriers to the development of 
     energy technologies.
       (3) Relationship to secretary.--The Director shall report 
     to the Secretary.
       (4) Relationship to other programs.--No other programs 
     within the Department shall report to the Director.
       (e) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities of the Director 
     shall include--
       (1) approving all new programs within ARPA-E;
       (2) developing funding criteria and assessing the success 
     of programs through the establishment of technical 
     milestones;
       (3) administering the Fund through awards to institutions 
     of higher education, companies, research foundations, trade 
     and industry research collaborations, or consortia of such 
     entities, which may include federally-funded research and 
     development centers, to achieve the goals described in 
     subsection (c) through targeted acceleration of--
       (A) novel early-stage energy research with possible 
     technology applications;
       (B) development of techniques, processes, and technologies, 
     and related testing and evaluation;
       (C) research and development of manufacturing processes for 
     novel energy technologies; and
       (D) coordination with nongovernmental entities for 
     demonstration of technologies and research applications to 
     facilitate technology transfer; and
       (4) terminating programs carried out under this section 
     that are not achieving the goals of the programs.
       (f) Personnel.--
       (1) Program managers.--
       (A) In general.--The Director shall designate employees to 
     serve as program managers for each of the programs 
     established pursuant to the responsibilities established for 
     ARPA-E under subsection (e).
       (B) Responsibilities.--A program manager of a program shall 
     be responsible for--
       (i) establishing research and development goals for the 
     program, including through the convening of workshops and 
     conferring with outside experts, and publicizing the goals of 
     the program to the public and private sectors;
       (ii) soliciting applications for specific areas of 
     particular promise, especially areas that the private sector 
     or the Federal Government are not likely to undertake alone;
       (iii) building research collaborations for carrying out the 
     program;
       (iv) selecting on the basis of merit, with advice under 
     subsection (j) as appropriate, each of the projects to be 
     supported under the program after considering--

       (I) the novelty and scientific and technical merit of the 
     proposed projects;
       (II) the demonstrated capabilities of the applicants to 
     successfully carry out the proposed project;
       (III) the consideration by the applicant of future 
     commercial applications of the project, including the 
     feasibility of partnering with 1 or more commercial entities; 
     and
       (IV) such other criteria as are established by the 
     Director;

       (v) monitoring the progress of projects supported under the 
     program; and
       (vi) recommending program restructure or termination of 
     research partnerships or whole projects.
       (C) Term.--The term of a program manager shall be 3 years 
     and may be renewed.
       (2) Hiring and management.--
       (A) In general.--The Director shall have the authority to--
       (i) make appointments of scientific, engineering, and 
     professional personnel without regard to the civil service 
     laws; and
       (ii) fix the compensation of such personnel at a rate to be 
     determined by the Director.
       (B) Number.--The Director shall appoint not less than 70, 
     and not more than 120, personnel under this section.
       (C) Private recruiting firms.--The Secretary, or the 
     Director serving as an agent of the Secretary, may contract 
     with private recruiting firms for the hiring of qualified 
     technical staff to carry out this section.
       (D) Additional staff.--The Director may use all authorities 
     in existence on the date of enactment of this Act that are 
     provided to the Secretary to hire administrative, financial, 
     and clerical staff as necessary to carry out this section.
       (g) Reports and Roadmaps.--
       (1) Annual report.--As part of the annual budget request 
     submitted for each fiscal year, the Director shall provide to 
     the relevant authorizing and appropriations committees of 
     Congress a report describing projects supported by ARPA-E 
     during the previous fiscal year.
       (2) Strategic vision roadmap.--Not later than October 1, 
     2008, and October 1, 2011, the Director shall provide to the 
     relevant authorizing and appropriations committees of 
     Congress a roadmap describing the strategic vision that ARPA-
     E will use to guide the choices of ARPA-E for future 
     technology investments over the following 3 fiscal years.
       (h) Coordination and Nonduplication.--
       (1) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Director shall ensure that the activities of ARPA-E are 
     coordinated with, and do not duplicate the efforts of, 
     programs and laboratories within the Department and other 
     relevant research agencies.
       (2) Technology transfer coordinator.--To the extent 
     appropriate, the Director may coordinate technology transfer 
     efforts with the Technology Transfer Coordinator appointed 
     under section 1001 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
     U.S.C. 16391).
       (i) Federal Demonstration of Technologies.--The Secretary 
     shall make information available to purchasing and 
     procurement programs of Federal agencies regarding the 
     potential to demonstrate technologies resulting from 
     activities funded through ARPA-E.
       (j) Advice.--
       (1) Advisory committees.--The Director may seek advice on 
     any aspect of ARPA-E from--
       (A) an existing Department of Energy advisory committee; 
     and
       (B) a new advisory committee organized to support the 
     programs of ARPA-E and to provide advice and assistance on--
       (i) specific program tasks; or
       (ii) overall direction of ARPA-E.
       (2) Additional sources of advice.--In carrying out this 
     section, the Director may seek advice and review from--
       (A) the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and 
     Technology; and
       (B) any professional or scientific organization with 
     expertise in specific processes or technologies under 
     development by ARPA-E.
       (k) ARPA-E Evaluation.--
       (1) In general.--After ARPA-E has been in operation for 4 
     years, the Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract 
     with the National Academy of Sciences under which the 
     National Academy shall conduct an evaluation of how well 
     ARPA-E is achieving the goals and mission of ARPA-E.
       (2) Inclusions.--The evaluation shall include--
       (A) the recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences 
     on whether ARPA-E should be continued or terminated; and
       (B) a description of lessons learned from operation of 
     ARPA-E.
       (3) Availability.--On completion of the evaluation, the 
     evaluation shall be made available to Congress and the 
     public.
       (l) Existing Authorities.--The authorities granted by this 
     section are--
       (1) in addition to existing authorities granted to the 
     Secretary; and
       (2) are not intended to supersede or modify any existing 
     authorities.
       (m) Funding.--
       (1) Fund.--There is established in the Treasury of the 
     United States a fund, to be known as the ``Energy 
     Transformation Acceleration Fund'', which shall be 
     administered by the Director for the purposes of carrying out 
     this section.
       (2) Authorization of appropriations.--Subject to paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), there are authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Director for deposit in the Fund, without fiscal year 
     limitation--
       (A) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
       (B) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 
     2009 and 2010.
       (3) Separate budget and appropriation.--
       (A) Budget request.--The budget request for ARPA-E shall be 
     separate from the rest of the budget of the Department.
       (B) Appropriations.--Appropriations to the Fund shall be 
     separate and distinct from the rest of the budget for the 
     Department.
       (4) Limitation.--No amounts may be appropriated for ARPA-E 
     for fiscal year 2008 unless the amount appropriated for the 
     activities of the Office of Science of the Department for 
     fiscal year 2008 exceeds the amount appropriated for the 
     Office for fiscal year 2007, as adjusted for inflation in 
     accordance with the Consumer Price Index published by the 
     Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.
       (5) Allocation.--Of the amounts appropriated for a fiscal 
     year under paragraph (2)--
       (A) not more than 50 percent of the amount shall be used to 
     carry out subsection (e)(3)(D);
       (B) at least 2.5 percent of the amount shall be used for 
     technology transfer and outreach activities; and
       (C) no funds may be used for construction of new buildings 
     or facilities during the 5-year period beginning on the date 
     of enactment of this Act.
                          TITLE VI--EDUCATION

     SEC. 6001. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:

[[Page H9429]]

       (1) A well-educated population is essential to retaining 
     America's competitiveness in the global economy.
       (2) The United States needs to build on and expand the 
     impact of existing programs by taking additional, well-
     coordinated steps to ensure that all students are able to 
     obtain the knowledge the students need to obtain 
     postsecondary education and participate successfully in the 
     workforce or the Armed Forces.
       (3) The next steps must be informed by independent 
     information on the effectiveness of current programs in 
     science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and critical 
     foreign language education, and by identification of best 
     practices that can be replicated.
       (4) Teacher preparation and elementary school and secondary 
     school programs and activities must be aligned with the 
     requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) and the requirements of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
       (5) The ever increasing knowledge and skill demands of the 
     21st century require that secondary school preparation and 
     requirements be better aligned with the knowledge and skills 
     needed to succeed in postsecondary education and the 
     workforce, and States need better data systems to track 
     educational achievement from prekindergarten through 
     baccalaureate degrees.

     SEC. 6002. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) ESEA Definitions.--Unless otherwise specified in this 
     title, the terms used in this title have the meanings given 
     the terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
       (b) Other Definitions.--In this title:
       (1) Critical foreign language.--The term ``critical foreign 
     language'' means a foreign language that the Secretary 
     determines, in consultation with the heads of such Federal 
     departments and agencies as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate, is critical to the national security and 
     economic competitiveness of the United States.
       (2) 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)).
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Education.
       (4) Scientifically valid research.--The term 
     ``scientifically valid research'' includes applied research, 
     basic research, and field-initiated research in which the 
     rationale, design, and interpretation are soundly developed 
     in accordance with accepted principles of scientific 
     research.
                     Subtitle A--Teacher Assistance

              PART I--TEACHERS FOR A COMPETITIVE TOMORROW

     SEC. 6111. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this part is--
       (1) to develop and implement programs to provide integrated 
     courses of study in science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or critical foreign languages, and teacher 
     education, that lead to a baccalaureate degree in science, 
     technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign 
     language, with concurrent teacher certification;
       (2) to develop and implement 2- or 3-year part-time 
     master's degree programs in science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or critical foreign language education for 
     teachers in order to enhance the teachers' content knowledge 
     and pedagogical skills; and
       (3) to develop programs for professionals in science, 
     technology, engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign 
     language education that lead to a master's degree in teaching 
     that results in teacher certification.

     SEC. 6112. DEFINITIONS.

       In this part:
       (1) Children from low-income families.--The term ``children 
     from low-income families'' means children described in 
     section 1124(c)(1)(A) of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6333(c)(1)(A)).
       (2) Eligible recipient.--The term ``eligible recipient'' 
     means an institution of higher education that receives grant 
     funds under this part on behalf of a department of science, 
     technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign 
     language, or on behalf of a department or school with a 
     competency-based degree program (in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language) 
     that includes teacher certification, for use in carrying out 
     activities assisted under this part.
       (3) High-need local educational agency.--The term ``high-
     need local educational agency'' means a local educational 
     agency or educational service agency--
       (A)(i) that serves not fewer than 10,000 children from low-
     income families;
       (ii) for which not less than 20 percent of the children 
     served by the agency are children from low-income families; 
     or
       (iii) with a total of less than 600 students in average 
     daily attendance at the schools that are served by the agency 
     and all of whose schools are designated with a school locale 
     code of 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary; and
       (B)(i) for which there is a high percentage of teachers 
     providing instruction in academic subject areas or grade 
     levels for which the teachers are not highly qualified; or
       (ii) for which there is a high teacher turnover rate or a 
     high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or 
     temporary certification or licensure.
       (4) Highly qualified.--The term ``highly qualified'' has 
     the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary 
     and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801) and, 
     with respect to special education teachers, in section 602 of 
     the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
     1401).
       (5) Partnership.--The term ``partnership'' means a 
     partnership that--
       (A) shall include--
       (i) an eligible recipient;
       (ii)(I)(aa) a department within the eligible recipient that 
     provides a program of study in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language; and
       (bb) a school, department, or program of education within 
     the eligible recipient, or a 2-year institution of higher 
     education that has a teacher preparation offering or a dual 
     enrollment program with the eligible recipient; or
       (II) a department or school within the eligible recipient 
     with a competency-based degree program (in science, 
     technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign 
     language) that includes teacher certification; and
       (iii) not less than 1 high-need local educational agency 
     and a public school or a consortium of public schools served 
     by the agency; and
       (B) may include a nonprofit organization that has a 
     demonstrated record of providing expertise or support to meet 
     the purposes of this part.
       (6) Teaching skills.--The term ``teaching skills'' means 
     the ability to--
       (A) increase student achievement and learning and increase 
     a student's ability to apply knowledge;
       (B) effectively convey and explain academic subject matter;
       (C) employ strategies grounded in the disciplines of 
     teaching and learning that--
       (i) are based on scientifically valid research;
       (ii) are specific to academic subject matter; and
       (iii) focus on the identification of students' specific 
     learning needs, particularly students with disabilities, 
     students who are limited English proficient, students who are 
     gifted and talented, and students with low literacy levels, 
     and the tailoring of academic instruction to such needs;
       (D) conduct ongoing assessment of student learning;
       (E) effectively manage a classroom; and
       (F) communicate and work with parents and guardians, and 
     involve parents and guardians in their children's education.

     SEC. 6113. PROGRAMS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREES IN SCIENCE, 
                   TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS, OR 
                   CRITICAL FOREIGN LANGUAGES, WITH CONCURRENT 
                   TEACHER CERTIFICATION.

       (a) Program Authorized.--From the amounts made available to 
     carry out this section under section 6116(1) and not reserved 
     under section 6115(d) for a fiscal year, the Secretary is 
     authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to 
     eligible recipients to enable partnerships served by the 
     eligible recipients to develop and implement programs to 
     provide courses of study in science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or critical foreign languages that--
       (1) are integrated with teacher education; and
       (2) lead to a baccalaureate degree in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language with 
     concurrent teacher certification.
       (b) Application.--Each eligible recipient desiring a grant 
     under this section shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary 
     may require. Each application shall--
       (1) describe the program for which assistance is sought;
       (2) describe how a department of science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language 
     participating in the partnership will ensure significant 
     collaboration with a teacher preparation program in the 
     development of undergraduate degrees in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language, 
     with concurrent teacher certification, including providing 
     student teaching and other clinical classroom experiences or 
     how a department or school participating in the partnership 
     with a competency-based degree program has ensured, in the 
     development of a baccalaureate degree program in science, 
     technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign 
     language, the provision of concurrent teacher certification, 
     including providing student teaching and other clinical 
     classroom experiences;
       (3) describe the high-quality research, laboratory, or 
     internship experiences, integrated with coursework, that will 
     be provided under the program;
       (4) describe how members of groups that are 
     underrepresented in the teaching of science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign languages will 
     be encouraged to participate in the program;
       (5) describe how program participants will be encouraged to 
     teach in schools determined by the partnership to be most in 
     need, and the assistance in finding employment in such 
     schools that will be provided;
       (6) describe the ongoing activities and services that will 
     be provided to graduates of the program;
       (7) describe how the activities of the partnership will be 
     coordinated with any activities funded through other Federal 
     grants, and how the partnership will continue the activities 
     assisted under the program when the grant period ends;
       (8) describe how the partnership will assess the content 
     knowledge and teaching skills of the program participants; 
     and
       (9) provide any other information the Secretary may 
     reasonably require.
       (c) Priority.--Priority shall be given to applications 
     whose primary focus is on placing participants in high-need 
     local educational agencies.
       (d) Authorized Activities.--
       (1) In general.--Each eligible recipient receiving a grant 
     under this section shall use the grant funds to enable a 
     partnership to develop

[[Page H9430]]

     and implement a program to provide courses of study in 
     science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical 
     foreign language that--
       (A) are integrated with teacher education programs that 
     promote effective teaching skills; and
       (B) lead to a baccalaureate degree in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language with 
     concurrent teacher certification.
       (2) Program requirements.--The program shall--
       (A) provide high-quality research, laboratory, or 
     internship experiences for program participants;
       (B) provide student teaching or other clinical classroom 
     experiences that--
       (i) are integrated with coursework; and
       (ii) lead to the participants' ability to demonstrate 
     effective teaching skills;
       (C) if implementing a program in which program participants 
     are prepared to teach science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or critical foreign language courses, include 
     strategies for improving student literacy;
       (D) encourage the participation of individuals who are 
     members of groups that are underrepresented in the teaching 
     of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or critical 
     foreign languages;
       (E) encourage participants to teach in schools determined 
     by the partnership to be most in need, and actively assist 
     the participants in finding employment in such schools;
       (F) offer training in the use of and integration of 
     educational technology;
       (G) collect data regarding and evaluate, using measurable 
     objectives and benchmarks, the extent to which the program 
     succeeded in--
       (i) increasing the percentage of highly qualified 
     mathematics, science, or critical foreign language teachers, 
     including increasing the percentage of such teachers teaching 
     in those schools determined by the partnership to be most in 
     need;
       (ii) improving student academic achievement in mathematics, 
     science, and where applicable, technology and engineering;
       (iii) increasing the number of students in secondary 
     schools enrolled in upper level mathematics, science, and, 
     where available, technology and engineering courses; and
       (iv) increasing the numbers of elementary school and 
     secondary school students enrolled in and continuing in 
     critical foreign language courses;
       (H) collect data on the employment placement and retention 
     of all graduates of the program, including information on how 
     many graduates are teaching and in what kinds of schools;
       (I) provide ongoing activities and services to graduates of 
     the program who teach elementary school or secondary school, 
     by--
       (i) keeping the graduates informed of the latest 
     developments in their respective academic fields; and
       (ii) supporting the graduates of the program who are 
     employed in schools in the local educational agency 
     participating in the partnership during the initial years of 
     teaching through--

       (I) induction programs;
       (II) promotion of effective teaching skills; and
       (III) providing opportunities for regular professional 
     development; and

       (J) develop recommendations to improve the school, 
     department, or program of education participating in the 
     partnership.
       (e) Annual Report.--Each eligible recipient receiving a 
     grant under this section shall collect and report to the 
     Secretary annually such information as the Secretary may 
     reasonably require, including--
       (1) the number of participants in the program;
       (2) information on the academic majors of participating 
     students;
       (3) the race, gender, income, and disability status of 
     program participants;
       (4) the placement of program participants as teachers in 
     schools determined by the partnership to be most in need;
       (5) the extent to which the program succeeded in meeting 
     the objectives and benchmarks described in subsection 
     (d)(2)(G); and
       (6) the data collected under subparagraphs (G) and (H) of 
     subsection (d)(2).
       (f) Technical Assistance.--From the funds made available 
     under section 6116(1), the Secretary may provide technical 
     assistance to an eligible recipient developing a 
     baccalaureate degree program with concurrent teacher 
     certification, including technical assistance provided 
     through a grant or contract awarded on a competitive basis to 
     an institution of higher education or a technical assistance 
     center.
       (g) Compliance With FERPA.--Any activity under this section 
     shall be carried out in compliance with section 444 of the 
     General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly 
     known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 
     1974).
       (h) Induction Program Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``induction program'' means a formalized program for new 
     teachers during not less than the teachers' first 2 years of 
     teaching that is designed to provide support for, and improve 
     the professional performance and advance the retention in the 
     teaching field of, beginning teachers. Such program shall 
     promote effective teaching skills and shall include the 
     following components:
       (1) High-quality teacher mentoring.
       (2) Periodic, structured time for collaboration with 
     teachers in the same department or field, as well as time for 
     information-sharing among teachers, principals, 
     administrators, and participating faculty in the partner 
     institution.
       (3) The application of empirically based practice and 
     scientifically valid research on instructional practices.
       (4) Opportunities for new teachers to draw directly upon 
     the expertise of teacher mentors, faculty, and researchers to 
     support the integration of empirically based practice and 
     scientifically valid research with practice.
       (5) The development of skills in instructional and 
     behavioral interventions derived from empirically based 
     practice and, where applicable, scientifically valid 
     research.
       (6) Faculty who--
       (A) model the integration of research and practice in the 
     classroom; and
       (B) assist new teachers with the effective use and 
     integration of technology in the classroom.
       (7) Interdisciplinary collaboration among exemplary 
     teachers, faculty, researchers, and other staff who prepare 
     new teachers on the learning process and the assessment of 
     learning.
       (8) Assistance with the understanding of data, particularly 
     student achievement data, and the data's applicability in 
     classroom instruction.
       (9) Regular evaluation of the new teacher.

     SEC. 6114. PROGRAMS FOR MASTER'S DEGREES IN SCIENCE, 
                   TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS, OR 
                   CRITICAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION.

       (a) Program Authorized.--From the amounts made available to 
     carry out this section under section 6116(2) and not reserved 
     under section 6115(d) for a fiscal year, the Secretary is 
     authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to 
     eligible recipients to enable the partnerships served by the 
     eligible recipients to develop and implement--
       (1) 2- or 3-year part-time master's degree programs in 
     science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or critical 
     foreign language education for teachers in order to enhance 
     the teacher's content knowledge and teaching skills; or
       (2) programs for professionals in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language that 
     lead to a 1-year master's degree in teaching that results in 
     teacher certification.
       (b) Application.--Each eligible recipient desiring a grant 
     under this section shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary 
     may require. Each application shall describe--
       (1) how a department of science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or a critical foreign language will ensure 
     significant collaboration with a school, department, or 
     program of education in the development of the master's 
     degree programs authorized under subsection (a), or how a 
     department or school with a competency-based degree program 
     has ensured, in the development of a master's degree program, 
     the provision of rigorous studies in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language that 
     enhance the teachers' content knowledge and teaching skills;
       (2) the role of the local educational agency in the 
     partnership in developing and administering the program and 
     how feedback from the local educational agency, school, and 
     participants will be used to improve the program;
       (3) how the program will help increase the percentage of 
     highly qualified mathematics, science, or critical foreign 
     language teachers, including increasing the percentage of 
     such teachers teaching in schools determined by the 
     partnership to be most in need;
       (4) how the program will--
       (A) improve student academic achievement in mathematics, 
     science, and, where applicable, technology and engineering 
     and increase the number of students taking upper-level 
     courses in such subjects; or
       (B) increase the numbers of elementary school and secondary 
     school students enrolled and continuing in critical foreign 
     language courses;
       (5) how the program will prepare participants to become 
     more effective science, technology, engineering, mathematics, 
     or critical foreign language teachers;
       (6) how the program will prepare participants to assume 
     leadership roles in their schools;
       (7) how teachers (or science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or critical foreign language professionals) who 
     are members of groups that are underrepresented in the 
     teaching of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or 
     critical foreign languages and teachers from schools 
     determined by the partnership to be most in need will be 
     encouraged to apply for and participate in the program;
       (8) the ongoing activities and services that will be 
     provided to graduates of the program;
       (9) how the partnership will continue the activities 
     assisted under the grant when the grant period ends;
       (10) how the partnership will assess, during the program, 
     the content knowledge and teaching skills of the program 
     participants; and
       (11) methods to ensure applicants to the master's degree 
     program for professionals in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language 
     demonstrate advanced knowledge in the relevant subject.
       (c) Authorized Activities.--Each eligible recipient 
     receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant 
     funds to develop and implement a 2- or 3-year part-time 
     master's degree program in science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or critical foreign language education for 
     teachers in order to enhance the teachers' content knowledge 
     and teaching skills, or programs for professionals in 
     science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a critical 
     foreign language that lead to a 1-year master's degree in 
     teaching that results in teacher certification. The program 
     shall--
       (1) promote effective teaching skills so that program 
     participants become more effective science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign language 
     teachers;
       (2) prepare teachers to assume leadership roles in their 
     schools by participating in activities such as teacher 
     mentoring, development of curricula that integrate state of 
     the art applications of science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or critical foreign language into the classroom, 
     working with school administrators in establishing in-service 
     professional development of teachers, and assisting in 
     evaluating data and assessments to improve student academic 
     achievement;

[[Page H9431]]

       (3) use high-quality research, laboratory, or internship 
     experiences for program participants that are integrated with 
     coursework;
       (4) provide student teaching or clinical classroom 
     experience;
       (5) if implementing a program in which participants are 
     prepared to teach science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or critical foreign language courses, provide 
     strategies for improving student literacy;
       (6) align the content knowledge in the master's degree 
     program with challenging student academic achievement 
     standards and challenging academic content standards 
     established by the State in which the program is conducted;
       (7) encourage the participation of--
       (A) individuals who are members of groups that are 
     underrepresented in the teaching of science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign languages;
       (B) members of the Armed Forces who are transitioning to 
     civilian life; and
       (C) teachers teaching in schools determined by the 
     partnership to be most in need;
       (8) offer tuition assistance, based on need, as 
     appropriate;
       (9) create opportunities for enhanced and ongoing 
     professional development for teachers that improves the 
     science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and critical 
     foreign language content knowledge and teaching skills of 
     such teachers; and
       (10) evaluate and report on the impact of the program, in 
     accordance with subsection (d).
       (d) Evaluation and Report.--Each eligible recipient 
     receiving a grant under this section shall evaluate, using 
     measurable objectives and benchmarks, and provide an annual 
     report to the Secretary regarding, the extent to which the 
     program assisted under this section succeeded in the 
     following:
       (1) Increasing the number and percentage of science, 
     technology, engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign 
     language teachers who have a master's degree and meet 1 or 
     more of the following requirements:
       (A) Are teaching in schools determined by the partnership 
     to be most in need, and taught in such schools prior to 
     participation in the program.
       (B) Are teaching in schools determined by the partnership 
     to be most in need, and did not teach in such schools prior 
     to participation in the program.
       (C) Are members of a group underrepresented in the teaching 
     of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a 
     critical foreign language.
       (2) Bringing professionals in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or a critical foreign language into 
     the field of teaching.
       (3) Retaining teachers who participate in the program.

     SEC. 6115. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

       (a) Duration of Grants.--The Secretary shall award each 
     grant under this part for a period of not more than 5 years.
       (b) Matching Requirement.--Each eligible recipient that 
     receives a grant under this part shall provide, from non-
     Federal sources, an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount 
     of the grant (which may be provided in cash or in kind) to 
     carry out the activities supported by the grant.
       (c) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under 
     this part shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, 
     other Federal or State funds.
       (d) Evaluation.--From amounts made available for any fiscal 
     year under section 6116, the Secretary shall reserve such 
     sums as may be necessary--
       (1) to provide for the conduct of an annual independent 
     evaluation, by grant or by contract, of the activities 
     assisted under this part, which shall include an assessment 
     of the impact of the activities on student academic 
     achievement; and
       (2) to prepare and submit an annual report on the results 
     of the evaluation described in paragraph (1) to the Committee 
     on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     Senate and House of Representatives.

     SEC. 6116. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     section $276,200,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as 
     may be necessary for each of the 2 succeeding fiscal years, 
     of which--
       (1) $151,200,000 shall be available to carry out section 
     6113 for fiscal year 2008 and each succeeding fiscal year; 
     and
       (2) $125,000,000 shall be available to carry out section 
     6114 for fiscal year 2008 and each succeeding fiscal year.

  PART II--ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS

     SEC. 6121. PURPOSE.

       It is the purpose of this part--
       (1) to raise academic achievement through Advanced 
     Placement and International Baccalaureate programs by 
     increasing, by 70,000, over a 4-year period beginning in 
     2008, the number of teachers serving high-need schools who 
     are qualified to teach Advanced Placement or International 
     Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical 
     foreign languages;
       (2) to increase, to 700,000 per year, the number of 
     students attending high-need schools who--
       (A) take and score a 3, 4, or 5 on an Advanced Placement 
     examination in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign 
     language administered by the College Board; or
       (B) achieve a passing score on an examination administered 
     by the International Baccalaureate Organization in such a 
     subject;
       (3) to increase the availability of, and enrollment in, 
     Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in 
     mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages, and 
     pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International Baccalaureate 
     courses in such subjects, in high-need schools; and
       (4) to support statewide efforts to increase the 
     availability of, and enrollment in, Advanced Placement or 
     International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, 
     and critical foreign languages, and pre-Advanced Placement or 
     pre-International Baccalaureate courses in such subjects, in 
     high-need schools.

     SEC. 6122. DEFINITIONS.

       In this part:
       (1) Advanced placement or international baccalaureate 
     course.--The term ``Advanced Placement or International 
     Baccalaureate course'' means--
       (A) a course of college-level instruction provided to 
     secondary school students, terminating in an examination 
     administered by the College Board or the International 
     Baccalaureate Organization, or another such examination 
     approved by the Secretary; or
       (B) another highly rigorous, evidence-based, postsecondary 
     preparatory program terminating in an examination 
     administered by another nationally recognized educational 
     organization that has a demonstrated record of effectiveness 
     in assessing secondary school students, or another such 
     examination approved by the Secretary.
       (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) a State educational agency;
       (B) a local educational agency; or
       (C) a partnership consisting of--
       (i) a national, regional, or statewide nonprofit 
     organization, with expertise and experience in providing 
     Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate services; 
     and
       (ii) a State educational agency or local educational 
     agency.
       (3) Low-income student.--The term ``low-income student'' 
     has the meaning given the term ``low-income individual'' in 
     section 1707(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
     of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6537(3)).
       (4) High concentration of low-income students.--The term 
     ``high concentration of low-income students'' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 1707(2) of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6537(2)).
       (5) High-need local educational agency.--The term ``high-
     need local educational agency'' means a local educational 
     agency or educational service agency described in 6112(3)(A).
       (6) High-need school.--The term ``high-need school'' means 
     a secondary school--
       (A) with a pervasive need for Advanced Placement or 
     International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, 
     or critical foreign languages, or for additional Advanced 
     Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in such a 
     subject; and
       (B)(i) with a high concentration of low-income students; or
       (ii) designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, or 43, 
     as determined by the Secretary.

     SEC. 6123. ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 
                   PROGRAMS.

       (a) Program Authorized.--From the amounts appropriated 
     under subsection (l), the Secretary is authorized to award 
     grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to 
     enable the eligible entities to carry out the authorized 
     activities described in subsection (g).
       (b) Duration of Grants.--The Secretary may award grants 
     under this section for a period of not more than 5 years.
       (c) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate the 
     activities carried out under this section with the activities 
     carried out under section 1705 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6535).
       (d) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
     Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that are 
     part of a statewide strategy for increasing--
       (1) the availability of Advanced Placement or International 
     Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical 
     foreign languages, and pre-Advanced Placement or pre-
     International Baccalaureate courses in such subjects, in 
     high-need schools; and
       (2) the number of students who participate in Advanced 
     Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in 
     mathematics, science, and critical foreign language in high-
     need schools, and take and score a 3, 4, or 5 on an Advanced 
     Placement examination in such a subject, or pass an 
     examination administered by the International Baccalaureate 
     Organization in such a subject in such schools.
       (e) Equitable Distribution.--The Secretary, to the extent 
     practicable, shall--
       (1) ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grants 
     under this section among the States; and
       (2) promote an increase in participation in Advanced 
     Placement or International Baccalaureate mathematics, 
     science, and critical foreign language courses and 
     examinations in all States.
       (f) Application.--
       (1) In general.--Each eligible entity desiring a grant 
     under this section shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
       (2) Contents.--The application shall, at a minimum, include 
     a description of--
       (A) the goals and objectives for the project, including--
       (i) increasing the number of teachers serving high-need 
     schools who are qualified to teach Advanced Placement or 
     International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, 
     or critical foreign languages;
       (ii) increasing the number of qualified teachers serving 
     high-need schools who are teaching

[[Page H9432]]

     Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in 
     mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages to 
     students in the high-need schools;
       (iii) increasing the number of Advanced Placement or 
     International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, 
     and critical foreign languages that are available to students 
     attending high-need schools; and
       (iv) increasing the number of students attending a high-
     need school, particularly low-income students, who enroll in 
     and pass--

       (I) Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate 
     courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign 
     languages; and
       (II) pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International 
     Baccalaureate courses in such a subject (where provided in 
     accordance with subparagraph (B));

       (B) how the eligible entity will ensure that students have 
     access to courses, including pre-Advanced Placement and pre-
     International Baccalaureate courses, that will prepare the 
     students to enroll and succeed in Advanced Placement or 
     International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, 
     or critical foreign languages;
       (C) how the eligible entity will provide professional 
     development for teachers assisted under this section;
       (D) how the eligible entity will ensure that teachers 
     serving high-need schools are qualified to teach Advanced 
     Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in 
     mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages;
       (E) how the eligible entity will provide for the 
     involvement of business and community organizations and other 
     entities, including institutions of higher education, in the 
     activities to be assisted; and
       (F) how the eligible entity will use funds received under 
     this section, including how the eligible entity will evaluate 
     the success of its project.
       (g) Authorized Activities.--
       (1) In general.--Each eligible entity that receives a grant 
     under this section shall use the grant funds to carry out 
     activities designed to increase--
       (A) the number of qualified teachers serving high-need 
     schools who are teaching Advanced Placement or International 
     Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical 
     foreign languages; and
       (B) the number of students attending high-need schools who 
     enroll in, and pass, the examinations for such Advanced 
     Placement or International Baccalaureate courses.
       (2) Permissive activities.--The activities described in 
     paragraph (1) may include--
       (A) teacher professional development, in order to expand 
     the pool of teachers in the participating State, local 
     educational agency, or high-need school who are qualified to 
     teach Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate 
     courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign 
     languages;
       (B) pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International 
     Baccalaureate course development and professional 
     development;
       (C) coordination and articulation between grade levels to 
     prepare students to enroll and succeed in Advanced Placement 
     or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, 
     science, or critical foreign languages;
       (D) purchase of instructional materials;
       (E) activities to increase the availability of, and 
     participation in, online Advanced Placement or International 
     Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical 
     foreign languages;
       (F) reimbursing low-income students attending high-need 
     schools for part or all of the cost of Advanced Placement or 
     International Baccalaureate examination fees;
       (G) carrying out subsection (j), relating to collecting and 
     reporting data;
       (H) in the case of a State educational agency that receives 
     a grant under this section, awarding subgrants to local 
     educational agencies to enable the local educational agencies 
     to carry out authorized activities described in subparagraphs 
     (A) through (G); and
       (I) providing salary increments or bonuses to teachers 
     serving high-need schools who--
       (i) become qualified to teach, and teach, Advanced 
     Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in 
     mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language; or
       (ii) increase the number of low-income students, who take 
     Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate 
     examinations in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign 
     language with the goal of successfully passing such 
     examinations.
       (h) Matching Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), each eligible 
     entity that receives a grant under this section shall 
     provide, toward the cost of the activities assisted under the 
     grant, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 200 
     percent of the amount of the grant, except that an eligible 
     entity that is a high-need local educational agency shall 
     provide an amount equal to not more than 100 percent of the 
     amount of the grant.
       (2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive all or part of the 
     matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any 
     fiscal year for an eligible entity described in subparagraph 
     (A) or (B) of section 6122(2), if the Secretary determines 
     that applying the matching requirement to such eligible 
     entity would result in serious hardship or an inability to 
     carry out the authorized activities described in subsection 
     (g).
       (i) Supplement Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under 
     this section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other 
     Federal and non-Federal funds available to carry out the 
     activities described in subsection (g).
       (j) Collecting and Reporting Requirements.--
       (1) Report.--Each eligible entity receiving a grant under 
     this section shall collect and report to the Secretary 
     annually such data on the results of the grant as the 
     Secretary may reasonably require, including data regarding--
       (A) the number of students enrolling in Advanced Placement 
     or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, 
     science, or a critical foreign language, and pre-Advanced 
     Placement or pre-International Baccalaureate courses in such 
     a subject, by the grade the student is enrolled in, and the 
     distribution of grades those students receive;
       (B) the number of students taking Advanced Placement or 
     International Baccalaureate examinations in mathematics, 
     science, or a critical foreign language, and the distribution 
     of scores on those examinations by the grade the student is 
     enrolled in at the time of the examination;
       (C) the number of teachers receiving training in teaching 
     Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in 
     mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language who will 
     be teaching such courses in the next school year;
       (D) the number of teachers becoming qualified to teach 
     Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in 
     mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language; and
       (E) the number of qualified teachers who are teaching 
     Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in 
     mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages to 
     students in a high-need school.
       (2) Reporting of data.--Each eligible entity receiving a 
     grant under this section shall report data required under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) disaggregated by subject area;
       (B) in the case of student data, disaggregated in the same 
     manner as information is disaggregated under section 
     1111(h)(1)(C)(i) of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
     Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(h)(1)(C)(i)); and
       (C) to the extent feasible, in a manner that allows 
     comparison of conditions before, during, and after the 
     project.
       (k) Evaluation and Report.--From the amount made available 
     for any fiscal year under subsection (l), the Secretary shall 
     reserve such sums as may be necessary--
       (1) to conduct an annual independent evaluation, by grant 
     or by contract, of the program carried out under this 
     section, which shall include an assessment of the impact of 
     the program on student academic achievement; and
       (2) to prepare and submit an annual report on the results 
     of the evaluation described in paragraph (1) to the Committee 
     on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the 
     Senate and House of Representatives.
       (l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each 
     of the 2 succeeding fiscal years.

PART III--PROMISING PRACTICES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND 
                          MATHEMATICS TEACHING

     SEC. 6131. PROMISING PRACTICES.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish 
     an expert panel to provide information on promising practices 
     for strengthening teaching and learning in science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics at the elementary 
     school and secondary school levels. The panel shall build on 
     prior Federal efforts, such as efforts by the National 
     Mathematics Advisory Panel, and shall synthesize scientific 
     evidence pertaining to the improvement of science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching and 
     learning.
       (b) National Panel on Promising Practices in K-12 STEM 
     Teaching and Learning.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into a contract 
     with the Center for Education of the National Academy of 
     Sciences to establish and convene, not later than 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, an expert panel to--
       (A) identify promising practices for improving teaching and 
     student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics in kindergarten through grade 12; and
       (B) examine and synthesize the scientific evidence 
     pertaining to the improvement of science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics teaching and learning.
       (2) Composition of national panel.--The National Academy of 
     Sciences shall ensure that the panel established under 
     paragraph (1) represents scientists, engineers, 
     mathematicians, technologists, computer and information 
     technology experts, educators, principals, researchers with 
     expertise in teaching and learning (including experts in 
     cognitive science), and others with relevant expertise. The 
     National Academy of Sciences shall ensure that the panel 
     includes the following:
       (A) Representation of teachers and principals directly 
     involved in teaching science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics in kindergarten through grade 12.
       (B) Representation of teachers and principals from diverse 
     demographic groups and geographic areas, including urban, 
     suburban, and rural schools.
       (C) Representation of teachers and principals from public 
     and private schools.
       (3) Qualification of members.--The members of the panel 
     established under paragraph (1) shall be individuals who have 
     expertise and experience relating to--
       (A) existing science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education programs;
       (B) developing and improving science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics curricula content;
       (C) improving the academic achievement of students who are 
     below grade level in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics fields; and

[[Page H9433]]

       (D) research on teaching or learning.
       (c) Authorized Activities of National Panel.--The panel 
     established under subsection (b) shall identify--
       (1) promising practices in the effective teaching and 
     learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     topics in kindergarten through grade 12;
       (2) promising training and professional development 
     techniques designed to help teachers increase their skills 
     and expertise in improving student achievement in science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics in kindergarten 
     through grade 12;
       (3) critical skills and skills progressions needed to 
     enable students to acquire competence in science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics and readiness for advanced 
     secondary school and college level science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics coursework;
       (4) processes by which students with varying degrees of 
     prior academic achievement and backgrounds learn effectively 
     in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     fields; and
       (5) areas in which existing data about promising practices 
     in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     education are insufficient.
       (d) Report.--The panel established under subsection (b) 
     shall prepare a written report for the Secretary that 
     presents the findings of the panel pursuant to this section 
     and includes recommendations, based on the findings of the 
     panel, to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics teaching and learning in kindergarten through 
     grade 12.
       (e) Dissemination.--The Secretary shall disseminate the 
     report under subsection (d) to the public, State educational 
     agencies, and local educational agencies, and shall make the 
     information in such report available, in an easy to 
     understand format, on the website of the Department.
       (f) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 
     Promising Practices.--
       (1) Reliability and measurement.--The promising practices 
     in the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics in elementary schools and secondary schools 
     collected under this section shall be--
       (A) reliable, valid, and grounded in scientifically valid 
     research;
       (B) inclusive of the critical skills and skill progressions 
     needed for students to acquire competence in science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics;
       (C) reviewed regularly to assess effectiveness; and
       (D) reviewed in the context of State academic assessments 
     and student academic achievement standards.
       (2) Students with diverse learning needs.--In identifying 
     promising practices under this section, the panel established 
     under subsection (b) shall take into account the needs of 
     students with diverse learning needs, particularly students 
     with disabilities and students who are limited English 
     proficient.
       (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,200,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008.
                        Subtitle B--Mathematics

     SEC. 6201. MATH NOW FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL 
                   STUDENTS PROGRAM.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to enable all 
     students to reach or exceed grade-level academic achievement 
     standards and to prepare the students to enroll in and pass 
     algebra courses by--
       (1) improving instruction in mathematics for students in 
     kindergarten through grade 9 through the implementation of 
     mathematics programs and the support of comprehensive 
     mathematics initiatives that are research-based and reflect a 
     demonstrated record of effectiveness; and
       (2) providing targeted help to low-income students who are 
     struggling with mathematics and whose achievement is 
     significantly below grade level.
       (b) Definition of Eligible Local Educational Agency.--In 
     this section, the term ``eligible local educational agency'' 
     means a high-need local educational agency (as defined in 
     section 6112(3)) serving 1 or more schools--
       (1) with significant numbers or percentages of students 
     whose mathematics skills are below grade level;
       (2) that are not making adequate yearly progress in 
     mathematics under section 1111(b)(2) of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)); or
       (3) in which students are receiving instruction in 
     mathematics from teachers who do not have mathematical 
     content knowledge or expertise in the teaching of 
     mathematics.
       (c) Program Authorized.--
       (1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated under 
     subsection (k) for any fiscal year, the Secretary is 
     authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, for a 
     period of 3 years, to State educational agencies to enable 
     the State educational agencies to award grants to eligible 
     local educational agencies to carry out the activities 
     described in subsection (e) for students in any of the grades 
     kindergarten through grade 9.
       (2) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
     Secretary shall give priority to applications for projects 
     that will implement statewide strategies for improving 
     mathematics instruction and raising the mathematics 
     achievement of students, particularly students in grades 4 
     through 8.
       (d) State Uses of Funds.--
       (1) In general.--Each State educational agency that 
     receives a grant under this section for a fiscal year--
       (A) shall expend not more than a total of 10 percent of the 
     grant funds to carry out the activities described in 
     paragraphs (2) or (3) for the fiscal year; and
       (B) shall use not less than 90 percent of the grant funds 
     to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible local 
     educational agencies to enable the eligible local educational 
     agencies to carry out the activities described in subsection 
     (e) for the fiscal year.
       (2) Mandatory uses of funds.--A State educational agency 
     shall use the grant funds made available under paragraph 
     (1)(A) to carry out each of the following activities:
       (A) Planning and administration.--Planning and 
     administration, including--
       (i) evaluating applications from eligible local educational 
     agencies using peer review teams described in subsection 
     (f)(1)(D);
       (ii) administering the distribution of grants to eligible 
     local educational agencies; and
       (iii) assessing and evaluating, on a regular basis, 
     eligible local educational agency activities assisted under 
     this section, with respect to whether the activities have 
     been effective in increasing the number of students--

       (I) making progress toward meeting grade-level mathematics 
     achievement; and
       (II) meeting or exceeding grade-level mathematics 
     achievement.

       (B) Reporting.--Annually providing the Secretary with a 
     report on the implementation of this section as described in 
     subsection (i).
       (3) Permissive uses of funds; technical assistance.--
       (A) In general.--A State educational agency may use the 
     grant funds made available under paragraph (1)(A) for 1 or 
     more of the following technical assistance activities that 
     assist an eligible local educational agency, upon request by 
     the eligible local educational agency, in accomplishing the 
     tasks required to design and implement a project under this 
     section, including assistance in--
       (i) implementing mathematics programs or comprehensive 
     mathematics initiatives that are research-based and reflect a 
     demonstrated record of effectiveness;
       (ii) evaluating and selecting diagnostic and classroom 
     based instructional mathematics assessments; and
       (iii) identifying eligible professional development 
     providers to conduct the professional development activities 
     described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
       (B) Guidance.--The technical assistance described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall be guided by researchers with 
     expertise in the pedagogy of mathematics, mathematicians, and 
     mathematics educators from high-risk, high-achievement 
     schools and eligible local educational agencies.
       (e) Local Uses of Funds.--
       (1) Mandatory uses of funds.--Each eligible local 
     educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall 
     use the grant funds to carry out each of the following 
     activities for students in any of the grades kindergarten 
     through grade 9:
       (A) To implement mathematics programs or comprehensive 
     mathematics initiatives--
       (i) for students in the grades of a participating school as 
     identified in the application submitted under subsection 
     (f)(2)(B); and
       (ii) that are research-based and reflect a demonstrated 
     record of effectiveness.
       (B) To provide professional development and instructional 
     leadership activities for teachers and, if appropriate, for 
     administrators and other school staff, on the implementation 
     of comprehensive mathematics initiatives designed--
       (i) to improve the achievement of students performing 
     significantly below grade level;
       (ii) to improve the mathematical content knowledge of the 
     teachers, administrators, and other school staff;
       (iii) to increase the use of effective instructional 
     practices; and
       (iv) to monitor student progress.
       (C) To conduct continuous progress monitoring, which may 
     include the adoption and use of assessments that--
       (i) measure student progress and identify areas in which 
     students need help in learning mathematics; and
       (ii) reflect mathematics content that is consistent with 
     State academic achievement standards in mathematics described 
     in section 1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
     Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)).
       (2) Permissive uses of funds.--An eligible local 
     educational agency may use grant funds under this section 
     to--
       (A) adopt and use mathematics instructional materials and 
     assessments;
       (B) implement classroom-based assessments, including 
     diagnostic or formative assessments;
       (C) provide remedial coursework and interventions for 
     students, which may be provided before or after school;
       (D) provide small groups with individualized instruction in 
     mathematics;
       (E) conduct activities designed to improve the content 
     knowledge and expertise of teachers, such as the use of a 
     mathematics coach, enrichment activities, and 
     interdisciplinary methods of mathematics instruction; and
       (F) collect and report performance data.
       (f) Applications.--
       (1) State educational agency.--Each State educational 
     agency desiring a grant under this section shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner 
     as the Secretary may require. Each application shall 
     include--
       (A) an assurance that the core mathematics instructional 
     program, supplemental instructional materials, and 
     intervention programs used by the eligible local educational 
     agencies for the project, are research-based and reflect a 
     demonstrated record of effectiveness and are aligned with 
     State academic achievement standards;
       (B) an assurance that eligible local educational agencies 
     will meet the requirements described in paragraph (2);

[[Page H9434]]

       (C) an assurance that local applications will be evaluated 
     using a peer review process;
       (D) a description of the qualifications of the peer review 
     teams, which shall consist of--
       (i) researchers with expertise in the pedagogy of 
     mathematics;
       (ii) mathematicians; and
       (iii) mathematics educators serving high-risk, high-
     achievement schools and eligible local educational agencies; 
     and
       (E) an assurance that the State has a process to safeguard 
     against conflicts of interest consistent with subsection 
     (j)(2) and section 6204 for individuals providing technical 
     assistance on behalf of the State educational agency or 
     participating in the State peer review process under this 
     subtitle.
       (2) Eligible local educational agency.--Each eligible local 
     educational agency desiring a grant under this section shall 
     submit an application to the State educational agency at such 
     time and in such manner as the State educational agency may 
     require. Each application shall include--
       (A) an assurance that the eligible local educational agency 
     will provide assistance to 1 or more schools that are--
       (i) served by the eligible local educational agency; and
       (ii) described in section 6201(b);
       (B) a description of the grades, and of the schools, that 
     will be served;
       (C) information, on an aggregate basis, on each school to 
     be served by the project, including such demographic, 
     socioeconomic, and mathematics achievement data as the State 
     educational agency may request;
       (D) a description of the core mathematics instructional 
     program, supplemental instructional materials, and 
     intervention programs or strategies that will be used for the 
     project, including an assurance that the programs or 
     strategies are research-based and reflect a demonstrated 
     record of effectiveness and are aligned with State academic 
     achievement standards;
       (E) a description of the activities that will be carried 
     out under the grant, including a description of the 
     professional development that will be provided to teachers, 
     and, if appropriate, administrators and other school staff, 
     and a description of how the activities will support 
     achievement of the purpose of this section;
       (F) an assurance that the eligible local educational agency 
     will report to the State educational agency all data on 
     student academic achievement that is necessary for the State 
     educational agency's report under subsection (i);
       (G) a description of the eligible entity's plans for 
     evaluating the impact of professional development and 
     leadership activities in mathematics on the content knowledge 
     and expertise of teachers, administrators, or other school 
     staff; and
       (H) any other information the State educational agency may 
     reasonably require.
       (g) Prohibitions.--
       (1) In general.--In implementing this section, the 
     Secretary shall not--
       (A) endorse, approve, or sanction any mathematics 
     curriculum designed for use in any school; or
       (B) engage in oversight, technical assistance, or 
     activities that will require the adoption of a specific 
     mathematics program or instructional materials by a State, 
     local educational agency, or school.
       (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subtitle shall 
     be construed to authorize or permit the Department of 
     Education, or a Department of Education contractor, to 
     mandate, direct, control, or suggest the selection of a 
     mathematics curriculum, supplemental instructional materials, 
     or program of instruction by a State, local educational 
     agency, or school.
       (h) Matching Requirements.--
       (1) State educational agency.--A State educational agency 
     that receives a grant under this section shall provide, from 
     non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 50 percent of the 
     amount of the grant, in cash or in kind, to carry out the 
     activities supported by the grant, of which not more than 20 
     percent of such 50 percent may be provided by local 
     educational agencies within the State.
       (2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive all of or a portion of 
     the matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any 
     fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that--
       (A) the application of the matching requirement will result 
     in serious hardship for the State educational agency; or
       (B) providing a waiver best serves the purpose of the 
     program assisted under this section.
       (i) Program Performance and Accountability.--
       (1) Information.--Each State educational agency receiving a 
     grant under this section shall collect and report to the 
     Secretary annually such information on the results of the 
     grant as the Secretary may reasonably require, including 
     information on--
       (A) mathematics achievement data that show the progress of 
     students participating in projects under this section 
     (including, to the extent practicable, comparable data from 
     students not participating in such projects), based primarily 
     on the results of State, school district wide, or classroom-
     based, assessments, including--
       (i) specific identification of those schools and eligible 
     local educational agencies that report the largest gains in 
     mathematics achievement; and
       (ii) evidence on whether the State educational agency and 
     eligible local educational agencies within the State have--

       (I) significantly increased the number of students 
     achieving at grade level or above in mathematics;
       (II) significantly increased the percentages of students 
     described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the Elementary 
     and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6311(b)(2)(C)(v)(II)) who are achieving at grade level or 
     above in mathematics;
       (III) significantly increased the number of students making 
     significant progress toward meeting grade-level mathematics 
     achievement standards; and
       (IV) successfully implemented this section;

       (B) the percentage of students in the schools served by the 
     eligible local educational agency who enroll in algebra 
     courses and the percentage of such students who pass algebra 
     courses; and
       (C) the progress made in increasing the quality and 
     accessibility of professional development and leadership 
     activities in mathematics, especially activities resulting in 
     greater content knowledge and expertise of teachers, 
     administrators, and other school staff, except that the 
     Secretary shall not require such information until after the 
     third year of a grant awarded under this section.
       (2) Reporting and disaggregation.--The information required 
     under paragraph (1) shall be--
       (A) reported in a manner that allows for a comparison of 
     aggregated score differentials of student academic 
     achievement before (to the extent feasible) and after 
     implementation of the project assisted under this section; 
     and
       (B) disaggregated in the same manner as information is 
     disaggregated under section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i) of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6311(h)(1)(C)(i)).
       (3) Privacy protection.--The data in the report shall be 
     reported in a manner that--
       (A) protects the privacy of individuals; and
       (B) complies with the requirements of section 444 of the 
     General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly 
     known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 
     1974).
       (j) Evaluation and Technical Assistance.--
       (1) Evaluation.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual 
     independent evaluation, by grant or by contract, of the 
     program assisted under this section, which shall include an 
     assessment of the impact of the program on student academic 
     achievement and teacher performance, and may use funds 
     available to carry out this section to conduct the 
     evaluation.
       (B) Report.--The Secretary shall annually submit, to the 
     Committee on Education and Labor and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, a report on the 
     results of the evaluation.
       (C) Limitations.--
       (i) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     organization selected to carry out the independent evaluation 
     under subparagraph (A) does not hold a contract or 
     subcontract to implement any aspect of the program under this 
     section.
       (ii) Subcontractors.--Any contract entered into under 
     subparagraph (A) shall prohibit the organization conducting 
     the evaluation from subcontracting with any entity that holds 
     a contract or subcontract for any aspect of the 
     implementation of this section.
       (iii) Waiver.--Subject to clause (iv), the Secretary may 
     waive the application of clause (i) or (ii), or both, in 
     accordance with the requirements under section 9.503 of title 
     48, Code of Federal Regulations, if the Secretary determines 
     that their application in a particular situation would not be 
     in the Federal Government's interest.
       (iv) Special rule regarding waivers.--No organization or 
     subcontractor under this paragraph shall receive a waiver 
     that allows the organization or subcontractor to evaluate any 
     aspect of the program under this section that the 
     organization or subcontractor was involved in implementing.
       (2) Technical assistance.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary may use funds made available 
     under paragraph (3) to provide technical assistance to 
     prospective applicants and to eligible local educational 
     agencies receiving a grant under this section.
       (B) Conflicts of interest.--If the Secretary carries out 
     subparagraph (A) through any contracts, the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Office of the General Counsel of the 
     Department, shall ensure that each contract requires the 
     contractor to--
       (i) screen for conflicts of interest when hiring 
     individuals to carry out the responsibilities under the 
     contract;
       (ii) include the requirement of clause (i) in any 
     subcontracts the contractor enters into under the contract; 
     and
       (iii) establish and follow a schedule for carrying out 
     clause (i) and subparagraph (C) and reporting to the 
     Secretary on the contractor's actions under those provisions.
       (C) Screening process.--Subject to subparagraph (D), the 
     screening process described in subparagraph (B)(i) shall--
       (i) include, at a minimum, a review of--

       (I) each individual performing duties under the contract or 
     subcontract for connections to any State's program under this 
     section;
       (II) such individual's potential financial interests in, or 
     other connection to, products, activities, or services that 
     might be purchased by a State educational agency or local 
     educational agency in the course of the agency's 
     implementation of the program under this section; and
       (III) such individual's connections to teaching 
     methodologies that might require the use of specific 
     products, activities, or services; and

       (ii) ensure that individuals performing duties under the 
     contract do not maintain significant financial interests in 
     products, activities, or services supported under this 
     section.
       (D) Waiver.--
       (i) In general.--The Secretary may, in consultation with 
     the Office of the General Counsel of the Department, waive 
     the requirements of subparagraph (C).

[[Page H9435]]

       (ii) Report.--The Secretary shall--

       (I) establish criteria for the waivers under clause (i); 
     and
       (II) report any waivers under clause (i), and the criteria 
     under which such waivers are allowed, to the Committee on 
     Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
     Senate.

       (E) Information dissemination.--
       (i) In general.--If the Secretary enters into contracts to 
     provide technical assistance under subparagraph (A), and if a 
     contractor enters into subcontracts for that purpose, each 
     such contract and subcontract shall require the provider of 
     technical assistance to clearly separate technical assistance 
     provided under the contract or subcontract from information 
     provided, or activities engaged in, as part of the normal 
     operations of the contractor or subcontractor.
       (ii) Methods of compliance.--Efforts to comply with clause 
     (i) may include the creation of separate webpages for the 
     purpose of fulfilling a contract or subcontract entered into 
     under subparagraph (A).
       (3) Reservation of funds.--The Secretary may reserve not 
     more than 2.5 percent of funds appropriated under subsection 
     (k) for a fiscal year to carry out this subsection.
       (k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $95,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each 
     of the 2 succeeding fiscal years.

     SEC. 6202. SUMMER TERM EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to create 
     opportunities for summer learning by providing students with 
     access to summer learning in mathematics, technology, and 
     problem-solving to ensure that students do not experience 
     learning losses over the summer and to remedy, reinforce, and 
     accelerate the learning of mathematics and problem-solving.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means an 
     entity that--
       (A) desires to participate in a summer learning grant 
     program under this section by providing summer learning 
     opportunities described in subsection (d)(4)(A)(ii) to 
     eligible students; and
       (B) is--
       (i) a high-need local educational agency; or
       (ii) a consortium consisting of a high-need local 
     educational agency and 1 or more of the following entities:

       (I) Another local educational agency.
       (II) A community-based youth development organization with 
     a demonstrated record of effectiveness in helping students 
     learn.
       (III) An institution of higher education.
       (IV) An educational service agency.
       (V) A for-profit educational provider, nonprofit 
     organization, science center, museum, or summer enrichment 
     camp, that has been approved by the State educational agency 
     to provide the summer learning opportunity described in 
     subsection (d)(4)(A)(ii).

       (2) Eligible student.--The term ``eligible student'' means 
     a student who--
       (A) is eligible for a free lunch under the Richard B. 
     Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.); 
     and
       (B) is served by a local educational agency identified by 
     the State educational agency in the application described in 
     subsection (c)(2).
       (3) High-need local educational agency.--The term ``high-
     need local educational agency'' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 6112.
       (c) Demonstration Grant Program.--
       (1) Program authorized.--
       (A) In general.--From the funds appropriated under 
     subsection (f) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall carry 
     out a demonstration grant program in which the Secretary 
     awards grants, on a competitive basis, to State educational 
     agencies to enable the State educational agencies to pay the 
     Federal share of summer learning grants for eligible 
     students.
       (B) Number of grants.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary 
     shall award not more than 5 grants under this section.
       (2) Application.--A State educational agency that desires 
     to receive a grant under this section shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
     and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may 
     require. Such application shall identify the areas in the 
     State where the summer learning grant program will be offered 
     and the local educational agencies that serve such areas.
       (3) Award basis.--
       (A) Special consideration.--In awarding grants under this 
     section, the Secretary shall give special consideration to a 
     State educational agency that agrees, to the extent possible, 
     to enter into agreements with eligible entities that are 
     consortia described in subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii) and that 
     proposes to target services to children in grades 
     kindergarten through grade 8.
       (B) Geographic distribution.--In awarding grants under this 
     section, the Secretary shall take into consideration an 
     equitable geographic distribution of the grants.
       (d) Summer Learning Grants.--
       (1) Use of grants for summer learning grants.--
       (A) In general.--Each State educational agency that 
     receives a grant under subsection (c) for a fiscal year shall 
     use the grant funds to provide summer learning grants for the 
     fiscal year to eligible students in the State who desire to 
     attend a summer learning opportunity offered by an eligible 
     entity that enters into an agreement with the State 
     educational agency under paragraph (4)(A).
       (B) Amount; federal and non-federal shares.--
       (i) Amount.--The amount of a summer learning grant provided 
     under this section shall be--

       (I) for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2011, $1,600; 
     and
       (II) for fiscal year 2012, $1,800.

       (ii) Federal share.--The Federal share of each summer 
     learning grant shall be not more than 50 percent of the 
     amount of the summer learning grant determined under clause 
     (i).
       (iii) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of each 
     summer learning grant shall be not less than 50 percent of 
     the amount of the summer learning grant determined under 
     clause (i), and shall be provided from non-Federal sources.
       (2) Designation of summer scholars.--Eligible students who 
     receive summer learning grants under this section shall be 
     known as ``summer scholars''.
       (3) Selection of summer learning opportunity.--
       (A) Dissemination of information.--A State educational 
     agency that receives a grant under subsection (c) shall 
     disseminate information about summer learning opportunities 
     and summer learning grants to the families of eligible 
     students in the State.
       (B) Application.--The parents of an eligible student who 
     are interested in having their child participate in a summer 
     learning opportunity and receive a summer learning grant 
     shall submit an application to the State educational agency 
     that includes a ranked list of preferred summer learning 
     opportunities.
       (C) Process.--A State educational agency that receives an 
     application under subparagraph (B) shall--
       (i) process such application;
       (ii) determine whether the eligible student shall receive a 
     summer learning grant;
       (iii) coordinate the assignment of eligible students 
     receiving summer learning grants with summer learning 
     opportunities; and
       (iv) if demand for a summer learning opportunity exceeds 
     capacity, the State educational agency shall prioritize 
     applications to low-achieving eligible students.
       (D) Flexibility.--A State educational agency may assign a 
     summer scholar to a summer learning opportunity program that 
     is offered in an area served by a local educational agency 
     that is not the local educational agency serving the area 
     where such scholar resides.
       (E) Requirement of acceptance.--An eligible entity shall 
     accept, enroll, and provide the summer learning opportunity 
     of such entity to, any summer scholar assigned to such summer 
     learning opportunity by a State educational agency pursuant 
     to this subsection.
       (4) Agreement with eligible entity.--
       (A) In general.--A State educational agency shall enter 
     into an agreement with one or more eligible entities offering 
     a summer learning opportunity, under which--
       (i) the State educational agency shall agree to make 
     payments to the eligible entity, in accordance with 
     subparagraph (B), for a summer scholar; and
       (ii) the eligible entity shall agree to provide the summer 
     scholar with a summer learning opportunity that--

       (I) provides a total of not less than the equivalent of 30 
     full days of instruction (or not less than the equivalent of 
     25 full days of instruction, if the equivalent of an 
     additional 5 days is devoted to field trips or other 
     enrichment opportunities) to the summer scholar;
       (II) employs small-group, research-based educational 
     programs, materials, curricula, and practices;
       (III) provides a curriculum that--

       (aa) emphasizes mathematics, technology, engineering, and 
     problem-solving through experiential learning opportunities;
       (bb) is primarily designed to increase the numeracy and 
     problem-solving skills of the summer scholar; and
       (cc) is aligned with State academic content standards and 
     goals of the local educational agency serving the summer 
     scholar;

       (IV) measures student progress to determine the gains made 
     by summer scholars in the summer learning opportunity, and 
     disaggregates the results of such progress for summer 
     scholars by race and ethnicity, economic status, limited 
     English proficiency status, and disability status, in order 
     to determine the opportunity's impact on each subgroup of 
     summer scholars;
       (V) collects daily attendance data on each summer scholar;
       (VI) provides professional development opportunities for 
     teachers to improve their practice in teaching numeracy, and 
     in integrating problem-solving techniques into the 
     curriculum; and
       (VII) meets all applicable Federal, State, and local civil 
     rights laws.

       (B) Amount of payment.--
       (i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), a State 
     educational agency shall make a payment to an eligible entity 
     for a summer scholar in the amount determined under paragraph 
     (1)(B)(i).
       (ii) Adjustment.--In the case in which a summer scholar 
     does not attend the full summer learning opportunity, the 
     State educational agency shall reduce the amount provided to 
     the eligible entity pursuant to clause (i) by a percentage 
     that is equal to the percentage of the summer learning 
     opportunity not attended by such scholar.
       (5) Administrative costs.--A State educational agency or 
     eligible entity receiving funding under this section may use 
     not more than 5 percent of such funding for administrative 
     costs associated with carrying out this section.
       (e) Evaluations; Report; Website.--
       (1) Evaluation and assessment.--For each year that an 
     eligible entity enters into an agreement under subsection 
     (d)(4), the eligible entity shall prepare and submit to the 
     Secretary a report on the activities and outcomes of each 
     summer learning opportunity that enrolled a summer scholar, 
     including--
       (A) information on the design of the summer learning 
     opportunity;
       (B) the alignment of the summer learning opportunity with 
     State standards; and

[[Page H9436]]

       (C) data from assessments of student mathematics and 
     problem-solving skills for the summer scholars and on the 
     attendance of the scholars, disaggregated by the subgroups 
     described in subsection (d)(4)(A)(ii)(IV).
       (2) Report.--For each year funds are appropriated under 
     subsection (f) for this section, the Secretary shall prepare 
     and submit a report to the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Education and Labor of the House of Representatives on the 
     summer learning grant programs, including the effectiveness 
     of the summer learning opportunities in improving student 
     achievement and learning.
       (3) Summer learning grants website.--The Secretary shall 
     make accessible, on the Department of Education website, 
     information for parents and school personnel on successful 
     programs and curricula, and best practices, for summer 
     learning opportunities.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may 
     be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 2 
     succeeding fiscal years.

     SEC. 6203. MATH SKILLS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

       (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       (1) to provide assistance to State educational agencies and 
     local educational agencies in implementing effective 
     research-based mathematics programs for students in secondary 
     schools, including students with disabilities and students 
     with limited English proficiency;
       (2) to improve instruction in mathematics for students in 
     secondary school through the implementation of mathematics 
     programs and the support of comprehensive mathematics 
     initiatives that are based on the best available evidence of 
     effectiveness;
       (3) to provide targeted help to low-income students who are 
     struggling with mathematics and whose achievement is 
     significantly below grade level; and
       (4) to provide in-service training for mathematics coaches 
     who can assist secondary school teachers to utilize research-
     based mathematics instruction to develop and improve 
     students' mathematical abilities and knowledge, and assist 
     teachers in assessing and improving student academic 
     achievement.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible local educational agency.--The term ``eligible 
     local educational agency'' means a local educational agency 
     that is eligible to receive funds, and that is receiving 
     funds, under part A of title I of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.).
       (2) Mathematics coach.--The term ``mathematics coach'' 
     means a certified or licensed teacher, with a demonstrated 
     effectiveness in teaching mathematics to students with 
     specialized needs in mathematics and improving student 
     academic achievement in mathematics, a command of 
     mathematical content knowledge, and the ability to work with 
     classroom teachers to improve the teachers' instructional 
     techniques to support mathematics improvement, who works on 
     site at a school--
       (A) to train teachers to better assess student learning in 
     mathematics;
       (B) to train teachers to assess students' mathematics 
     skills and identify students who need remediation; and
       (C) to provide or assess remedial mathematics instruction, 
     including for--
       (i) students in after-school and summer school programs;
       (ii) students requiring additional instruction;
       (iii) students with disabilities; and
       (iv) students with limited English proficiency.
       (c) Program Authorized.--
       (1) In general.--From funds appropriated under subsection 
     (o) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall establish a 
     program, in accordance with the requirements of this section, 
     that will provide grants on a competitive basis to State 
     educational agencies to award grants and subgrants to 
     eligible local educational agencies for the purpose of 
     establishing mathematics programs to improve the overall 
     mathematics performance of secondary school students in the 
     State.
       (2) Length of grant.--A grant to a State educational agency 
     under this section shall be awarded for a period of 3 years.
       (d) Reservation of Funds by the Secretary.--From amounts 
     appropriated under subsection (o) for a fiscal year, the 
     Secretary may reserve--
       (1) not more than 3 percent of such amounts to fund 
     national activities in support of the programs assisted under 
     this section, such as research and dissemination of best 
     practices, except that the Secretary may not use the reserved 
     funds to award grants directly to local educational agencies; 
     and
       (2) not more than \1/2\ of 1 percent of such amounts for 
     the Bureau of Indian Education of the Department of the 
     Interior to carry out the services and activities described 
     in subsection (k)(3) for Indian children.
       (e) Grant Formulas.--
       (1) Competitive grants to state educational agencies.--From 
     amounts appropriated under subsection (o) and not reserved 
     under subsection (d), the Secretary shall award grants, on a 
     competitive basis, to State educational agencies to enable 
     the State educational agencies to provide subgrants to 
     eligible local educational agencies to establish mathematics 
     programs for the purpose of improving overall mathematics 
     performance among students in secondary school in the State.
       (2) Minimum grant.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     minimum grant made to any State educational agency under this 
     section shall be not less than $500,000.
       (f) Applications.--In order to receive a grant under this 
     section, a State educational agency shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
     and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may 
     require. Each such application shall meet the following 
     conditions:
       (1) A State educational agency shall not include the 
     application for assistance under this section in a 
     consolidated application submitted under section 9302 of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     7842).
       (2) The State educational agency's application shall 
     include assurances that such application and any technical 
     assistance provided by the State will be guided by a peer 
     review team, which shall consist of--
       (A) researchers with expertise in the pedagogy of 
     mathematics;
       (B) mathematicians; and
       (C) mathematics educators serving high-risk, high-
     achievement schools and eligible local educational agencies.
       (3) The State educational agency shall include an assurance 
     that the State has a process to safeguard against conflicts 
     of interest consistent with subsection (m)(2) and section 
     6204 for individuals providing technical assistance on behalf 
     of the State educational agency or participating in the State 
     peer review process under this subtitle.
       (4) The State educational agency will participate, if 
     requested, in any evaluation of the State educational 
     agency's program under this section.
       (5) The State educational agency's application shall 
     include a program plan that contains a description of the 
     following:
       (A) How the State educational agency will assist eligible 
     local educational agencies in implementing subgrants, 
     including providing ongoing professional development for 
     mathematics coaches, teachers, paraprofessionals, and 
     administrators.
       (B) How the State educational agency will help eligible 
     local educational agencies identify high-quality screening, 
     diagnostic, and classroom-based instructional mathematics 
     assessments.
       (C) How the State educational agency will help eligible 
     local educational agencies identify high-quality research-
     based mathematics materials and programs.
       (D) How the State educational agency will help eligible 
     local educational agencies identify appropriate and effective 
     materials, programs, and assessments for students with 
     disabilities and students with limited English proficiency.
       (E) How the State educational agency will ensure that 
     professional development funded under this section--
       (i) is based on mathematics research;
       (ii) will effectively improve instructional practices for 
     mathematics for secondary school students;
       (iii) will improve student academic achievement in 
     mathematics; and
       (iv) is coordinated with professional development 
     activities funded through other programs, including section 
     2113 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 6613).
       (F) How funded activities will help teachers and other 
     instructional staff to implement research-based components of 
     mathematics instruction and improve student academic 
     achievement.
       (G) The subgrant process the State educational agency will 
     use to ensure that eligible local educational agencies 
     receiving subgrants implement programs and practices based on 
     mathematics research.
       (H) How the State educational agency will build on and 
     promote coordination among mathematics programs in the State 
     to increase overall effectiveness in improving mathematics 
     instruction and student academic achievement, including for 
     students with disabilities and students with limited English 
     proficiency.
       (I) How the State educational agency will regularly assess 
     and evaluate the effectiveness of the eligible local 
     educational agency activities funded under this section.
       (g) State Use of Funds.--Each State educational agency 
     receiving a grant under this section shall--
       (1) establish a peer review team comprised of researchers 
     with expertise in the pedagogy of mathematics, 
     mathematicians, and mathematics educators from high-risk, 
     high-achievement schools, to provide guidance to eligible 
     local educational agencies in selecting or developing and 
     implementing appropriate, research-based mathematics programs 
     for secondary school students;
       (2) use 80 percent of the grant funds received under this 
     section for a fiscal year to fund high-quality applications 
     for subgrants to eligible local educational agencies having 
     applications approved under subsection (k); and
       (3) use 20 percent of the grant funds received under this 
     section--
       (A) to carry out State-level activities described in the 
     application submitted under subsection (f);
       (B) to provide--
       (i) technical assistance to eligible local educational 
     agencies; and
       (ii) high-quality professional development to teachers and 
     mathematics coaches in the State;
       (C) to oversee and evaluate subgrant services and 
     activities undertaken by the eligible local educational 
     agencies as described in subsection (k)(3); and
       (D) for administrative costs, of which not more than 5 
     percent of the grant funds may be used for planning, 
     administration, and reporting.
       (h) Notice to Eligible Local Educational Agencies.--Each 
     State educational agency receiving a grant under this section 
     shall provide notice to all eligible local educational 
     agencies in the State about the availability of subgrants 
     under this section.

[[Page H9437]]

       (i) Prohibitions.--
       (1) In general.--In implementing this section, the 
     Secretary shall not--
       (A) endorse, approve, or sanction any mathematics 
     curriculum designed for use in any school; or
       (B) engage in oversight, technical assistance, or 
     activities that will require the adoption of a specific 
     mathematics program or instructional materials by a State, 
     local educational agency, or school.
       (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to authorize or permit the Secretary, Department of 
     Education, or a Department of Education contractor, to 
     mandate, direct, control, or suggest the selection of a 
     mathematics curriculum, supplemental instructional materials, 
     or program of instruction by a State, local educational 
     agency, or school.
       (j) Supplement Not Supplant.--Each State educational agency 
     receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant 
     funds to supplement, not supplant, State funding for 
     activities authorized under this section or for other 
     educational activities.
       (k) Subgrants to Eligible Local Educational Agencies.--
       (1) Application.--
       (A) In general.--Each eligible local educational agency 
     desiring a subgrant under this subsection shall submit an 
     application to the State educational agency in the form and 
     according to the schedule established by the State 
     educational agency.
       (B) Contents.--In addition to any information required by 
     the State educational agency, each application under 
     subparagraph (A) shall demonstrate how the eligible local 
     educational agency will carry out the following required 
     activities:
       (i) Development or selection and implementation of 
     research-based mathematics assessments.
       (ii) Development or selection and implementation of 
     research-based mathematics programs, including programs for 
     students with disabilities and students with limited English 
     proficiency.
       (iii) Selection of instructional materials based on 
     mathematics research.
       (iv) High-quality professional development for mathematics 
     coaches and teachers based on mathematics research.
       (v) Evaluation and assessment strategies.
       (vi) Reporting.
       (vii) Providing access to research-based mathematics 
     materials.
       (C) Consortia.--Consistent with State law, an eligible 
     local educational agency may apply to the State educational 
     agency for a subgrant as a member of a consortium of local 
     educational agencies if each member of the consortium is an 
     eligible local educational agency.
       (2) Award basis.--
       (A) Priority.--A State educational agency awarding 
     subgrants under this subsection shall give priority to 
     eligible local educational agencies that--
       (i) are among the local educational agencies in the State 
     with the lowest graduation rates, as described in section 
     1111(b)(2)(C)(vi) of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
     Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(C)(vi)); and
       (ii) have the highest number or percentage of students who 
     are counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6333(c)).
       (B) Amount of grants.--Subgrants under this subsection 
     shall be of sufficient size and scope to enable eligible 
     local educational agencies to fully implement activities 
     assisted under this subsection.
       (3) Local use of funds.--Each eligible local educational 
     agency receiving a subgrant under this subsection shall use 
     the subgrant funds to carry out, at the secondary school 
     level, the following services and activities:
       (A) Hiring mathematics coaches and providing professional 
     development for mathematics coaches--
       (i) at a level to provide effective coaching to classroom 
     teachers;
       (ii) to work with classroom teachers to better assess 
     student academic achievement in mathematics;
       (iii) to work with classroom teachers to identify students 
     with mathematics problems and, where appropriate, refer 
     students to available programs for remediation and additional 
     services;
       (iv) to work with classroom teachers to diagnose and 
     remediate mathematics difficulties of the lowest-performing 
     students, so that those teachers can provide intensive, 
     research-based instruction, including during after-school and 
     summer sessions, geared toward ensuring that those students 
     can access and be successful in rigorous academic coursework; 
     and
       (v) to assess and organize student data on mathematics and 
     communicate that data to school administrators to inform 
     school reform efforts.
       (B) Reviewing, analyzing, developing, and, where possible, 
     adapting curricula to make sure mathematics skills are taught 
     within other core academic subjects.
       (C) Providing mathematics professional development for all 
     relevant teachers in secondary school, as necessary, that 
     addresses both remedial and higher level mathematics skills 
     for students in the applicable curriculum.
       (D) Providing professional development for teachers, 
     administrators, and paraprofessionals serving secondary 
     schools to help the teachers, administrators, and 
     paraprofessionals improve student academic achievement in 
     mathematics.
       (E) Procuring and implementing programs and instructional 
     materials based on mathematics research, including software 
     and other education technology related to mathematics 
     instruction with demonstrated effectiveness in improving 
     mathematics instruction and student academic achievement.
       (F) Building on and promoting coordination among 
     mathematics programs in the eligible local educational agency 
     to increase overall effectiveness in--
       (i) improving mathematics instruction; and
       (ii) increasing student academic achievement, including for 
     students with disabilities and students with limited English 
     proficiency.
       (G) Evaluating the effectiveness of the instructional 
     strategies, teacher professional development programs, 
     and other interventions that are implemented under the 
     subgrant.
       (H) Measuring improvement in student academic achievement, 
     including through progress monitoring or other assessments.
       (4) Supplement not supplant.--Each eligible local 
     educational agency receiving a subgrant under this subsection 
     shall use the subgrant funds to supplement, not supplant, the 
     eligible local educational agency's funding for activities 
     authorized under this section or for other educational 
     activities.
       (5) New services and activities.--Subgrant funds provided 
     under this subsection may be used only to provide services 
     and activities authorized under this section that were not 
     provided on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.
       (6) Evaluations.--Each eligible local educational agency 
     receiving a grant under this subsection shall participate, as 
     requested by the State educational agency or the Secretary, 
     in reviews and evaluations of the programs of the eligible 
     local educational agency and the effectiveness of such 
     programs, and shall provide such reports as are requested by 
     the State educational agency and the Secretary.
       (l) Matching Requirements.--
       (1) State educational agency requirements.--A State 
     educational agency that receives a grant under this section 
     shall provide, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 
     50 percent of the amount of the grant, in cash or in-kind, to 
     carry out the activities supported by the grant, of which not 
     more than 20 percent of such 50 percent may be provided by 
     local educational agencies within the State.
       (2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive all or a portion of 
     the matching requirements described in paragraph (1) for any 
     fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that--
       (A) the application of the matching requirement will result 
     in serious hardship for the State educational agency; or
       (B) providing a waiver best serves the purpose of the 
     program assisted under this section.
       (m) Evaluation and Technical Assistance.--
       (1) Evaluation.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual 
     independent evaluation, by grant or by contract, of the 
     program assisted under this section, which shall include an 
     assessment of the impact of the program on student academic 
     achievement and teacher performance, and may use funds 
     available to carry out this section to conduct the 
     evaluation.
       (B) Report.--The Secretary shall annually submit to the 
     Committee on Education and Labor and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, a report on the 
     results of the evaluation.
       (C) Limitations.--
       (i) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     organization selected to carry out the independent evaluation 
     under subparagraph (A) does not hold a contract or 
     subcontract to implement any aspect of the program under this 
     section.
       (ii) Subcontractors.--Any contract entered into under 
     subparagraph (A) shall prohibit the organization conducting 
     the evaluation from subcontracting with any entity that holds 
     a contract or subcontract for any aspect of the 
     implementation of this section.
       (iii) Waiver.--Subject to clause (iv), the Secretary may 
     waive the application of clause (i) or (ii), or both, in 
     accordance with the requirements under section 9.503 of title 
     48, Code of Federal Regulations, if the Secretary determines 
     that their application in a particular situation would not be 
     in the Federal Government's interest.
       (iv) Special rule regarding waivers.--No organization or 
     subcontractor under this paragraph shall receive a waiver 
     that allows the organization or subcontractor to evaluate any 
     aspect of the program under this section that the 
     organization or subcontractor was involved in implementing.
       (2) Technical assistance.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary may use funds made available 
     under paragraph (3) to provide technical assistance to 
     prospective applicants and to State educational agencies and 
     eligible local educational agencies receiving grants or 
     subgrants under this section.
       (B) Conflicts of interest.--If the Secretary carries out 
     subparagraph (A) through any contracts, the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Office of the General Counsel of the 
     Department, shall ensure that each contract requires the 
     contractor to--
       (i) screen for conflicts of interest when hiring 
     individuals to carry out the responsibilities under the 
     contract;
       (ii) include the requirement of clause (i) in any 
     subcontracts the contractor enters into under the contract; 
     and
       (iii) establish and follow a schedule for carrying out 
     clause (i) and subparagraph (C) and reporting to the 
     Secretary on the contractor's actions under those provisions.
       (C) Screening process.--Subject to subparagraph (D), the 
     screening process described in subparagraph (B)(i) shall--
       (i) include, at a minimum, a review of--

       (I) each individual performing duties under the contract or 
     subcontract for connections to any State's program under this 
     section;

[[Page H9438]]

       (II) such individual's potential financial interests in, or 
     other connection to, products, activities, or services that 
     might be purchased by a State educational agency or local 
     educational agency in the course of the agency's 
     implementation of the program under this section; and
       (III) such individual's connections to teaching 
     methodologies that might require the use of specific 
     products, activities, or services; and

       (ii) ensure that individuals performing duties under the 
     contract do not maintain significant financial interests in 
     products, activities, or services supported under this 
     section.
       (D) Waiver.--
       (i) In general.--The Secretary may, in consultation with 
     the Office of the General Counsel of the Department, waive 
     the requirements of subparagraph (C).
       (ii) Report.--The Secretary shall--

       (I) establish criteria for the waivers under clause (i); 
     and
       (II) report any waivers under clause (i), and the criteria 
     under which such waivers are allowed, to the Committee on 
     Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
     Senate.

       (E) Information dissemination.--
       (i) In general.--If the Secretary enters into contracts to 
     provide technical assistance under subparagraph (A), and if a 
     contractor enters into subcontracts for that purpose, each 
     such contract and subcontract shall require the provider of 
     technical assistance to clearly separate technical assistance 
     provided under the contract or subcontract from information 
     provided, or activities engaged in, as part of the normal 
     operations of the contractor or subcontractor.
       (ii) Methods of compliance.--Efforts to comply with clause 
     (i) may include the creation of separate webpages for the 
     purpose of fulfilling a contract or subcontract entered into 
     under subparagraph (A).
       (3) Reservation of funds.--The Secretary may reserve not 
     more than 2.5 percent of funds appropriated under subsection 
     (o) for a fiscal year to carry out this subsection.
       (n) Program Performance and Accountability.--
       (1) Information.--Each State educational agency receiving a 
     grant under this section shall collect and report to the 
     Secretary annually such information on the results of the 
     grant as the Secretary may reasonably require, including 
     information on--
       (A) mathematics achievement data that show the progress of 
     students participating in projects under this section 
     (including, to the extent practicable, comparable data from 
     students not participating in such projects), based primarily 
     on the results of State, school districtwide, or classroom-
     based monitoring reports or assessments, including--
       (i) specific identification of those schools and eligible 
     local educational agencies that report the largest gains in 
     mathematics achievement; and
       (ii) evidence on whether the State educational agency and 
     eligible local educational agencies within the State have--

       (I) significantly increased the number of students 
     achieving at the proficient or advanced level on the State 
     student academic achievement standards in mathematics under 
     section 1111(b)(1)(D)(ii) of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)(D)(ii));
       (II) significantly increased the percentages of students 
     described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the Elementary 
     and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6311(b)(2)(C)(v)(II)) who are achieving proficiency or 
     advanced levels on such State academic content standards in 
     mathematics;
       (III) significantly increased the number of students making 
     significant progress toward meeting such State academic 
     content and achievement standards in mathematics; and
       (IV) successfully implemented this section;

       (B) the percentage of students in the schools served by the 
     eligible local educational agency who enroll in advanced 
     mathematics courses in grades 9 through 12, including the 
     percentage of such students who pass such courses; and
       (C) the progress made in increasing the quality and 
     accessibility of professional development and leadership 
     activities in mathematics, especially activities resulting in 
     greater content knowledge and expertise of teachers, 
     administrators, and other school staff, except that the 
     Secretary shall not require such information until after the 
     third year of a grant awarded under this section.
       (2) Reporting and disaggregation.--The information required 
     under paragraph (1) shall be--
       (A) reported in a manner that allows for a comparison of 
     aggregated score differentials of student academic 
     achievement before (to the extent feasible) and after 
     implementation of the project assisted under this section; 
     and
       (B) disaggregated in the same manner as information is 
     disaggregated under section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i) of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6311(h)(1)(C)(i)).
       (o) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $95,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008 and each of the 2 succeeding fiscal years.

     SEC. 6204. PEER REVIEW OF STATE APPLICATIONS.

       (a) Peer Review of State Applications.--The Secretary shall 
     establish peer review panels to review State educational 
     agency applications submitted pursuant to sections 6201 and 
     6203 and shall consider the recommendation of the peer review 
     panels in deciding whether to approve the applications.
       (b) Screening.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a process 
     through which individuals on the peer review panels who 
     review State applications under sections 6201 and 6203 
     (referred to in this section as ``reviewers'') are screened 
     for potential conflicts of interest.
       (2) Screening requirements.--The screening process 
     described in paragraph (1) shall, subject to paragraph (3)--
       (A) be reviewed and approved by the Office of the General 
     Counsel of the Department;
       (B) include, at a minimum, a review of each reviewer's--
       (i) professional connection to any State's program under 
     such sections, including a disclosure of any connection to 
     publishers, entities, private individuals, or organizations 
     related to such State's program;
       (ii) potential financial interest in products, activities, 
     or services that might be purchased by a State educational 
     agency or local educational agency in the course of the 
     agency's implementation of the programs under such sections; 
     and
       (iii) professional connections to teaching methodologies 
     that might require the use of specific products, activities, 
     or services; and
       (C) ensure that reviewers do not maintain significant 
     financial interests in products, activities, or services 
     supported under such sections.
       (3) Waiver.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary may, in consultation with 
     the Office of the General Counsel of the Department, waive 
     the requirements of paragraph (2)(C).
       (B) Report of waivers.--The Secretary shall--
       (i) establish criteria for the waivers permitted under 
     subparagraph (A); and
       (ii) report any waivers allowed under subparagraph (A), and 
     the criteria under which such waivers are allowed, to the 
     Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
       (c) Guidance.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop procedures 
     for, and issue guidance regarding, how reviewers will review 
     applications submitted under sections 6201 and 6203 and 
     provide feedback to State educational agencies and 
     recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary shall also 
     develop guidance for how the Secretary will review those 
     recommendations and make final determinations of approval or 
     disapproval of those applications.
       (2) Requirements.--Such procedures shall, at a minimum--
       (A) create a transparent process through which review 
     panels provide clear, consistent, and publicly available 
     documentation and explanations in support of all 
     recommendations, including the final reviews of the 
     individual reviewers, except that a final review shall not 
     reveal any personally identifiable information about the 
     reviewer;
       (B) ensure that a State educational agency has the 
     opportunity for direct interaction with any review panel that 
     reviewed the agency's application under section 6201 or 6203 
     when revising that application as a result of feedback from 
     the panel, including the disclosure of the identities of the 
     reviewers;
       (C) require that any review panel and the Secretary clearly 
     and consistently document that all required elements of an 
     application under section 6201 or 6203 are included before 
     the application is approved; and
       (D) create a transparent process through which the 
     Secretary clearly, consistently, and publicly documents 
     decisions to approve or disapprove applications under such 
     sections and the reasons for those decisions.
            Subtitle C--Foreign Language Partnership Program

     SEC. 6301. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) The United States faces a shortage of skilled 
     professionals with higher levels of proficiency in foreign 
     languages and area knowledge critical to the Nation's 
     security.
       (2) Given the Nation's economic competitiveness interests, 
     it is crucial that our Nation expand the number of Americans 
     who are able to function effectively in the environments in 
     which critical foreign languages are spoken.
       (3) Students' ability to become proficient in foreign 
     languages can be addressed by starting language learning at a 
     younger age and expanding opportunities for continuous 
     foreign language education from elementary school through 
     postsecondary education.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this subtitle is to 
     significantly increase--
       (1) the opportunities to study critical foreign languages 
     and the context in which the critical foreign languages are 
     spoken; and
       (2) the number of American students who achieve the highest 
     level of proficiency in critical foreign languages.

     SEC. 6302. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle:
       (1) Eligible recipient.--The term ``eligible recipient'' 
     means an entity mutually agreed upon by a partnership that 
     shall receive grant funds under this subtitle on behalf of 
     the partnership for use in carrying out the activities 
     assisted under this subtitle.
       (2) Partnership.--The term ``partnership'' means a 
     partnership that--
       (A) shall include--
       (i) an institution of higher education; and
       (ii) 1 or more local educational agencies; and
       (B) may include 1 or more entities that support the 
     purposes of this subtitle.
       (3) Superior level of proficiency.--The term ``superior 
     level of proficiency'' means level 3, the professional 
     working level, as measured by the Federal Interagency 
     Language Roundtable (ILR) or by other generally recognized 
     measures of superior standards.

     SEC. 6303. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.

       (a) Program Authorized.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to award 
     grants to eligible recipients to enable

[[Page H9439]]

     partnerships served by the eligible recipients to establish 
     articulated programs of study in critical foreign languages 
     that will enable students to advance successfully from 
     elementary school through postsecondary education and achieve 
     higher levels of proficiency in a critical foreign language.
       (2) Duration.--A grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall be 
     for a period of not more than 5 years, of which 2 years may 
     be for planning and development. A grant may be renewed for 
     not more than 2 additional 5-year periods, if the Secretary 
     determines that the partnership's program is effective and 
     the renewal will best serve the purposes of this subtitle.
       (b) Applications.--
       (1) In general.--Each eligible recipient desiring a grant 
     under this section shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       (2) Contents.--Each application shall--
       (A) identify each local educational agency partner, 
     including contact information and letters of commitment, and 
     describe the responsibilities of each member of the 
     partnership, including--
       (i) how each of the partners will be involved in planning, 
     developing, and implementing--

       (I) program curriculum and materials; and
       (II) teacher professional development;

       (ii) what resources each of the partners will provide; and
       (iii) how the partners will contribute to ensuring the 
     continuity of student progress from elementary school through 
     the postsecondary level;
       (B) describe how an articulated curriculum for students 
     will be developed and implemented, which may include the use 
     and integration of technology into such curriculum;
       (C) identify target proficiency levels for students at 
     critical benchmarks (such as grades 4, 8, and 12), and 
     describe how progress toward those proficiency levels will be 
     assessed at the benchmarks, and how the program will use the 
     results of the assessments to ensure continuous progress 
     toward achieving a superior level of proficiency at the 
     postsecondary level;
       (D) describe how the partnership will--
       (i) ensure that students from a program assisted under this 
     subtitle who are beginning postsecondary education will be 
     assessed and enabled to progress to a superior level of 
     proficiency;
       (ii) address the needs of students already at, or near, the 
     superior level of proficiency, which may include diagnostic 
     assessments for placement purposes, customized and 
     individualized language learning opportunities, and 
     experimental and interdisciplinary language learning; and
       (iii) identify and describe how the partnership will work 
     with institutions of higher education outside the partnership 
     to provide participating students with multiple options for 
     postsecondary education consistent with the purposes of this 
     subtitle;
       (E) describe how the partnership will support and continue 
     the program after the grant has expired, including how the 
     partnership will seek support from other sources, such as 
     State and local governments, foundations, and the private 
     sector; and
       (F) describe what assessments will be used or, if 
     assessments not available, how assessments will be developed.
       (c) Uses of Funds.--Grant funds awarded under this 
     subtitle--
       (1) shall be used to plan, develop, and implement programs 
     at the elementary school level through postsecondary 
     education, consistent with the purpose of this subtitle, 
     including--
       (A) the development of curriculum and instructional 
     materials; and
       (B) recruitment of students; and
       (2) may be used for--
       (A) teacher recruitment (including recruitment from other 
     professions and recruitment of native-language speakers in 
     the community) and professional development directly related 
     to the purposes of this subtitle at the elementary school 
     through secondary school levels;
       (B) development of appropriate assessments;
       (C) opportunities for maximum language exposure for 
     students in the program, such as the creation of immersion 
     environments (such as language houses, language tables, 
     immersion classrooms, and weekend and summer experiences) and 
     special tutoring and academic support;
       (D) dual language immersion programs;
       (E) scholarships and study-abroad opportunities, related to 
     the program, for postsecondary students and newly recruited 
     teachers who have advanced levels of proficiency in a 
     critical foreign language, except that not more than 20 
     percent of the grant funds provided to an eligible recipient 
     under this section for a fiscal year may be used to carry out 
     this subparagraph;
       (F) activities to encourage community involvement to assist 
     in meeting the purposes of this subtitle;
       (G) summer institutes for students and teachers;
       (H) bridge programs that allow dual enrollment for 
     secondary school students in institutions of higher 
     education;
       (I) programs that expand the understanding and knowledge of 
     historic, geographic, and contextual factors within countries 
     with populations who speak critical foreign languages, if 
     such programs are carried out in conjunction with language 
     instruction;
       (J) research on, and evaluation of, the teaching of 
     critical foreign languages;
       (K) data collection and analysis regarding the results of--
       (i) various student recruitment strategies;
       (ii) program design; and
       (iii) curricular approaches;
       (L) the impact of the strategies, program design, and 
     curricular approaches described in subparagraph (K) on 
     increasing--
       (i) the number of students studying critical foreign 
     languages; and
       (ii) the proficiency of the students in the critical 
     foreign languages; and
       (M) distance learning projects for critical foreign 
     language learning.
       (d) Matching Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--An eligible recipient that receives a 
     grant under this subtitle shall provide, toward the cost of 
     carrying out the activities supported by the grant, from non-
     Federal sources, an amount equal to--
       (A) 20 percent of the amount of the grant payment for the 
     first fiscal year for which a grant payment is made;
       (B) 30 percent of the amount of the grant payment for the 
     second such fiscal year;
       (C) 40 percent of the amount of the grant payment for the 
     third such fiscal year; and
       (D) 50 percent of the amount of the grant payment for each 
     of the fourth and fifth such fiscal years.
       (2) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share required 
     under paragraph (1) may be provided in cash or in-kind.
       (3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive all or part of the 
     matching requirement of paragraph (1), for any fiscal year, 
     if the Secretary determines that--
       (A) the application of the matching requirement will result 
     in serious hardship for the partnership; or
       (B) the waiver will best serve the purposes of this 
     subtitle.
       (e) Supplement Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under 
     this subtitle shall be used to supplement, not supplant, 
     other Federal and non-Federal funds available to carry out 
     the activities described in subsection (c).
       (f) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall enter into a 
     contract to establish a technical assistance center to 
     provide technical assistance to partnerships developing 
     critical foreign language programs assisted under this 
     subtitle. The center shall--
       (1) assist the partnerships in the development of critical 
     foreign language instructional materials and assessments; and
       (2) disseminate promising foreign language instructional 
     practices.
       (g) Program Evaluation.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may reserve not more than 5 
     percent of the total amount appropriated for this subtitle 
     for any fiscal year to annually evaluate the programs under 
     this subtitle.
       (2) Report.--The Secretary shall prepare and annually 
     submit, to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
     Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Education and Labor 
     of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives, a 
     report--
       (A) on the results of any program evaluation conducted 
     under this subsection; and
       (B) that includes best practices on the teaching and 
     learning of foreign languages based on the findings from the 
     evaluation.

     SEC. 6304. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       For the purpose of carrying out this subtitle, there are 
     authorized to be appropriated $28,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 2 
     succeeding fiscal years.
              Subtitle D--Alignment of Education Programs

     SEC. 6401. ALIGNMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATION 
                   REQUIREMENTS WITH THE DEMANDS OF 21ST CENTURY 
                   POSTSECONDARY ENDEAVORS AND SUPPORT FOR P-16 
                   EDUCATION DATA SYSTEMS.

       (a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section--
       (1) to promote more accountability with respect to 
     preparation for higher education, the 21st century workforce, 
     and the Armed Forces, by aligning--
       (A) student knowledge, student skills, State academic 
     content standards and assessments, and curricula, in 
     elementary and secondary education, especially with respect 
     to mathematics, science, reading, and, where applicable, 
     engineering and technology; with
       (B) the demands of higher education, the 21st century 
     workforce, and the Armed Forces;
       (2) to support the establishment or improvement of 
     statewide P-16 education data systems that--
       (A) assist States in improving the rigor and quality of 
     State academic content standards and assessments;
       (B) ensure students are prepared to succeed in--
       (i) academic credit-bearing coursework in higher education 
     without the need for remediation;
       (ii) the 21st century workforce; or
       (iii) the Armed Forces; and
       (3) enable States to have valid and reliable information to 
     inform education policy and practice.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) P-16 education.--The term ``P-16 education'' means the 
     educational system from preschool through the conferring of a 
     baccalaureate degree.
       (2) Statewide partnership.--The term ``statewide 
     partnership'' means a partnership that--
       (A) shall include--
       (i) the Governor of the State or the designee of the 
     Governor;
       (ii) the heads of the State systems for public higher 
     education, or, if such a position does not exist, not less 
     than 1 representative of a public degree-granting institution 
     of higher education;
       (iii) a representative of the agencies in the State that 
     administer Federal or State-funded early childhood education 
     programs;
       (iv) not less than 1 representative of a public community 
     college;

[[Page H9440]]

       (v) not less than 1 representative of a technical school;
       (vi) not less than 1 representative of a public secondary 
     school;
       (vii) the chief State school officer;
       (viii) the chief executive officer of the State higher 
     education coordinating board;
       (ix) not less than 1 public elementary school teacher 
     employed in the State;
       (x) not less than 1 early childhood educator in the State;
       (xi) not less than 1 public secondary school teacher 
     employed in the State;
       (xii) not less than 1 representative of the business 
     community in the State; and
       (xiii) not less than 1 member of the Armed Forces; and
       (B) may include other individuals or representatives of 
     other organizations, such as a school administrator, a 
     faculty member at an institution of higher education, a 
     member of a civic or community organization, a representative 
     from a private institution of higher education, a dean or 
     similar representative of a school of education at an 
     institution of higher education or a similar teacher 
     certification or licensure program, or the State official 
     responsible for economic development.
       (c) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary is authorized to 
     award grants, on a competitive basis, to States to enable 
     each such State to work with a statewide partnership--
       (1) to promote better alignment of content knowledge 
     requirements for secondary school graduation with the 
     knowledge and skills needed to succeed in postsecondary 
     education, the 21st century workforce, or the Armed Forces; 
     or
       (2) to establish or improve a statewide P-16 education data 
     system.
       (d) Period of Grants; Non-Renewability.--
       (1) Grant period.--The Secretary shall award a grant under 
     this section for a period of not more than 3 years.
       (2) Non-renewability.--The Secretary shall not award a 
     State more than 1 grant under this section.
       (e) Authorized Activities.--
       (1) Grants for p-16 alignment.--Each State receiving a 
     grant under subsection (c)(1)--
       (A) shall use the grant funds for--
       (i) identifying and describing the content knowledge and 
     skills students who enter institutions of higher education, 
     the workforce, and the Armed Forces need to have in order to 
     succeed without any remediation based on detailed 
     requirements obtained from institutions of higher education, 
     employers, and the Armed Forces;
       (ii) identifying and making changes that need to be made to 
     a State's secondary school graduation requirements, academic 
     content standards, academic achievement standards, and 
     assessments preceding graduation from secondary school in 
     order to align the requirements, standards, and assessments 
     with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in 
     academic credit-bearing coursework in postsecondary 
     education, in the 21st century workforce, and in the Armed 
     Forces without the need for remediation;
       (iii) convening stakeholders within the State and creating 
     a forum for identifying and deliberating on education issues 
     that--

       (I) involve preschool through grade 12 education, 
     postsecondary education, the 21st century workforce, and the 
     Armed Forces; and
       (II) transcend any single system of education's ability to 
     address; and

       (iv) implementing activities designed to ensure the 
     enrollment of all elementary school and secondary school 
     students in rigorous coursework, which may include--

       (I) specifying the courses and performance levels necessary 
     for acceptance into institutions of higher education; and
       (II) developing or providing guidance to local educational 
     agencies within the State on the adoption of curricula and 
     assessments aligned with State academic content standards, 
     which assessments may be used as measures of student academic 
     achievement in secondary school as well as for entrance or 
     placement at institutions of higher education, including 
     through collaboration with institutions of higher education 
     in, or State educational agencies serving, other States; and

       (B) may use the grant funds for--
       (i) developing and making available specific opportunities 
     for extensive professional development for teachers, 
     paraprofessionals, principals, and school administrators, 
     including collection and dissemination of effective teaching 
     practices to improve instruction and instructional support 
     mechanisms;
       (ii) identifying changes in State academic content 
     standards, academic achievement standards, and assessments 
     for students in grades preceding secondary school in order to 
     ensure such standards and assessments are appropriately 
     aligned and adequately reflect the content needed to prepare 
     students to enter secondary school;
       (iii) developing a plan to provide remediation and 
     additional learning opportunities for students who are 
     performing below grade level to ensure that all students will 
     have the opportunity to meet secondary school graduation 
     requirements;
       (iv) identifying and addressing teacher certification 
     needs; or
       (v) incorporating 21st century learning skills into the 
     State plan, which skills shall include critical thinking, 
     problem solving, communication, collaboration, global 
     awareness, and business and financial literacy.
       (2) Grants for statewide p-16 education data systems.--
       (A) Establishment of system.--Each State that receives a 
     grant under subsection (c)(2) shall establish a statewide P-
     16 education longitudinal data system that--
       (i) provides each student, upon enrollment in a public 
     elementary school or secondary school in the State, with a 
     unique identifier, such as a bar code, that--

       (I) does not permit a student to be individually identified 
     by users of the system; and
       (II) is retained throughout the student's enrollment in P-
     16 education in the State; and

       (ii) meets the requirements of subparagraphs (B) through 
     (E).
       (B) Improvement of existing system.--Each State that 
     receives a grant under subsection (c)(2) for the improvement 
     of a statewide P-16 education data system may employ, 
     coordinate, or revise an existing statewide data system to 
     establish a statewide longitudinal P-16 education data system 
     that meets the requirements of subparagraph (A), if the 
     statewide longitudinal P-16 education data system produces 
     valid and reliable data.
       (C) Privacy and access to data.--
       (i) In general.--Each State that receives a grant under 
     subsection (c)(2) shall implement measures to--

       (I) ensure that the statewide P-16 education data system 
     meets the requirements of section 444 of the General 
     Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly known as 
     the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974);
       (II) limit the use of information in the statewide P-16 
     education data system by institutions of higher education and 
     State or local educational agencies or institutions to the 
     activities set forth in paragraph (1) or State law regarding 
     education, consistent with the purposes of this subtitle;
       (III) prohibit the disclosure of personally identifiable 
     information except as permitted under section 444 of the 
     General Education Provisions Act and any additional 
     limitations set forth in State law;
       (IV) keep an accurate accounting of the date, nature, and 
     purpose of each disclosure of personally identifiable 
     information in the statewide P-16 education data system, a 
     description of the information disclosed, and the name and 
     address of the person, agency, institution, or entity to whom 
     the disclosure is made, which accounting shall be made 
     available on request to parents of any student whose 
     information has been disclosed;
       (V) notwithstanding section 444 of the General Education 
     Provisions Act, require any non-governmental party obtaining 
     personally identifiable information to sign a data use 
     agreement prior to disclosure that--

       (aa) prohibits the party from further disclosing the 
     information;
       (bb) prohibits the party from using the information for any 
     purpose other than the purpose specified in the agreement; 
     and
       (cc) requires the party to destroy the information when the 
     purpose for which the disclosure was made is accomplished;

       (VI) maintain adequate security measures to ensure the 
     confidentiality and integrity of the statewide P-16 education 
     data system, such as protecting a student record from 
     identification by a unique identifier;
       (VII) where rights are provided to parents under this 
     clause, provide those rights to the student instead of the 
     parent if the student has reached the age of 18 or is 
     enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution; and
       (VIII) ensure adequate enforcement of the requirements of 
     this clause.

       (ii) Use of unique identifiers.--

       (I) Governmental use of unique identifiers.--It shall be 
     unlawful for any Federal, State, or local governmental agency 
     to use the unique identifiers employed in the statewide P-16 
     education data systems for any purpose other than as 
     authorized by Federal or State law regarding education, or to 
     deny any individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided 
     by law because of such individual's refusal to disclose the 
     individual's unique identifier.
       (II) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations governing the use by governmental and non-
     governmental entities of the unique identifiers employed in 
     statewide P-16 education data systems, including, where 
     necessary, regulations requiring States desiring grants for 
     statewide P-16 education data systems under this section to 
     implement specified measures, with the goal of safeguarding 
     individual privacy to the maximum extent practicable 
     consistent with the uses of the information authorized in 
     this Act or other Federal or State law regarding education.

       (D) Required elements of a statewide p-16 education data 
     system.--The State shall ensure that the statewide P-16 
     education data system includes the following elements:
       (i) Preschool through grade 12 education and postsecondary 
     education.--With respect to preschool through grade 12 
     education and postsecondary education--

       (I) a unique statewide student identifier that does not 
     permit a student to be individually identified by users of 
     the system;
       (II) student-level enrollment, demographic, and program 
     participation information;
       (III) student-level information about the points at which 
     students exit, transfer in, transfer out, drop out, or 
     complete P-16 education programs;
       (IV) the capacity to communicate with higher education data 
     systems; and
       (V) a State data audit system assessing data quality, 
     validity, and reliability.

       (ii) Preschool through grade 12 education.--With respect to 
     preschool through grade 12 education--

       (I) yearly test records of individual students with respect 
     to assessments under section 1111(b) of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b));
       (II) information on students not tested by grade and 
     subject;
       (III) a teacher identifier system with the ability to match 
     teachers to students;
       (IV) student-level transcript information, including 
     information on courses completed and grades earned; and

[[Page H9441]]

       (V) student-level college readiness test scores.

       (iii) Postsecondary education.--With respect to 
     postsecondary education, data that provide--

       (I) information regarding the extent to which students 
     transition successfully from secondary school to 
     postsecondary education, including whether students enroll in 
     remedial coursework; and
       (II) other information determined necessary to address 
     alignment and adequate preparation for success in 
     postsecondary education.

       (E) Functions of the statewide p-16 education data 
     system.--In implementing the statewide P-16 education data 
     system, the State shall--
       (i) identify factors that correlate to students' ability to 
     successfully engage in and complete postsecondary-level 
     general education coursework without the need for prior 
     developmental coursework;
       (ii) identify factors to increase the percentage of low-
     income and minority students who are academically prepared to 
     enter and successfully complete postsecondary-level general 
     education coursework; and
       (iii) use the data in the system to otherwise inform 
     education policy and practice in order to better align State 
     academic content standards, and curricula, with the demands 
     of postsecondary education, the 21st century workforce, and 
     the Armed Forces.
       (f) Application.--
       (1) In general.--Each State desiring a grant under this 
     section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such 
     time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 
     Secretary may reasonably require.
       (2) Application contents.--Each application submitted under 
     this section shall specify whether the State application is 
     for the conduct of P-16 education alignment activities, or 
     the establishment or improvement of a statewide P-16 
     education data system. The application shall include, at a 
     minimum, the following:
       (A) A description of the activities and programs to be 
     carried out with the grant funds and a comprehensive plan for 
     carrying out the activities.
       (B) A description of how the concerns and interests of the 
     larger education community, including parents, students, 
     teachers, teacher educators, principals, and preschool 
     administrators will be represented in carrying out the 
     authorized activities described in subsection (e).
       (C) In the case of a State applying for funding for P-16 
     education alignment, a description of how the State will 
     provide assistance to local educational agencies in 
     implementing rigorous State academic content standards, 
     substantive curricula, remediation, and acceleration 
     opportunities for students, as well as other changes 
     determined necessary by the State.
       (D) In the case of a State applying for funding to 
     establish or improve a statewide P-16 education data system--
       (i) a description of the privacy protection and enforcement 
     measures that the State has implemented or will implement 
     pursuant to subsection (e)(2)(C), and assurances that these 
     measures will be in place prior to the establishment or 
     improvement of the statewide P-16 education data system; 
     and
       (ii) an assurance that the State will continue to fund the 
     statewide P-16 education data system after the end of the 
     grant period.
       (g) Supplement Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under 
     this section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other 
     Federal, State, and local funds available to carry out the 
     authorized activities described in subsection (e).
       (h) Matching Requirement.--Each State that receives a grant 
     under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, 
     an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount of the grant, in 
     cash or in kind, to carry out the activities supported by the 
     grant.
       (i) Rule of Construction.--
       (1) No raw data requirement.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed to require States to provide raw data to the 
     Secretary.
       (2) Private or home schools.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed to affect any private school that does not 
     receive funds or services under this Act or any home school, 
     whether or not the home school is treated as a home school or 
     a private school under State law, including imposing new 
     requirements for students educated through a home school 
     seeking admission to institutions of higher education.
       (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $120,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal 
     year 2009.
      Subtitle E--Mathematics and Science Partnership Bonus Grants

     SEC. 6501. MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP BONUS GRANTS.

       (a) In General.--From amounts appropriated under section 
     6502, the Secretary shall award a grant--
       (1) for each of the school years 2007-2008 through 2010-
     2011, to each of the 3 elementary schools, and each of the 3 
     secondary schools, each of which has a high concentration of 
     low income students as defined in section 1707(2) of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6537(2)), in each State whose students demonstrate the most 
     improvement in mathematics, as measured by the improvement in 
     the students' average score on the State's assessments in 
     mathematics for the school year for which the grant is 
     awarded, as compared to the school year preceding the school 
     year for which the grant is awarded; and
       (2) for each of the school years 2008-2009 through 2010-
     2011, to each of the 3 elementary schools, and each of the 3 
     secondary schools, each of which has a high concentration of 
     low income students as defined in section 1707(2) of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6537(2)), in each State whose students demonstrate the most 
     improvement in science, as measured by the improvement in the 
     students' average score on the State's assessments in science 
     for the school year for which the grant is awarded, as 
     compared to the school year preceding the school year for 
     which the grant is awarded.
       (b) Grant Amount.--The amount of each grant awarded under 
     this section shall be $50,000.

     SEC. 6502. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     subtitle such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2008 
     and each of the 2 succeeding fiscal years.
                 TITLE VII--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

     SEC. 7001. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Basic research.--The term ``basic research'' has the 
     meaning given such term in the Office of Management and 
     Budget circular No. A-11.
       (2) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the National Science 
     Board established under section 2 of the National Science 
     Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
       (3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of 
     the Foundation.
       (4) Elementary school.--The term ``elementary school'' has 
     the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary 
     and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
       (5) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National 
     Science Foundation.
       (6) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
       (7) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary school'' has 
     the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary 
     and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).

     SEC. 7002. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Fiscal Year 2008.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Foundation $6,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) $5,156,000,000 shall be made available for research and 
     related activities, of which--
       (i) $115,000,000 shall be made available for the Major 
     Research Instrumentation program;
       (ii) $165,400,000 shall be made available for the Faculty 
     Early Career Development (CAREER) Program;
       (iii) $61,600,000 shall be made available for the Research 
     Experiences for Undergraduates program;
       (iv) $120,000,000 shall be made available for the 
     Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research;
       (v) $47,300,000 shall be made available for the Integrative 
     Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program;
       (vi) $9,000,000 shall be made available for the Graduate 
     Research Fellowship program; and
       (vii) $10,000,000 shall be made available for the 
     professional science master's degree program under section 
     7034;
       (B) $896,000,000 shall be made available for education and 
     human resources, of which--
       (i) $100,000,000 shall be for Mathematics and Science 
     Education Partnerships established under section 9 of the 
     National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 
     U.S.C. 1862n);
       (ii) $89,800,000 shall be for the Robert Noyce Scholarship 
     Program established under section 10 of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-1);
       (iii) $40,000,000 shall be for the Science, Mathematics, 
     Engineering, and Technology Talent Expansion Program 
     established under section 8(7) of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-368);
       (iv) $52,000,000 shall be for the Advanced Technological 
     Education program established by section 3(a) of the 
     Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (Public Law 
     102-476);
       (v) $27,100,000 shall be made available for the Integrative 
     Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program; and
       (vi) $96,600,000 shall be made available for the Graduate 
     Research Fellowship program;
       (C) $245,000,000 shall be made available for major research 
     equipment and facilities construction;
       (D) $285,600,000 shall be made available for agency 
     operations and award management;
       (E) $4,050,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     the National Science Board; and
       (F) $12,350,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     Inspector General.
       (b) Fiscal Year 2009.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Foundation $7,326,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
       (2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) $5,742,300,000 shall be made available for research and 
     related activities, of which--
       (i) $123,100,000 shall be made available for the Major 
     Research Instrumentation program;
       (ii) $183,600,000 shall be made available for the Faculty 
     Early Career Development (CAREER) Program;
       (iii) $68,400,000 shall be made available for the Research 
     Experiences for Undergraduates program;
       (iv) $133,200,000 shall be made available for the 
     Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research;
       (v) $52,500,000 shall be made available for the Integrative 
     Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program;
       (vi) $10,000,000 shall be made available for the Graduate 
     Research Fellowship program; and

[[Page H9442]]

       (vii) $12,000,000 shall be made available for the 
     professional science master's degree program under section 
     7034;
       (B) $995,000,000 shall be made available for education and 
     human resources, of which--
       (i) $111,000,000 shall be for Mathematics and Science 
     Education Partnerships established under section 9 of the 
     National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 
     U.S.C. 1862n);
       (ii) $115,000,000 shall be for the Robert Noyce Scholarship 
     Program established under section 10 of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-1);
       (iii) $50,000,000 shall be for the Science, Mathematics, 
     Engineering, and Technology Talent Expansion Program 
     established under section 8(7) of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-368);
       (iv) $57,700,000 shall be for the Advanced Technological 
     Education program as established by section 3(a) of the 
     Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (Public Law 
     102-476);
       (v) $30,100,000 shall be made available for the Integrative 
     Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program; and
       (vi) $107,200,000 shall be made available for the Graduate 
     Research Fellowship program;
       (C) $262,000,000 shall be made available for major research 
     equipment and facilities construction;
       (D) $309,760,000 shall be made available for agency 
     operations and award management;
       (E) $4,190,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     the National Science Board; and
       (F) $12,750,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     Inspector General.
       (c) Fiscal Year 2010.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Foundation $8,132,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
       (2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) $6,401,000,000 shall be made available for research and 
     related activities, of which--
       (i) $131,700,000 shall be made available for the Major 
     Research Instrumentation program;
       (ii) $203,800,000 shall be made available for the Faculty 
     Early Career Development (CAREER) Program;
       (iii) $75,900,000 shall be made available for the Research 
     Experiences for Undergraduates program;
       (iv) $147,800,000 shall be made available for the 
     Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research;
       (v) $58,300,000 shall be made available for the Integrative 
     Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program;
       (vi) $11,100,000 shall be made available for the Graduate 
     Research Fellowship program; and
       (vii) $15,000,000 shall be made available for the 
     professional science master's degree program under section 
     7034;
       (B) $1,104,000,000 shall be made available for education 
     and human resources, of which--
       (i) $123,200,000 shall be for Mathematics and Science 
     Education Partnerships established under section 9 of the 
     National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 
     U.S.C. 1862n);
       (ii) $140,500,000 shall be for the Robert Noyce Scholarship 
     Program established under section 10 of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-1);
       (iii) $55,000,000 shall be for the Science, Mathematics, 
     Engineering, and Technology Talent Expansion Program 
     established under section 8(7) of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-368);
       (iv) $64,000,000 shall be for the Advanced Technological 
     Education program as established by section 3(a) of the 
     Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (Public Law 
     102-476);
       (v) $33,400,000 shall be made available for the Integrative 
     Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program; and
       (vi) $119,000,000 shall be made available for the Graduate 
     Research Fellowship program;
       (C) $280,000,000 shall be made available for major research 
     equipment and facilities construction;
       (D) $329,450,000 shall be made available for agency 
     operations and award management;
       (E) $4,340,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     the National Science Board; and
       (F) $13,210,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     Inspector General.

     SEC. 7003. REAFFIRMATION OF THE MERIT-REVIEW PROCESS OF THE 
                   NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION.

       Nothing in this title or title I, or the amendments made by 
     this title or title I, shall be interpreted to require or 
     recommend that the Foundation--
       (1) alter or modify its merit-review system or peer-review 
     process; or
       (2) exclude the awarding of any proposal by means of the 
     merit-review or peer-review process.

     SEC. 7004. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING THE MATHEMATICS 
                   AND SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS OF THE 
                   DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE NATIONAL 
                   SCIENCE FOUNDATION.

       It is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) although the mathematics and science education 
     partnership program at the Foundation and the mathematics and 
     science partnership program at the Department of Education 
     practically share the same name, the 2 programs are intended 
     to be complementary, not duplicative;
       (2) the Foundation partnership programs are innovative, 
     model reform initiatives that move promising ideas in 
     education from research into practice to improve teacher 
     quality, develop challenging curricula, and increase student 
     achievement in mathematics and science, and Congress intends 
     that the Foundation peer-reviewed partnership programs found 
     to be effective should be put into wider practice by 
     dissemination through the Department of Education partnership 
     programs; and
       (3) the Director and the Secretary of Education should have 
     ongoing collaboration to ensure that the 2 components of this 
     priority effort for mathematics and science education 
     continue to work in concert for the benefit of States and 
     local practitioners nationwide.

     SEC. 7005. CURRICULA.

       Nothing in this title, or the amendments made by this 
     title, shall be construed to limit the authority of State 
     governments or local school boards to determine the curricula 
     of their students.

     SEC. 7006. CENTERS FOR RESEARCH ON LEARNING AND EDUCATION 
                   IMPROVEMENT.

       (a) Funding for Centers.--The Director shall continue to 
     carry out the program of Centers for Research on Learning and 
     Education Improvement as established in section 11 of the 
     National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 
     U.S.C. 1862n-2).
       (b) Eligibility for Centers.--Section 11 of the National 
     Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 
     1862n-2) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``or eligible 
     nonprofit organizations'' after ``institutions of higher 
     education'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``or an eligible 
     nonprofit organization'' after ``institution of higher 
     education''; and
       (3) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``of such 
     institutions'' and inserting ``thereof''.

     SEC. 7007. INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH.

       (a) In General.--The Board shall evaluate the role of the 
     Foundation in supporting interdisciplinary research, 
     including through the Major Research Instrumentation program, 
     the effectiveness of the Foundation's efforts in providing 
     information to the scientific community about opportunities 
     for funding of interdisciplinary research proposals, and the 
     process through which interdisciplinary proposals are 
     selected for support. The Board shall also evaluate the 
     effectiveness of the Foundation's efforts to engage 
     undergraduate students in research experiences in 
     interdisciplinary settings, including through the Research in 
     Undergraduate Institutions program and the Research 
     Experiences for Undergraduates program.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Board shall provide the results of 
     its evaluation under subsection (a), including a 
     recommendation for the proportion of the Foundation's 
     research and related activities funding that should be 
     allocated for interdisciplinary research, to the Committee on 
     Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and 
     the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of 
     the Senate.

     SEC. 7008. POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWS.

       (a) Mentoring.--The Director shall require that all grant 
     applications that include funding to support postdoctoral 
     researchers include a description of the mentoring activities 
     that will be provided for such individuals, and shall ensure 
     that this part of the application is evaluated under the 
     Foundation's broader impacts merit review criterion. 
     Mentoring activities may include career counseling, training 
     in preparing grant applications, guidance on ways to improve 
     teaching skills, and training in research ethics.
       (b) Reports.--The Director shall require that annual 
     reports and the final report for research grants that include 
     funding to support postdoctoral researchers include a 
     description of the mentoring activities provided to such 
     researchers.

     SEC. 7009. RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH.

       The Director shall require that each institution that 
     applies for financial assistance from the Foundation for 
     science and engineering research or education describe in its 
     grant proposal a plan to provide appropriate training and 
     oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research 
     to undergraduate students, graduate students, and 
     postdoctoral researchers participating in the proposed 
     research project.

     SEC. 7010. REPORTING OF RESEARCH RESULTS.

       The Director shall ensure that all final project reports 
     and citations of published research documents resulting from 
     research funded, in whole or in part, by the Foundation, are 
     made available to the public in a timely manner and in 
     electronic form through the Foundation's Web site.

     SEC. 7011. SHARING RESEARCH RESULTS.

       An investigator supported under a Foundation award, whom 
     the Director determines has failed to comply with the 
     provisions of section 734 of the Foundation Grant Policy 
     Manual, shall be ineligible for a future award under any 
     Foundation supported program or activity. The Director may 
     restore the eligibility of such an investigator on the basis 
     of the investigator's subsequent compliance with the 
     provisions of section 734 of the Foundation Grant Policy 
     Manual and with such other terms and conditions as the 
     Director may impose.

     SEC. 7012. FUNDING FOR SUCCESSFUL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, 
                   ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION 
                   PROGRAMS.

       (a) Evaluation of Programs.--The Director shall, on an 
     annual basis, evaluate all of the Foundation's grants that 
     are scheduled to expire within 1 year and--
       (1) that have the primary purpose of meeting the objectives 
     of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunity Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1885 et seq.); or
       (2) that have the primary purpose of providing teacher 
     professional development.
       (b) Continuation of Funding.--For grants that are 
     identified under subsection (a) and that are determined by 
     the Director to be successful in meeting the objectives of 
     the initial grant solicitation, the Director may extend the 
     duration of those grants for not more than 3 additional years 
     beyond their scheduled expiration without the requirement for 
     a recompetition.

[[Page H9443]]

       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
     Director shall submit a report to the Committee on Science 
     and Technology of the House of Representatives and to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
     Senate that--
       (1) lists the grants that have been extended in duration by 
     the authority provided under this section; and
       (2) provides any recommendations the Director may have 
     regarding the extension of the authority provided under this 
     section to programs other than those specified in subsection 
     (a).

     SEC. 7013. COST SHARING.

       (a) In General.--The Board shall evaluate the impact of its 
     policy to eliminate cost sharing for research grants and 
     cooperative agreements for existing programs that were 
     developed around industry partnerships and historically 
     required industry cost sharing, such as the Engineering 
     Research Centers and Industry/University Cooperative Research 
     Centers. The Board shall also consider the impact that the 
     cost sharing policy has on initiating new programs for which 
     industry interest and participation are sought.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Board shall report to the 
     Committee on Science and Technology and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, on the results of 
     the evaluation under subsection (a).

     SEC. 7014. ADDITIONAL REPORTS.

       (a) Report on Funding for Major Facilities.--
       (1) Preconstruction funding.--The Board shall evaluate the 
     appropriateness of the requirement that funding for detailed 
     design work and other preconstruction activities for major 
     research equipment and facilities come exclusively from the 
     sponsoring research division rather than being available, at 
     least in part, from the Major Research Equipment and 
     Facilities Construction account.
       (2) Maintenance and operation costs.--The Board shall 
     evaluate the appropriateness of the Foundation's policies for 
     allocation of costs for, and oversight of, maintenance and 
     operation of major research equipment and facilities.
       (3) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Board shall report on the results 
     of the evaluations under paragraphs (1) and (2) and on any 
     recommendations for modifying the current policies related to 
     allocation of funding for major research equipment and 
     facilities to the Committee on Science and Technology and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, 
     and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
     and Pensions, and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     Senate.
       (b) Inclusion of Polar Facilities Upgrades in Major 
     Research Equipment and Facilities Construction Plan.--Section 
     201(a)(2)(D) of the National Science Foundation Authorization 
     Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862l(a)(2)(D)) is amended by 
     inserting ``and for major upgrades of facilities in support 
     of Antarctic research programs'' after ``facilities 
     construction account''.
       (c) Report on Education Programs Within the Research 
     Directorates.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit to the 
     Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
     and Pensions of the Senate a report cataloging all elementary 
     school and secondary school, informal, and undergraduate 
     educational programs and activities supported through 
     appropriations for Research and Related Activities. The 
     report shall display the programs and activities by 
     directorate, along with estimated funding levels for the 
     fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008, and shall provide a 
     description of the goals of each program and activity. The 
     report shall also describe how the programs and activities 
     relate to or are coordinated with the programs supported by 
     the Education and Human Resources Directorate.
       (d) Report on Research in Undergraduate Institutions 
     Program.--The Director shall transmit to Congress, as part of 
     the President's fiscal year 2011 budget submission under 
     section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a report 
     listing the funding success rates and distribution of awards 
     for the Research in Undergraduate Institutions program, by 
     type of institution based on the highest academic degree 
     conferred by the institution, for fiscal years 2008, 2009, 
     and 2010.
       (e) Annual Plan for Allocation of Education and Human 
     Resources Funding.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of legislation providing for the annual 
     appropriation of funds for the Foundation, the Director shall 
     submit to the Committee on Science and Technology and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, 
     and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
     and Pensions, and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
     Senate, a plan for the allocation of education and human 
     resources funds authorized by this title for the 
     corresponding fiscal year, including any funds from within 
     the research and related activities account used to support 
     activities that have the primary purpose of improving 
     education or broadening participation.
       (2) Specific requirements.--The plan shall include a 
     description of how the allocation of funding--
       (A) will affect the average size and duration of education 
     and human resources grants supported by the Foundation;
       (B) will affect trends in research support for the 
     effective instruction of science, technology, engineering, 
     and mathematics;
       (C) will affect the kindergarten through grade 20 pipeline 
     for the study of science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics; and
       (D) will encourage the interest of individuals identified 
     in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b) in science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics, and help prepare 
     such individuals to pursue postsecondary studies in these 
     fields.

     SEC. 7015. ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Triannual Audit of the Office of the National Science 
     Board.--Section 15(a) of the National Science Foundation 
     Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-5) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``an annual audit'' and 
     inserting ``an audit every three years'';
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``each year'' and 
     inserting ``every third year''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) Materials relating to closed portions of meetings.--
     To facilitate the audit required under paragraph (3) of this 
     subsection, the Office of the National Science Board shall 
     maintain the General Counsel's certificate, the presiding 
     officer's statement, and a transcript or recording of any 
     closed meeting, for at least 3 years after such meeting.''.
       (b) Limited Term Personnel for the National Science 
     Board.--Subsection (g) of section 4 of the National Science 
     Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863(g)) is amended to read 
     as follows:
       ``(g) The Board may, with the concurrence of a majority of 
     its members, permit the appointment of a staff consisting of 
     not more than 5 professional staff members, technical and 
     professional personnel on leave of absence from academic, 
     industrial, or research institutions for a limited term, and 
     such operations and support staff members as may be 
     necessary. Such staff shall be appointed by the Chairman and 
     assigned at the direction of the Board. The professional 
     members and limited term technical and professional personnel 
     of such staff may be appointed without regard to the 
     provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing 
     appointments in the competitive service, and the provisions 
     of chapter 51 of such title relating to classification, and 
     shall be compensated at a rate not exceeding the maximum rate 
     payable under section 5376 of such title, as may be necessary 
     to provide for the performance of such duties as may be 
     prescribed by the Board in connection with the exercise of 
     its powers and functions under this Act. Section 14(a)(3) 
     shall apply to each limited term appointment of technical and 
     professional personnel under this subsection. Each 
     appointment under this subsection shall be subject to the 
     same security requirements as those required for personnel of 
     the Foundation appointed under section 14(a).''.
       (c) Increase in Number of Waterman Awards to Three.--
     Section 6(c) of the National Science Foundation Authorization 
     Act, 1976 (42 U.S.C. 1881a) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Not more than three awards may be made under this 
     section in any one fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 7016. NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD REPORTS.

       Paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 4(j) of the National 
     Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863(j)(1) and (2)) 
     are amended by striking ``, for submission to'' and ``for 
     submission to'', respectively, and inserting ``and''.

     SEC. 7017. PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT OF 1986 
                   AMENDMENT.

       Section 3801(a)(1) of title 31, United States Code 
     (commonly known as the ``Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 
     1986'') is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``and'' after the 
     semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) the National Science Foundation.''.

     SEC. 7018. MEETING CRITICAL NATIONAL SCIENCE NEEDS.

       (a) In General.--In addition to any other criteria, the 
     Director shall include consideration of the degree to which 
     awards and research activities that otherwise qualify for 
     support by the Foundation may assist in meeting critical 
     national needs in innovation, competitiveness, safety and 
     security, the physical and natural sciences, technology, 
     engineering, social sciences, and mathematics.
       (b) Priority Treatment.--The Director shall give priority 
     in the selection of awards and the allocation of Foundation 
     resources to proposed research activities, and grants funded 
     under the Foundation's Research and Related Activities 
     Account, that can be expected to make contributions in 
     physical or natural science, technology, engineering, social 
     sciences, or mathematics, or that enhance competitiveness, 
     innovation, or safety and security in the United States.
       (c) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
     to restrict or bias the grant selection process against 
     funding other areas of research deemed by the Foundation to 
     be consistent with its mandate nor to change the core mission 
     of the Foundation.

     SEC. 7019. RESEARCH ON INNOVATION AND INVENTIVENESS.

       In carrying out its research programs on science policy and 
     on the science of learning, the Foundation may support 
     research on the process of innovation and the teaching of 
     inventiveness.

     SEC. 7020. CYBERINFRASTRUCTURE.

       In order to continue and expand efforts to ensure that 
     research institutions throughout the Nation can fully 
     participate in research programs of the Foundation and 
     collaborate with

[[Page H9444]]

     colleagues throughout the Nation, the Director, not later 
     than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, shall 
     develop and publish a plan that--
       (1) describes the current status of broadband access for 
     scientific research purposes at institutions in EPSCoR-
     eligible States, at institutions in rural areas, and at 
     minority serving institutions; and
       (2) outlines actions that can be taken to ensure that such 
     connections are available to enable participation in those 
     Foundation programs that rely heavily on high-speed 
     networking and collaborations across institutions and 
     regions.

     SEC. 7021. PILOT PROGRAM OF GRANTS FOR NEW INVESTIGATORS.

       (a) In General.--The Director shall carry out a pilot 
     program to award 1-year grants to individuals to assist them 
     in improving research proposals that were previously 
     submitted to the Foundation but not selected for funding.
       (b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an individual--
       (1) may not have previously received funding as the 
     principal investigator of a research grant from the 
     Foundation; and
       (2) shall have submitted a proposal to the Foundation, 
     which may include a proposal submitted to the Research in 
     Undergraduate Institutions program, that was rated excellent 
     under the Foundation's competitive merit review process.
       (c) Selection Process.--The Director shall make awards 
     under this section based on the advice of the program 
     officers of the Foundation.
       (d) Use of Funds.--Grants awarded under this section shall 
     be used to enable an individual to resubmit an updated 
     research proposal for review by the Foundation through the 
     agency's competitive merit review process. Uses of funds made 
     available under this section may include the generation of 
     new data and the performance of additional analysis.
       (e) Program Administration.--The Director shall carry out 
     this section through the Small Grants for Exploratory 
     Research program.
       (f) National Science Board Review.--The Board shall conduct 
     a review and assessment of the pilot program under this 
     section, including the number of new investigators funded, 
     the distribution of awards by type of institution of higher 
     education, and the success rate upon resubmittal of proposals 
     by new investigators funded through such pilot program. Not 
     later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Board shall summarize its findings and any 
     recommendations regarding changes to, the termination of, or 
     the continuation of the pilot program in a report to the 
     Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
     and Pensions of the Senate.

     SEC. 7022. BROADER IMPACTS MERIT REVIEW CRITERION.

       (a) In General.--Among the types of activities that the 
     Foundation shall consider as appropriate for meeting the 
     requirements of its broader impacts criterion for the 
     evaluation of research proposals are partnerships between 
     academic researchers and industrial scientists and engineers 
     that address research areas identified as having high 
     importance for future national economic competitiveness, such 
     as nanotechnology.
       (b) Report on Broader Impacts Criterion.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director 
     shall transmit to Congress a report on the impact of the 
     broader impacts grant criterion used by the Foundation. The 
     report shall--
       (1) identify the criteria that each division and 
     directorate of the Foundation uses to evaluate the broader 
     impacts aspects of research proposals;
       (2) provide a breakdown of the types of activities by 
     division that awardees have proposed to carry out to meet the 
     broader impacts criterion;
       (3) provide any evaluations performed by the Foundation to 
     assess the degree to which the broader impacts aspects of 
     research proposals were carried out and how effective they 
     have been at meeting the goals described in the research 
     proposals;
       (4) describe what national goals, such as improving 
     undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education, improving kindergarten through grade 
     12 science and mathematics education, promoting university-
     industry collaboration, and broadening participation of 
     underrepresented groups, the broader impacts criterion is 
     best suited to promote; and
       (5) describe what steps the Foundation is taking and should 
     take to use the broader impacts criterion to improve 
     undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education.

     SEC. 7023. DONATIONS.

       Section 11(f) of the National Science Foundation Act of 
     1950 (42 U.S.C. 1870(f)) is amended by inserting before the 
     semicolon ``, except that funds may be donated for specific 
     prize competitions for `basic research' as defined in the 
     Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-11''.

     SEC. 7024. HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING AND NETWORKING.

       (a) High-Performance Computing Act of 1991.--
       (1) Amendments.--Title I of the High-Performance Computing 
     Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is amended--
       (A) in the title heading, by striking ``AND THE NATIONAL 
     RESEARCH AND EDUCATION NETWORK'' and inserting ``RESEARCH AND 
     DEVELOPMENT'';
       (B) in section 101(a) (15 U.S.C. 5511(a))--
       (i) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(A) provide for long-term basic and applied research on 
     high-performance computing, including networking;
       ``(B) provide for research and development on, and 
     demonstration of, technologies to advance the capacity and 
     capabilities of high-performance computing and networking 
     systems, and related software;
       ``(C) provide for sustained access by the research 
     community throughout the United States to high-performance 
     computing and networking systems that are among the most 
     advanced in the world in terms of performance in solving 
     scientific and engineering problems, including provision for 
     technical support for users of such systems;
       ``(D) provide for widely dispersed efforts to increase 
     software availability, productivity, capability, security, 
     portability, and reliability;
       ``(E) provide for high-performance networks, including 
     experimental testbed networks, to enable research and 
     development on, and demonstration of, advanced applications 
     enabled by such networks;
       ``(F) provide for computational science and engineering 
     research on mathematical modeling and algorithms for 
     applications in all fields of science and engineering;
       ``(G) provide for the technical support of, and research 
     and development on, high-performance computing systems and 
     software required to address Grand Challenges;
       ``(H) provide for educating and training additional 
     undergraduate and graduate students in software engineering, 
     computer science, computer and network security, applied 
     mathematics, library and information science, and 
     computational science; and
       ``(I) provide for improving the security of computing and 
     networking systems, including Federal systems, including 
     providing for research required to establish security 
     standards and practices for these systems.'';
       (ii) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraphs 
     (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;
       (iii) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by clause (ii)--

       (I) by striking subparagraph (B);
       (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (C) as 
     subparagraphs (D) and (F), respectively;
       (III) by inserting before subparagraph (D), as redesignated 
     by subclause (II), the following:

       ``(A) establish the goals and priorities for Federal high-
     performance computing research, development, networking, and 
     other activities;
       ``(B) establish Program Component Areas that implement the 
     goals established under subparagraph (A), and identify the 
     Grand Challenges that the Program should address;
       ``(C) provide for interagency coordination of Federal high-
     performance computing research, development, networking, and 
     other activities undertaken pursuant to the Program;''; and

       (IV) by inserting after subparagraph (D), as redesignated 
     by subclause (II) of this clause, the following:

       ``(E) develop and maintain a research, development, and 
     deployment roadmap covering all States and regions for the 
     provision of high-performance computing and networking 
     systems under paragraph (1)(C); and''; and
       (iv) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated by clause (ii) of 
     this subparagraph--

       (I) by striking ``paragraph (3)(A)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (2)(D)'';
       (II) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:

       ``(A) provide a detailed description of the Program 
     Component Areas, including a description of any changes in 
     the definition of or activities under the Program Component 
     Areas from the preceding report, and the reasons for such 
     changes, and a description of Grand Challenges addressed 
     under the Program;'';

       (III) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``specific 
     activities'' and all that follows through ``the Network'' and 
     inserting ``each Program Component Area'';
       (IV) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``, and for each 
     Program Component Area,'' after ``participating in the 
     Program'';
       (V) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``applies;'' and 
     inserting ``applies; and'';
       (VI) by striking subparagraph (E) and redesignating 
     subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (E); and
       (VII) in subparagraph (E), as redesignated by subclause 
     (VI), by inserting ``and the extent to which the Program 
     incorporates the recommendations of the advisory committee 
     established under subsection (b)'' after ``for the Program'';

       (C) by striking subsection (b) of section 101 (15 U.S.C. 
     5511) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Advisory Committee.--(1) The President shall 
     establish an advisory committee on high-performance 
     computing, consisting of geographically dispersed non-Federal 
     members, including representatives of the research, 
     education, and library communities, network and related 
     software providers, and industry representatives in the 
     Program Component Areas, who are specially qualified to 
     provide the Director with advice and information on high-
     performance computing. The recommendations of the advisory 
     committee shall be considered in reviewing and revising the 
     Program. The advisory committee shall provide the Director 
     with an independent assessment of--
       ``(A) progress made in implementing the Program;
       ``(B) the need to revise the Program;
       ``(C) the balance between the components of the Program, 
     including funding levels for the Program Component Areas;
       ``(D) whether the research and development undertaken 
     pursuant to the Program is helping to maintain United States 
     leadership in high-performance computing, networking 
     technology, and related software; and
       ``(E) other issues identified by the Director.
       ``(2) In addition to the duties outlined in paragraph (1), 
     the advisory committee shall conduct periodic evaluations of 
     the funding, management, coordination, implementation, and 
     activities of the Program. The advisory committee

[[Page H9445]]

     shall report not less frequently than once every 2 fiscal 
     years to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on its findings and 
     recommendations. The first report shall be due within 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of the America COMPETES Act.
       ``(3) Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act 
     shall not apply to the advisory committee established under 
     this subsection.''; and
       (D) in section 101(c) (15 U.S.C. 5511(c))--
       (i) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``Program or'' and 
     inserting ``Program Component Areas or''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``subsection (a)(3)(A)'' 
     and inserting ``subsection (a)(2)(D)''.
       (2) Definitions.--Section 4 of the High-Performance 
     Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5503) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and multidisciplinary 
     teams of researchers'' after ``high-performance computing 
     resources'';
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``scientific workstations,'';
       (ii) by striking ``(including vector supercomputers and 
     large scale parallel systems)'';
       (iii) by striking ``and applications'' and inserting 
     ``applications''; and
       (iv) by inserting ``, and the management of large data 
     sets'' after ``systems software'';
       (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``packet switched'';
       (D) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (5);
       (E) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (6) and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (F) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) `Program Component Areas' means the major subject 
     areas under which related individual projects and activities 
     carried out under the Program are grouped.''.
       (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 1(26) of the Act 
     entitled ``An Act to prevent the elimination of certain 
     reports'', approved November 28, 2001 (31 U.S.C. 3113 note) 
     is amended--
       (A) by striking ``101(a)(3)'' and inserting ``101(a)(2)''; 
     and
       (B) by striking ``(15 U.S.C. 5511(a)(3))'' and inserting 
     ``(15 U.S.C. 5511(a)(2))''.
       (b) Advanced Information and Communications Technology 
     Research.--
       (1) In general.--As part of the Program described in title 
     I of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 
     5511 et seq.), the Foundation shall support basic research 
     related to advanced information and communications 
     technologies that will contribute to enhancing or 
     facilitating the availability and affordability of advanced 
     communications services for all people of the United States. 
     Areas of research to be supported may include research on--
       (A) affordable broadband access, including wireless 
     technologies;
       (B) network security and reliability;
       (C) communications interoperability;
       (D) networking protocols and architectures, including 
     resilience to outages or attacks;
       (E) trusted software;
       (F) privacy;
       (G) nanoelectronics for communications applications;
       (H) low-power communications electronics;
       (I) implementation of equitable access to national advanced 
     fiber optic research and educational networks in 
     noncontiguous States; and
       (J) such other related areas as the Director finds 
     appropriate.
       (2) Centers.--The Director shall award multiyear grants, 
     subject to the availability of appropriations and on a merit-
     reviewed competitive basis, to institutions of higher 
     education, nonprofit research institutions affiliated with 
     institutions of higher education, or consortia of either type 
     of institution to establish multidisciplinary Centers for 
     Communications Research. The purpose of the Centers shall be 
     to generate innovative approaches to problems in information 
     and communications technology research, including the 
     research areas described in paragraph (1). Institutions of 
     higher education, nonprofit research institutions affiliated 
     with institutions of higher education, or consortia receiving 
     such grants may partner with 1 or more government 
     laboratories, for-profit entities, or other institutions of 
     higher education or nonprofit research institutions.
       (3) Funding allocation.--The Director shall increase 
     funding for the basic research activities described in 
     paragraph (1), which shall include support for the Centers 
     described in paragraph (2), in proportion to the increase in 
     the total amount appropriated to the Foundation for research 
     and related activities for the fiscal years 2008 through 
     2010.
       (4) Report to congress.--The Director shall transmit to 
     Congress, as part of the President's annual budget submission 
     under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, a report 
     on the amounts allocated for support of research under this 
     subsection for the fiscal year during which such report is 
     submitted and the levels proposed for the fiscal year with 
     respect to which the budget submission applies.

     SEC. 7025. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS 
                   TALENT EXPANSION PROGRAM.

       (a) Amendments.--Section 8(7) of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``competitive, merit-
     based'' and all that follows through ``in recent years.'' and 
     inserting ``competitive, merit-based multiyear grants for 
     eligible applicants to improve undergraduate education in 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through--
       ``(i) the creation of programs to increase the number of 
     students studying toward and completing associate's or 
     bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics, particularly in fields that have faced declining 
     enrollment in recent years; and
       ``(ii) the creation of not more than 5 centers (in this 
     paragraph referred to as `Centers') to increase the number of 
     students completing undergraduate courses in science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics, including the 
     number of nonmajors, and to improve student academic 
     achievement in those courses, by developing--
       ``(I) undergraduate educational material, including 
     curricula and courses of study;
       ``(II) teaching methods for undergraduate courses; and
       ``(III) methods to improve the professional development of 
     professors and teaching assistants who teach undergraduate 
     courses.
     Grants made under clause (ii) shall be awarded jointly 
     through the Education and Human Resources Directorate and at 
     least 1 research directorate of the Foundation.'';
       (2) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
       ``(B) In selecting projects under subparagraph (A)(i), the 
     Director shall strive to increase the number of students 
     studying toward and completing associate's or bachelor's 
     degrees, concentrations, or certificates in science, 
     technology, engineering, or mathematics by giving priority to 
     programs that heavily recruit individuals who are--
       ``(i) individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the 
     Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1885a or 1885b); or
       ``(ii) graduates of a public secondary school that--
       ``(I) is among the highest 25 percent of schools served by 
     the local educational agency that serves the school, in terms 
     of the percentage of students from families with incomes 
     below the poverty line, as defined in section 673(2) of the 
     Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)), 
     applicable to a family of the size involved; or
       ``(II) is designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, 
     or 43, as determined by the Secretary of Education.'';
       (3) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C)(i) The types of projects the Foundation may support 
     under subparagraph (A)(i) include those programs that--
       ``(I) promote high quality--
       ``(aa) interdisciplinary teaching;
       ``(bb) undergraduate-conducted research;
       ``(cc) mentor relationships for students, especially 
     underrepresented minority and female science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics students;
       ``(dd) bridge programs that enable students at community 
     colleges to matriculate directly into baccalaureate science, 
     technology, engineering, or mathematics programs;
       ``(ee) internships carried out in partnership with 
     industry;
       ``(ff) innovative uses of digital technologies, 
     particularly at institutions of higher education that serve 
     high numbers or percentages of economically disadvantaged 
     students; and
       ``(gg) bridge programs that enable underrepresented 
     minority and female secondary school students to obtain extra 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction 
     prior to entering an institution of higher education;
       ``(II) finance summer internships for science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics undergraduate students; and
       ``(III) conduct outreach programs that provide secondary 
     school students and their science, technology, engineering, 
     and mathematics teachers opportunities to increase the 
     students' and teachers' exposure to engineering and 
     technology.
       ``(ii) The types of activities the Foundation may support 
     under subparagraph (A)(ii) include--
       ``(I) creating model curricula and laboratory programs;
       ``(II) developing and demonstrating research-based 
     instructional methods and technologies;
       ``(III) developing methods to train graduate students and 
     faculty to be more effective teachers of undergraduates;
       ``(IV) conducting programs to disseminate curricula, 
     instructional methods, or training methods to faculty at the 
     grantee institutions and at other institutions;
       ``(V) conducting assessments of the effectiveness of the 
     Center at accomplishing the goals described in subparagraph 
     (A)(ii); and
       ``(VI) conducting any other activities the Director 
     determines will accomplish the goals described in 
     subparagraph (A)(ii).'';
       (4) in subparagraph (D)(i), by striking ``under this 
     paragraph'' and inserting ``under subparagraph (A)(i)'';
       (5) in subparagraph (D)(ii), by striking ``under this 
     paragraph'' and inserting ``under subparagraph (A)(i)'';
       (6) after subparagraph (D)(iii), by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(iv) A grant under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be awarded 
     for up to 5 years.'';
       (7) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``under this 
     paragraph'' both places it appears and inserting ``under 
     subparagraph (A)(i)'';
       (8) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (J); 
     and
       (9) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
       ``(F) Grants awarded under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be 
     carried out by a department or departments of science, 
     technology, engineering, or mathematics at institutions of 
     higher education (or a consortia thereof), which may partner 
     with the department, college, or school of education at the 
     institution. Applications for awards under subparagraph 
     (A)(ii) shall be submitted to the Director at such time, in 
     such manner, and containing such information as the Director 
     may require. At a minimum, the application shall include--

[[Page H9446]]

       ``(i) a description of the activities to be carried out by 
     the Center;
       ``(ii) a plan for disseminating programs related to the 
     activities carried out by the Center to faculty at the 
     grantee institution and at other institutions;
       ``(iii) an estimate of the number of faculty, graduate 
     students (if any), and undergraduate students who will be 
     affected by the activities carried out by the Center; and
       ``(iv) a plan for assessing the effectiveness of the Center 
     at accomplishing the goals described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
       ``(G) In evaluating the applications submitted under 
     subparagraph (F), the Director shall consider, at a minimum--
       ``(i) the ability of the applicant to effectively carry out 
     the proposed activities, including the dissemination 
     activities described in subparagraph (C)(ii)(IV); and
       ``(ii) the extent to which the faculty, staff, and 
     administrators of the applicant institution are committed to 
     improving undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics education.
       ``(H) In awarding grants under subparagraph (A)(ii), the 
     Director shall ensure that a wide variety of science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics fields and types of 
     institutions of higher education, including 2-year colleges 
     and minority-serving institutions, are covered, and that--
       ``(i) at least 1 Center is housed at a Doctoral/Research 
     University as defined by the Carnegie Foundation for the 
     Advancement of Teaching; and
       ``(ii) at least 1 Center is focused on improving 
     undergraduate education in an interdisciplinary area.
       ``(I) The Director shall convene an annual meeting of the 
     awardees under this paragraph to foster collaboration and to 
     disseminate the results of the Centers and the other 
     activities funded under this paragraph.''.
       (b) Report on Data Collection.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall 
     transmit to Congress a report on how the Director is 
     determining whether current grant recipients in the Science, 
     Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion 
     Program are making satisfactory progress as required by 
     section 8(7)(D)(ii) of the National Science Foundation 
     Authorization Act of 2002 and what funding actions have been 
     taken as a result of the Director's determinations.

     SEC. 7026. LABORATORY SCIENCE PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) To remain competitive in science and technology in the 
     global economy, the United States must increase the number of 
     students graduating from high school prepared to pursue 
     postsecondary education in science, technology, engineering, 
     and mathematics.
       (2) There is broad agreement in the scientific community 
     that learning science requires direct involvement by students 
     in scientific inquiry and that laboratory experience is so 
     integral to the nature of science that it must be included in 
     every science program for every science student.
       (3) In America's Lab Report, the National Research Council 
     concluded that the current quality of laboratory experiences 
     is poor for most students and that educators and researchers 
     do not agree on how to define high school science 
     laboratories or on their purpose, hampering the accumulation 
     of research on how to improve laboratories.
       (4) The National Research Council found that schools with 
     higher concentrations of non-Asian minorities and schools 
     with higher concentrations of poor students are less likely 
     to have adequate laboratory facilities than other schools.
       (5) The Government Accountability Office reported that 49.1 
     percent of schools where the minority student population is 
     greater than 50.5 percent reported not meeting functional 
     requirements for laboratory science well or at all.
       (6) 40 percent of those college students who left the 
     science fields reported some problems related to high school 
     science preparation, including lack of laboratory experience 
     and no introduction to theoretical or to analytical modes of 
     thought.
       (7) It is in the national interest for the Federal 
     Government to invest in research and demonstration projects 
     to improve the teaching of laboratory science in the Nation's 
     high schools.
       (b) Grant Program.--Section 8(8) of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (F) as 
     clauses (i) through (vi), respectively;
       (2) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``A program of 
     competitive''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) In accordance with subparagraph (A)(v), the Director 
     shall establish a research pilot program designated as 
     `Partnerships for Access to Laboratory Science' to award 
     grants to partnerships to improve laboratories and provide 
     instrumentation as part of a comprehensive program to enhance 
     the quality of science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics instruction at the secondary school level. Grants 
     under this subparagraph may be used for--
       ``(i) professional development and training for teachers 
     aligned with activities supported under section 2123 of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6623);
       ``(ii) purchase, rental, or leasing of equipment, 
     instrumentation, and other scientific educational materials;
       ``(iii) development of instructional programs designed to 
     integrate the laboratory experience with classroom 
     instruction and to be consistent with State mathematics and 
     science and, to the extent applicable, technology and 
     engineering, academic achievement standards;
       ``(iv) training in laboratory safety for school personnel;
       ``(v) design and implementation of hands-on laboratory 
     experiences to encourage the interest of individuals 
     identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering 
     Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b) in 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and help 
     prepare such individuals to pursue postsecondary studies in 
     these fields; and
       ``(vi) assessment of the activities funded under this 
     subparagraph.
       ``(C) Grants may be made under subparagraph (B) only to a 
     partnership--
       ``(i) for a project that includes significant teacher 
     preparation and professional development components; or
       ``(ii) that establishes that appropriate teacher 
     preparation and professional development is being addressed, 
     or has been addressed, through other means.
       ``(D) Grants awarded under subparagraph (B) shall be to a 
     partnership that--
       ``(i) includes a 2-year or 4-year degree granting 
     institution of higher education;
       ``(ii) includes a high need local educational agency (as 
     defined in section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965);
       ``(iii) includes a business or eligible nonprofit 
     organization; and
       ``(iv) may include a State educational agency, other public 
     agency, National Laboratory, or community-based organization.
       ``(E) The Federal share of the cost of activities carried 
     out using amounts from a grant under subparagraph (B) shall 
     not exceed 40 percent.
       ``(F) The Director shall require grant recipients under 
     subparagraph (B) to submit a report to the Director on the 
     results of the project supported by the grant.''.
       (c) Report.--The Director shall evaluate the effectiveness 
     of activities carried out under the research pilot projects 
     funded by the grant program established pursuant to the 
     amendment made by subsection (b) in improving student 
     achievement in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics. A report documenting the results of that 
     evaluation shall be submitted to the Committee on Science and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate not 
     later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act. 
     The report shall identify best practices and materials 
     developed and demonstrated by grant awardees.
       (d) Sunset.--The provisions of this section shall cease to 
     have force or effect on the last day of fiscal year 2010.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--From the amounts 
     authorized under subsections (a)(2)(B), (b)(2)(B), and 
     (c)(2)(B) of section 7002, there are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out this section and the amendments 
     made by this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and 
     such sums as may be necessary for each of the 2 succeeding 
     fiscal years.

     SEC. 7027. STUDY ON LABORATORY EQUIPMENT DONATIONS FOR 
                   SCHOOLS.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Director shall transmit a report to Congress 
     examining the extent to which institutions of higher 
     education and entities in the private sector are donating 
     used laboratory equipment to elementary schools and secondary 
     schools. The Director, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Education, shall survey institutions of higher education and 
     entities in the private sector to determine--
       (1) how often, how much, and what type of equipment is 
     donated;
       (2) what criteria or guidelines the institutions and 
     entities are using to determine what types of equipment can 
     be donated, what condition the equipment should be in, and 
     which schools receive the equipment;
       (3) whether the institutions and entities provide any 
     support to, or follow-up with the schools; and
       (4) how appropriate donations can be encouraged.

     SEC. 7028. MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS 
                   AMENDMENTS.

       Section 9 of the National Science Foundation Authorization 
     Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by striking ``a State 
     educational agency'' and inserting ``the department, college, 
     or program of education at an institution of higher 
     education, a State educational agency,'';
       (2) by striking subparagraph (B) of subsection (a)(3) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(B) offering professional development programs, 
     including--
       ``(i) teacher institutes for the 21st century, as described 
     in paragraph (10); and
       ``(ii) academic year institutes or workshops that--

       ``(I) are designed to strengthen the capabilities of 
     mathematics and science teachers; and
       ``(II) may include professional development activities to 
     prepare mathematics and science teachers to teach challenging 
     mathematics, science, and technology college-preparatory 
     courses;'';

       (3) in subsection (a)(3)(C)--
       (A) by inserting ``and laboratory experiences'' after 
     ``technology''; and
       (B) by inserting ``and laboratory'' after ``provide 
     technical'';
       (4) in subsection (a)(3)(I), by inserting ``including the 
     use of induction programs, as defined in section 6113(h) of 
     the America COMPETES Act, for teachers in their first 2 years 
     of teaching,'' after ``and science,'';
       (5) by striking subparagraph (K) of section (a)(3) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(K) developing science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics educational programs and materials and conducting 
     science, technology,

[[Page H9447]]

     engineering, and mathematics enrichment programs for 
     students, including after-school programs and summer 
     programs, with an emphasis on including and serving students 
     described in subsection (b)(2)(G);'';
       (6) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Mentors for teachers and students of challenging 
     courses.--Partnerships carrying out activities to prepare 
     mathematics and science teachers to teach challenging 
     mathematics, science, and technology college-preparatory 
     courses in accordance with paragraph (3)(B) shall encourage 
     companies employing scientists, technologists, engineers, or 
     mathematicians to provide mentors to teachers and students 
     and provide for the coordination of such mentoring 
     activities.
       ``(9) Innovation.--Activities carried out in accordance 
     with paragraph (3)(H) may include the development and 
     dissemination of curriculum tools that will help foster 
     inventiveness and innovation.'';
       (7) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as 
     subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) the extent to which the evaluation described in 
     paragraph (1)(E) will be independent and based on objective 
     measures;'';
       (8) by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (c) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 4 years after 
     the date of enactment of the America COMPETES Act, the 
     Director shall transmit a report summarizing the evaluations 
     required under subsection (b)(1)(E) of grants received under 
     this program and describing any changes to the program 
     recommended as a result of these evaluations to the Committee 
     on Science and Technology and the Committee on Education and 
     Labor of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. Such 
     report shall be made widely available to the public.''; and
       (9) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) the term `mathematics and science teacher' means a 
     science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher at 
     the elementary school or secondary school level; and
       ``(2) the term `science', in the context of elementary and 
     secondary education, includes technology and pre-
     engineering.''.

     SEC. 7029. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TEACHER INSTITUTES FOR 
                   THE 21ST CENTURY.

       Section 9(a) of the National Science Foundation 
     Authorization Act of 2002 (as amended by section 7028) (42 
     U.S.C. 1862n(a)) is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(10) Teacher institutes for the 21st century.--
       ``(A) In general.--Teacher institutes for the 21st century 
     carried out in accordance with paragraph (3)(B) shall--
       ``(i) be carried out in conjunction with a school served by 
     the local educational agency in the partnership;
       ``(ii) be science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     focused institutes that provide professional development to 
     elementary school and secondary school teachers;
       ``(iii) serve teachers who--

       ``(I) are considered highly qualified (as defined in 
     section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
     1965);
       ``(II) teach high-need subjects in science, technology, 
     engineering, or mathematics; and
       ``(III) teach in high-need schools (as described in section 
     1114(a)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
     1965);

       ``(iv) focus on the priorities developed by the Director in 
     consultation with a broad group of relevant educational 
     organizations;
       ``(v) be content-based and build on school year curricula 
     that are experiment-oriented, content-based, and grounded in 
     current research;
       ``(vi) ensure that the pedagogy component is designed 
     around specific strategies that are relevant to teaching the 
     subject and content on which teachers are being trained, 
     which may include training teachers in the essential 
     components of reading instruction for adolescents in order to 
     improve student reading skills within the subject areas of 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;
       ``(vii) be a multiyear program that is conducted for a 
     period of not less than 2 weeks per year;
       ``(viii) provide for direct interaction between 
     participants in and faculty of the teacher institute;
       ``(ix) have a component that includes the use of the 
     Internet;
       ``(x) provide for followup training in the classroom during 
     the academic year for a period of not less than 3 days, which 
     may or may not be consecutive, for participants in the 
     teacher institute, except that for teachers in rural local 
     educational agencies, the followup training may be provided 
     through the Internet;
       ``(xi) provide teachers participating in the teacher 
     institute with travel expense reimbursement and classroom 
     materials related to the teacher institute, and may include 
     providing stipends as necessary; and
       ``(xii) establish a mechanism to provide supplemental 
     support during the academic year for teacher institute 
     participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained at the 
     teacher institute.
       ``(B) Optional members of the partnership.--In addition to 
     the partnership requirement under paragraph (2), an 
     institution of higher education or eligible nonprofit 
     organization (or consortium) desiring a grant for a teacher 
     institute for the 21st century may also partner with a 
     teacher organization, museum, or educational partnership 
     organization.''.

     SEC. 7030. ROBERT NOYCE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

       Section 10 of the National Science Foundation Authorization 
     Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-1) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 10. ROBERT NOYCE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Scholarship Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall carry out a program 
     to award grants to eligible entities to recruit and train 
     mathematics and science teachers and to provide scholarships 
     and stipends to individuals participating in the program. 
     Such program shall be known as the `Robert Noyce Teacher 
     Scholarship Program'.
       ``(2) Merit review.--Grants shall be provided under this 
     section on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
       ``(3) Use of grants.--A grant provided under this section 
     shall be used by the eligible entity--
       ``(A) to develop and implement a program to recruit and 
     prepare undergraduate students majoring in science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics at the eligible 
     entity (and participating institutions of higher education of 
     the consortium, if applicable) to become qualified as 
     mathematics and science teachers, through--
       ``(i) administering scholarships in accordance with 
     subsection (c);
       ``(ii) offering academic courses and early clinical 
     teaching experiences designed to prepare students 
     participating in the program to teach in elementary schools 
     and secondary schools, including such preparation as is 
     necessary to meet requirements for teacher certification or 
     licensing;
       ``(iii) offering programs to students participating in the 
     program, both before and after the students receive their 
     baccalaureate degree, to enable the students to become better 
     mathematics and science teachers, to fulfill the service 
     requirements of this section, and to exchange ideas with 
     others in the students' fields; and
       ``(iv) providing summer internships for freshman and 
     sophomore students participating in the program; or
       ``(B) to develop and implement a program to recruit and 
     prepare science, technology, engineering, or mathematics 
     professionals to become qualified as mathematics and science 
     teachers, through--
       ``(i) administering stipends in accordance with subsection 
     (d);
       ``(ii) offering academic courses and clinical teaching 
     experiences designed to prepare stipend recipients to teach 
     in elementary schools and secondary schools served by a high 
     need local educational agency, including such preparation as 
     is necessary to meet requirements for teacher certification 
     or licensing; and
       ``(iii) offering programs to stipend recipients, both 
     during and after matriculation in the program for which the 
     stipend is received, to enable recipients to become better 
     mathematics and science teachers, to fulfill the service 
     requirements of this section, and to exchange ideas with 
     others in the students' fields.
       ``(4) Eligibility requirement.--
       ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an eligible entity shall ensure that specific 
     faculty members and staff from the science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics departments and specific 
     education faculty of the eligible entity (and participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) are designated to carry out the development and 
     implementation of the program.
       ``(B) Inclusion of master teachers.--An eligible entity 
     (and participating institutions of higher education of the 
     consortium, if applicable) receiving a grant under this 
     section may also include master teachers in the development 
     of the pedagogical content of the program and in the 
     supervision of students participating in the program in their 
     clinical teaching experiences.
       ``(C) Active participants.--No eligible entity (or 
     participating institution of higher education of the 
     consortium, if applicable) shall be eligible for a grant 
     under this section unless faculty from the science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics departments of the 
     eligible entity (and participating institutions of higher 
     education of the consortium, if applicable) are active 
     participants in the program.
       ``(5) Awards.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
     Director shall ensure that the eligible entities (and 
     participating institutions of higher education of the 
     consortia, if applicable) represent a variety of types of 
     institutions of higher education. In support of this goal, 
     the Director shall broadly disseminate information about when 
     and how to apply for grants under this section, including by 
     conducting outreach to--
       ``(A) historically Black colleges and universities that are 
     part B institutions, as defined in section 322(2) of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)); and
       ``(B) minority institutions, as defined in section 365(3) 
     of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067k(3)).
       ``(6) Supplement not supplant.--Grant funds provided under 
     this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, 
     other Federal or State funds available for the type of 
     activities supported by the grant.
       ``(b) Selection Process.--
       ``(1) Application.--An eligible entity seeking funding 
     under this section shall submit an application to the 
     Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Director may require. The application 
     shall include, at a minimum--
       ``(A) in the case of an applicant that is submitting an 
     application on behalf of a consortium of institutions of 
     higher education, a description

[[Page H9448]]

     of the participating institutions of higher education and the 
     roles and responsibilities of each such institution;
       ``(B) a description of the program that the applicant 
     intends to operate, including the number of scholarships and 
     summer internships or the size and number of stipends the 
     applicant intends to award, the type of activities proposed 
     for the recruitment of students to the program, and the 
     selection process that will be used in awarding the 
     scholarships or stipends;
       ``(C) evidence that the applicant has the capability to 
     administer the program in accordance with the provisions of 
     this section, which may include a description of any existing 
     programs at the applicant eligible entity (and participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) that are targeted to the education of mathematics 
     and science teachers and the number of teachers graduated 
     annually from such programs;
       ``(D) a description of the academic courses and clinical 
     teaching experiences required under subparagraphs (A)(ii) and 
     (B)(ii) of subsection (a)(3), as applicable, including--
       ``(i) a description of the undergraduate program that will 
     enable a student to graduate within 5 years with a major in 
     science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and to 
     obtain teacher certification or licensing;
       ``(ii) a description of the clinical teaching experiences 
     proposed; and
       ``(iii) evidence of agreements between the applicant and 
     the schools or local educational agencies that are identified 
     as the locations at which clinical teaching experiences will 
     occur;
       ``(E) a description of the programs required under 
     subparagraphs (A)(iii) and (B)(iii) of subsection (a)(3), 
     including activities to assist new teachers in fulfilling the 
     teachers' service requirements under this section;
       ``(F) an identification of the applicant eligible entity's 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics faculty and 
     its education faculty (and such faculty of participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) who will carry out the development and 
     implementation of the program as required under subsection 
     (a)(4); and
       ``(G) a description of the process the applicant will use 
     to fulfill the requirements of subsection (f).
       ``(2) Review of applications.--In evaluating the 
     applications submitted under paragraph (1), the Director 
     shall consider, at a minimum--
       ``(A) the ability of the applicant (and the participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) to effectively carry out the program;
       ``(B) the extent to which the applicant's science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics faculty and its 
     education faculty (and such faculty of participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) have worked or will work collaboratively to 
     design new or revised curricula that recognize the 
     specialized pedagogy required to teach science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics effectively in elementary 
     schools and secondary schools;
       ``(C) the extent to which the applicant (and the 
     participating institutions of higher education of the 
     consortium, if applicable) is committed to making the program 
     a central organizational focus;
       ``(D) the degree to which the proposed programming will 
     enable scholarship or stipend recipients to become successful 
     mathematics and science teachers;
       ``(E) the number and academic qualifications of the 
     students who will be served by the program; and
       ``(F) the ability of the applicant (and the participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) to recruit students who would otherwise not 
     pursue a career in teaching in elementary schools or 
     secondary schools and students who are individuals identified 
     in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
       ``(c) Scholarship Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--Scholarships under this section shall be 
     available only to students who--
       ``(A) are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or 
     mathematics; and
       ``(B) have attained at least junior status in a 
     baccalaureate degree program.
       ``(2) Selection.--Individuals shall be selected to receive 
     scholarships primarily on the basis of academic merit, with 
     consideration given to financial need and to the goal of 
     promoting the participation of individuals identified in 
     section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
       ``(3) Amount.--The Director shall establish for each year 
     the amount to be awarded for scholarships under this section 
     for that year, which shall be not less than $10,000 per year, 
     except that no individual shall receive for any year more 
     than the cost of attendance at that individual's institution. 
     Full-time students may receive annual scholarships through 
     the completion of a baccalaureate degree program, not to 
     exceed a maximum of 3 years. Part-time students may receive 
     scholarships that are prorated according to such students' 
     enrollment status, not to exceed 6 years of scholarship 
     support.
       ``(4) Service obligation.--If an individual receives a 
     scholarship under this section, such individual shall be 
     required to complete, within 8 years after graduation from 
     the baccalaureate degree program for which the scholarship 
     was awarded, 2 years of service as a mathematics or science 
     teacher for each full scholarship award received, with a 
     maximum service requirement of 6 years. Service required 
     under this paragraph shall be performed in a high need local 
     educational agency.
       ``(d) Stipends.--
       ``(1) In general.--Stipends under this section shall be 
     available only to science, technology, engineering, or 
     mathematics professionals who, while receiving the stipend, 
     are enrolled in a program established under subsection 
     (a)(3)(B).
       ``(2) Selection.--Individuals shall be selected to receive 
     stipends under this section primarily on the basis of 
     academic merit and professional achievement, with 
     consideration given to financial need and to the goal of 
     promoting the participation of individuals identified in 
     section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
       ``(3) Amount and duration.--Stipends under this section 
     shall be not less than $10,000 per year, except that no 
     individual shall receive for any year more than the cost of 
     attendance at such individual's institution. Individuals may 
     receive a maximum of 1 year of stipend support, except that 
     if an individual is enrolled in a part-time program, such 
     amount shall be prorated according to the length of the 
     program.
       ``(4) Service obligation.--If an individual receives a 
     stipend under this section, such individual shall be required 
     to complete, within 4 years after graduation from the program 
     for which the stipend was awarded, 2 years of service as a 
     mathematics or science teacher. Service required under this 
     paragraph shall be performed in a high need local educational 
     agency.
       ``(e) Conditions of Support.--As a condition of acceptance 
     of a scholarship or stipend under this section, a recipient 
     of a scholarship or stipend shall enter into an agreement 
     with the eligible entity--
       ``(1) accepting the terms of the scholarship or stipend 
     pursuant to subsection (c) or subsection (d);
       ``(2) agreeing to provide the eligible entity with annual 
     certification of employment and up-to-date contact 
     information and to participate in surveys conducted by the 
     eligible entity as part of an ongoing assessment program; and
       ``(3) establishing that if the service obligation required 
     under this section is not completed, all or a portion of the 
     scholarship or stipend received under this section shall be 
     repaid in accordance with subsection (g).
       ``(f) Collection for Noncompliance.--
       ``(1) Monitoring compliance.--An eligible entity receiving 
     a grant under this section shall, as a condition of 
     participating in the program, enter into an agreement with 
     the Director to monitor the compliance of scholarship or 
     stipend recipients with their respective service 
     requirements.
       ``(2) Collection of repayment.--
       ``(A) In general.--In the event that a scholarship or 
     stipend recipient is required to repay the scholarship or 
     stipend under subsection (g), the eligible entity shall--
       ``(i) be responsible for determining the repayment amounts 
     and for notifying the recipient and the Director of the 
     amount owed; and
       ``(ii) collect such repayment amount within a period of 
     time as determined under the agreement described in paragraph 
     (1), or the repayment amount shall be treated as a loan in 
     accordance with subparagraph (C).
       ``(B) Returned to treasury.--Except as provided in 
     subparagraph (C), any such repayment shall be returned to the 
     Treasury of the United States.
       ``(C) Retain percentage.--An eligible entity may retain a 
     percentage of any repayment the eligible entity collects to 
     defray administrative costs associated with the collection. 
     The Director shall establish a single, fixed percentage that 
     will apply to all eligible entities.
       ``(g) Failure to Complete Service Obligation.--
       ``(1) General rule.--If an individual who has received a 
     scholarship or stipend under this section--
       ``(A) fails to maintain an acceptable level of academic 
     standing in the educational institution in which the 
     individual is enrolled, as determined by the Director;
       ``(B) is dismissed from such educational institution for 
     disciplinary reasons;
       ``(C) withdraws from the program for which the award was 
     made before the completion of such program;
       ``(D) declares that the individual does not intend to 
     fulfill the service obligation under this section; or
       ``(E) fails to fulfill the service obligation of the 
     individual under this section,
     such individual shall be liable to the United States as 
     provided in paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Amount of repayment.--
       ``(A) Less than one year of service.--If a circumstance 
     described in paragraph (1) occurs before the completion of 1 
     year of a service obligation under this section, the total 
     amount of awards received by the individual under this 
     section shall be repaid or such amount shall be treated as a 
     loan to be repaid in accordance with subparagraph (C).
       ``(B) More than one year of service.--If a circumstance 
     described in subparagraph (D) or (E) of paragraph (1) occurs 
     after the completion of 1 year of a service obligation under 
     this section--
       ``(i) for a scholarship recipient, the total amount of 
     scholarship awards received by the individual under this 
     section, reduced by the ratio of the number of years of 
     service completed divided by the number of years of service 
     required, shall be repaid or such amount shall be treated as 
     a loan to be repaid in accordance with subparagraph (C); and
       ``(ii) for a stipend recipient, \1/2\ of the total amount 
     of stipends received by the individual under this section 
     shall be repaid or such amount shall be treated as a loan to 
     be repaid in accordance with subparagraph (C).
       ``(C) Repayments.--The loans described under subparagraphs 
     (A) and (B) shall be payable to the Federal Government, 
     consistent with the provisions of part B or D of title IV of 
     the Higher Education Act of 1965, and shall be subject to 
     repayment in accordance with terms and conditions specified 
     by the Director (in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Education) in

[[Page H9449]]

     regulations promulgated to carry out this paragraph.
       ``(3) Exceptions.--The Director may provide for the partial 
     or total waiver or suspension of any service or payment 
     obligation by an individual under this section whenever 
     compliance by the individual with the obligation is 
     impossible or would involve extreme hardship to the 
     individual, or if enforcement of such obligation with respect 
     to the individual would be unconscionable.
       ``(h) Data Collection.--An eligible entity receiving a 
     grant under this section shall supply to the Director any 
     relevant statistical and demographic data on scholarship and 
     stipend recipients the Director may request, including 
     information on employment required under this section.
       ``(i) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) the term `cost of attendance' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1087ll);
       ``(2) the term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(A) an institution of higher education; or
       ``(B) an institution of higher education that receives 
     grant funds on behalf of a consortium of institutions of 
     higher education;
       ``(3) the term `fellowship' means an award to an individual 
     under section 10A;
       ``(4) the term `high need local educational agency' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 201 of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021);
       ``(5) the term `mathematics and science teacher' means a 
     science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher at 
     the elementary school or secondary school level;
       ``(6) the term `scholarship' means an award under 
     subsection (c);
       ``(7) the term `science, technology, engineering, or 
     mathematics professional' means a person who holds a 
     baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral degree in science, 
     technology, engineering, or mathematics, and is working in or 
     had a career in such field or a related area; and
       ``(8) the term `stipend' means an award under subsection 
     (d).
       ``(j) Mathematics and Science Scholarship Gift Fund.--In 
     accordance with section 11(f) of the National Science 
     Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1870(f)), the Director is 
     authorized to accept donations from the private sector to 
     supplement but not supplant scholarships, stipends, 
     internships, or fellowships associated with programs under 
     this section or section 10A.
       ``(k) Assessment of Teacher Service and Retention.--Not 
     later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the America 
     COMPETES Act, the Director shall transmit to the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the effectiveness of the programs 
     carried out under this section and section 10A. The report 
     shall include the proportion of individuals receiving 
     scholarships, stipends, or fellowships under the program 
     who--
       ``(1) fulfill the individuals' service obligation required 
     under this section or section 10A;
       ``(2) remain in the teaching profession beyond the 
     individuals' service obligation; and
       ``(3) remain in the teaching profession in a high need 
     local educational agency beyond the individuals' service 
     obligation.
       ``(l) Evaluation.--Not less than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the America COMPETES Act, the Director, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall conduct 
     an evaluation to determine whether the scholarships, 
     stipends, and fellowships authorized under this section and 
     section 10A have been effective in increasing the numbers of 
     high-quality mathematics and science teachers teaching in 
     high need local educational agencies and whether there 
     continue to exist significant shortages of such teachers in 
     high need local educational agencies.

     ``SEC. 10A. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS 
                   AND MASTER TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS.

       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Grants.--
       ``(A) In general.--As part of the Robert Noyce Teacher 
     Scholarship Program established under section 10, the 
     Director shall establish a separate program to award grants 
     to eligible entities to enable such entities to administer 
     fellowships in accordance with this section.
       ``(B) Definitions.--The terms used in this section have the 
     meanings given the terms in section 10.
       ``(2) Fellowships.--Fellowships under this section shall be 
     available only to--
       ``(A) science, technology, engineering, or mathematics 
     professionals, who shall be referred to as `National Science 
     Foundation Teaching Fellows' and who, in the first year of 
     the fellowship, are enrolled in a master's degree program 
     leading to teacher certification or licensing; and
       ``(B) mathematics and science teachers, who shall be 
     referred to as `National Science Foundation Master Teaching 
     Fellows' and who possess a master's degree in their field.
       ``(b) Eligibility.--In order to be eligible to receive a 
     grant under this section, an eligible entity shall enter into 
     a partnership that shall include--
       ``(1) a department within an institution of higher 
     education participating in the partnership that provides an 
     advanced program of study in mathematics and science;
       ``(2)(A) a school or department within an institution of 
     higher education participating in the partnership that 
     provides a teacher preparation program; or
       ``(B) a 2-year institution of higher education that has a 
     teacher preparation offering or a dual enrollment program 
     with an institution of higher education participating in the 
     partnership;
       ``(3) not less than 1 high need local educational agency 
     and a public school or a consortium of public schools served 
     by the agency; and
       ``(4) 1 or more nonprofit organizations that have a 
     demonstrated record of capacity to provide expertise or 
     support to meet the purposes of this section.
       ``(c) Use of Grants.--Grants awarded under this section 
     shall be used by the eligible entity (and participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) to develop and implement a program for National 
     Science Foundation Teaching Fellows or National Science 
     Foundation Master Teaching Fellows, through--
       ``(1) administering fellowships in accordance with this 
     section, including providing the teaching fellowship salary 
     supplements described in subsection (f);
       ``(2) in the case of National Science Foundation Teaching 
     Fellowships--
       ``(A) offering academic courses and clinical teaching 
     experiences leading to a master's degree and designed to 
     prepare individuals to teach in elementary schools and 
     secondary schools, including such preparation as is necessary 
     to meet the requirements for certification or licensing; and
       ``(B) offering programs both during and after matriculation 
     in the program for which the fellowship is received to enable 
     fellows to become highly effective mathematics and science 
     teachers, including mentoring, training, induction, and 
     professional development activities, to fulfill the service 
     requirements of this section, including the requirements of 
     subsection (e), and to exchange ideas with others in their 
     fields; and
       ``(3) in the case of National Science Foundation Master 
     Teaching Fellowships--
       ``(A) offering academic courses and leadership training to 
     prepare individuals to become master teachers in elementary 
     schools and secondary schools; and
       ``(B) offering programs both during and after matriculation 
     in the program for which the fellowship is received to enable 
     fellows to become highly effective mathematics and science 
     teachers, including mentoring, training, induction, and 
     professional development activities, to fulfill the service 
     requirements of this section, including the requirements of 
     subsection (e), and to exchange ideas with others in their 
     fields.
       ``(d) Selection Process.--
       ``(1) Merit review.--Grants shall be awarded under this 
     section on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
       ``(2) Applications.--An eligible entity desiring a grant 
     under this section shall submit an application to the 
     Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Director may require. The application 
     shall include, at a minimum--
       ``(A) in the case of an applicant that is submitting an 
     application on behalf of a consortium of institutions of 
     higher education, a description of the participating 
     institutions of higher education and the roles and 
     responsibilities of each such institution;
       ``(B) a description of the program that the applicant 
     intends to operate, including the number of fellowships the 
     applicant intends to award, the type of activities proposed 
     for the recruitment of students to the program, and the 
     amount of the teaching fellowship salary supplements to be 
     provided in accordance with subsection (f);
       ``(C) evidence that the applicant has the capability to 
     administer the program in accordance with the provisions of 
     this section, which may include a description of any existing 
     programs at the applicant eligible entity (and participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) that are targeted to the education of mathematics 
     and science teachers and the number of teachers graduated 
     annually from such programs;
       ``(D) in the case of National Science Foundation Teaching 
     Fellowships, a description of--
       ``(i) the selection process that will be used in awarding 
     fellowships, including a description of the rigorous measures 
     to be used, including the rigorous, nationally recognized 
     assessments to be used, in order to determine whether 
     individuals applying for fellowships have advanced content 
     knowledge of science, technology, engineering, or 
     mathematics;
       ``(ii) the academic courses and clinical teaching 
     experiences described in subsection (c)(2)(A), including--

       ``(I) a description of an educational program that will 
     enable a student to obtain a master's degree and teacher 
     certification or licensing within 1 year; and
       ``(II) evidence of agreements between the applicant and the 
     schools or local educational agencies that are identified as 
     the locations at which clinical teaching experiences will 
     occur;

       ``(iii) a description of the programs described in 
     subsection (c)(2)(B), including activities to assist 
     individuals in fulfilling their service requirements under 
     this section;
       ``(E) evidence that the eligible entity will provide the 
     teaching supplements required under subsection (f); and
       ``(F) a description of the process the applicant will use 
     to fulfill the requirements of section 10(f).
       ``(3) Criteria.--In evaluating the applications submitted 
     under paragraph (2), the Director shall consider, at a 
     minimum--
       ``(A) the ability of the applicant (and participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) to effectively carry out the program and to meet 
     the requirements of subsection (f);
       ``(B) the extent to which the mathematics, science, or 
     engineering faculty and the education faculty at the eligible 
     entity (and participating institutions of higher education of 
     the consortium, if applicable) have worked or will work 
     collaboratively to design new or revised

[[Page H9450]]

     curricula that recognizes the specialized pedagogy required 
     to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     effectively in elementary schools and secondary schools;
       ``(C) the extent to which the applicant (and participating 
     institutions of higher education of the consortium, if 
     applicable) is committed to making the program a central 
     organizational focus;
       ``(D) the degree to which the proposed programming will 
     enable participants to become highly effective mathematics 
     and science teachers and prepare such participants to assume 
     leadership roles in their schools, in addition to their 
     regular classroom duties, including serving as mentor or 
     master teachers, developing curriculum, and assisting in the 
     development and implementation of professional development 
     activities;
       ``(E) the number and quality of the individuals that will 
     be served by the program; and
       ``(F) in the case of the National Science Foundation 
     Teaching Fellowship, the ability of the applicant (and 
     participating institutions of higher education of the 
     consortium, if applicable) to recruit individuals who would 
     otherwise not pursue a career in teaching and individuals 
     identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering 
     Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1855a or 1855b).
       ``(4) Selection of fellows.--
       ``(A) In general.--Individuals shall be selected to receive 
     fellowships under this section primarily on the basis of--
       ``(i) professional achievement;
       ``(ii) academic merit;
       ``(iii) content knowledge of science, technology, 
     engineering, or mathematics, as demonstrated by their 
     performance on an assessment in accordance with paragraph 
     (2)(D)(i); and
       ``(iv) in the case of National Science Foundation Master 
     Teaching Fellows, demonstrated success in improving student 
     academic achievement in science, technology, engineering, or 
     mathematics.
       ``(B) Promoting participation of certain individuals.--
     Among individuals demonstrating equivalent qualifications, 
     consideration may be given to the goal of promoting the 
     participation of individuals identified in section 33 or 34 
     of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b).
       ``(e) Duties of National Science Foundation Teaching 
     Fellows and Master Teaching Fellows.--A National Science 
     Foundation Teaching Fellow or a National Science Foundation 
     Master Teaching Fellow, while fulfilling the service 
     obligation under subsection (g) and in addition to regular 
     classroom activities, shall take on a leadership role within 
     the school or local educational agency in which the fellow is 
     employed, as defined by the partnership according to such 
     fellow's expertise, including serving as a mentor or master 
     teacher, developing curricula, and assisting in the 
     development and implementation of professional development 
     activities.
       ``(f) Teaching Fellowship Salary Supplements.--
       ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving a grant 
     under this section shall provide salary supplements to 
     individuals who participate in the program under this section 
     during the period of their service obligation under 
     subsection (g). A local educational agency through which the 
     service obligation is fulfilled shall agree not to reduce the 
     base salary normally paid to an individual solely because 
     such individual receives a salary supplement under this 
     subsection.
       ``(2) Amount and duration.--
       ``(A) Amount.--Salary supplements provided under paragraph 
     (1) shall be not less than $10,000 per year, except that, in 
     the case of a National Science Foundation Teaching Fellow, 
     while enrolled in the master's degree program as described in 
     subsection (c)(2)(A), such fellow shall receive not more than 
     the cost of attendance at such fellow's institution.
       ``(B) Support while enrolled in master's degree program.--A 
     National Science Foundation Teaching Fellow may receive a 
     maximum of 1 year of fellowship support while enrolled in a 
     master's degree program as described in subsection (c)(2)(A), 
     except that if such fellow is enrolled in a part-time 
     program, such amount shall be prorated according to the 
     length of the program.
       ``(C) Duration of support.--An eligible entity receiving a 
     grant under this section shall provide teaching fellowship 
     salary supplements through the period of the fellow's service 
     obligation under subsection (g).
       ``(g) Service Obligation.--An individual awarded a 
     fellowship under this section shall serve as a mathematics or 
     science teacher in an elementary school or secondary school 
     served by a high need local educational agency for--
       ``(1) in the case of a National Science Foundation Teaching 
     Fellow, 4 years, to be fulfilled within 6 years of completing 
     the master's program described in subsection (c)(2)(A); and
       ``(2) in the case of a National Science Foundation Master 
     Teaching Fellow, 5 years, to be fulfilled within 7 years of 
     the start of participation in the program under subsection 
     (c)(3).
       ``(h) Matching Requirement.--
       ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving a grant 
     under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, 
     an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount of the grant 
     (which may be provided in cash or in-kind) to carry out the 
     activities supported by the grant.
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Director may waive all or part of the 
     matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any 
     fiscal year for an eligible entity receiving a grant under 
     this section, if the Director determines that applying the 
     matching requirement would result in serious hardship or 
     inability to carry out the authorized activities described in 
     this section.
       ``(i) Conditions of Support; Collection for Noncompliance; 
     Failure to Complete Service Obligation; Data Collection.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) of section 10 shall apply 
     to eligible entities and recipients of fellowships under this 
     section, as applicable, in the same manner as such 
     subsections apply to eligible entities and recipients of 
     scholarships and stipends under section 10, as applicable.
       ``(2) Amount of repayment.--If a circumstance described in 
     subparagraph (D) or (E) of section 10(g)(1) occurs after the 
     completion of 1 year of a service obligation under this 
     section--
       ``(A) for a National Science Foundation Teaching Fellow, 
     the total amount of fellowship award received by the 
     individual under this section while enrolled in the master's 
     degree program, reduced by \1/4\ of the total amount for each 
     year of service completed, plus \1/2\ of the total teaching 
     fellowship salary supplements received by such individual 
     under this section, shall be repaid or such amount shall be 
     treated as a loan to be repaid in accordance with section 
     10(g)(1)(C); and
       ``(B) for a National Science Foundation Master Teaching 
     Fellow, the total amount of teaching fellowship salary 
     supplements received by the individual under this section, 
     reduced by \1/2\, shall be repaid or such amount shall be 
     treated as a loan to be repaid in accordance with section 
     10(g)(1)(C).''.

     SEC. 7031. ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION.

       (a) Community College Program.--Section 3 of the Scientific 
     and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 1862i) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the semicolon and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) encourage participation of individuals identified in 
     section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b);''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Mentor training grants.--The Director shall--
       ``(A) establish a program to encourage and make grants 
     available to institutions of higher education that award 
     associate degrees to recruit and train individuals from the 
     fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     to mentor students who are described in section 33 or 34 of 
     the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b) in order to assist those students in 
     identifying, qualifying for, and entering higher-paying 
     technical jobs in those fields; and
       ``(B) make grants available to associate-degree-granting 
     colleges to carry out the program identified in subsection 
     (A).''.
       (b) Evaluation and Report.--The Director shall establish 
     metrics to evaluate the success of the programs established 
     by the Foundation for encouraging individuals identified in 
     section 33 or 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b) to study and 
     prepare for careers in science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics, including programs that provide for mentoring 
     for such individuals. The Director shall carry out 
     evaluations based on the metrics developed and report to 
     Congress annually on the findings and conclusions of the 
     evaluations.

     SEC. 7032. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REPORT ON DIVERSITY 
                   IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND 
                   MATHEMATICS FIELDS.

       (a) In General.--The Director shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for a 
     report, to be transmitted to the Congress not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this Act, about barriers 
     to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields and 
     to identify strategies for bringing more underrepresented 
     minorities into the science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics workforce.
       (b) Specific Requirements.--The Director shall ensure that 
     the report described in subsection (a) addresses--
       (1) social and institutional factors that shape the 
     decisions of minority students to commit to education and 
     careers in the science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics fields;
       (2) specific barriers preventing greater minority student 
     participation in the science, technology, engineering, and 
     mathematics fields;
       (3) primary focus points for policy intervention to 
     increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented 
     minorities in the future workforce of the United States;
       (4) programs already underway to increase diversity in the 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, and 
     their level of effectiveness;
       (5) factors that make such programs effective, and how to 
     expand and improve upon existing programs;
       (6) the role of minority-serving institutions in the 
     diversification of the workforce of the United States in 
     these fields and how that role can be supported and 
     strengthened; and
       (7) how the public and private sectors can better assist 
     minority students in their efforts to join the workforce of 
     the United States in these fields.

     SEC. 7033. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS UNDERGRADUATE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Director is authorized to establish a 
     new program to award grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed 
     basis to Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in section 
     502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a)) to 
     enhance the quality of undergraduate

[[Page H9451]]

     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     education at such institutions and to increase the 
     retention and graduation rates of students pursuing 
     associate's or baccalaureate degrees in science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics.
       (b) Program Components.--Grants awarded under this section 
     shall support--
       (1) activities to improve courses and curriculum in 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;
       (2) faculty development;
       (3) stipends for undergraduate students participating in 
     research; and
       (4) other activities consistent with subsection (a), as 
     determined by the Director.
       (c) Instrumentation.--Funding for instrumentation is an 
     allowed use of grants awarded under this section.

     SEC. 7034. PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMS.

       (a) Clearinghouse.--
       (1) Development.--The Director shall establish a 
     clearinghouse, in collaboration with 4-year institutions of 
     higher education (including applicable graduate schools and 
     academic departments), and industries and Federal agencies 
     that employ science-trained personnel, to share program 
     elements used in successful professional science master's 
     degree programs and other advanced degree programs related to 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
       (2) Availability.--The Director shall make the 
     clearinghouse of program elements developed under paragraph 
     (1) available to institutions of higher education that are 
     developing professional science master's degree programs.
       (b) Programs.--
       (1) Programs authorized.--The Director shall award grants 
     to 4-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the 
     institutions' creation or improvement of professional science 
     master's degree programs that may include linkages between 
     institutions of higher education and industries that employ 
     science-trained personnel, with an emphasis on practical 
     training and preparation for the workforce in high-need 
     fields.
       (2) Application.--A 4-year institution of higher education 
     desiring a grant under this section shall submit an 
     application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and 
     accompanied by such information as the Director may require. 
     The application shall include--
       (A) a description of the professional science master's 
     degree program that the institution of higher education will 
     implement;
       (B) a description of how the professional science master's 
     degree program at the institution of higher education will 
     produce individuals for the workforce in high-need fields;
       (C) the amount of funding from non-Federal sources, 
     including from private industries, that the institution of 
     higher education shall use to support the professional 
     science master's degree program; and
       (D) an assurance that the institution of higher education 
     shall encourage students in the professional science master's 
     degree program to apply for all forms of Federal assistance 
     available to such students, including applicable graduate 
     fellowships and student financial assistance under titles IV 
     and VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 
     et seq., 1133 et seq.).
       (3) Preferences.--The Director shall give preference in 
     making awards to 4-year institutions of higher education 
     seeking Federal funding to create or improve professional 
     science master's degree programs, to those applicants--
       (A) located in States with low percentages of citizens with 
     graduate or professional degrees, as determined by the Bureau 
     of the Census, that demonstrate success in meeting the unique 
     needs of the corporate, non-profit, and government 
     communities in the State, as evidenced by providing 
     internships for professional science master's degree students 
     or similar partnership arrangements; or
       (B) that secure more than \2/3\ of the funding for such 
     professional science master's degree programs from sources 
     other than the Federal Government.
       (4) Number of grants; time period of grants.--
       (A) Number of grants.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriated funds, the Director shall award grants under 
     paragraph (1) to a maximum of 200 4-year institutions of 
     higher education.
       (B) Time period of grants.--Grants awarded under this 
     section shall be for one 3-year term. Grants may be renewed 
     only once for a maximum of 2 additional years.
       (5) Evaluation and reports.--
       (A) Development of performance benchmarks.--Prior to the 
     start of the grant program, the Director, in collaboration 
     with 4-year institutions of higher education (including 
     applicable graduate schools and academic departments), and 
     industries and Federal agencies that employ science-trained 
     personnel, shall develop performance benchmarks to evaluate 
     the pilot programs assisted by grants under this section.
       (B) Evaluation.--For each year of the grant period, the 
     Director, in consultation with 4-year institutions of higher 
     education (including applicable graduate schools and academic 
     departments), and industries and Federal agencies that employ 
     science-trained personnel, shall complete an evaluation of 
     each program assisted by grants under this section. Any 
     program that fails to satisfy the performance benchmarks 
     developed under subparagraph (A) shall not be eligible for 
     further funding.
       (C) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the completion 
     of an evaluation described in subparagraph (B), the Director 
     shall submit a report to Congress that includes--
       (i) the results of the evaluation; and
       (ii) recommendations for administrative and legislative 
     action that could optimize the effectiveness of the pilot 
     programs, as the Director determines to be appropriate.

     SEC. 7035. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING FOR 
                   SCIENTISTS.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     institutions of higher education receiving awards under the 
     Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship 
     program of the Foundation should, among the activities 
     supported under these awards, train graduate students in the 
     communication of the substance and importance of their 
     research to nonscientist audiences.
       (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit a 
     report to the Committee on Science and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives and to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, describing the 
     training programs described in subsection (a) provided to 
     graduate students who participated in the Integrative 
     Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program. The 
     report shall include data on the number of graduate students 
     trained and a description of the types of activities funded.

     SEC. 7036. MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION.

       (a) Award Amount.--The minimum amount of an award under the 
     Major Research Instrumentation program shall be $100,000. The 
     maximum amount of an award under the program shall be 
     $4,000,000 except if the total amount appropriated for the 
     program for a fiscal year exceeds $125,000,000, in which case 
     the maximum amount of an award shall be $6,000,000.
       (b) Use of Funds.--In addition to the acquisition of 
     instrumentation and equipment, funds made available by awards 
     under the Major Research Instrumentation program may be used 
     to support the operations and maintenance of such 
     instrumentation and equipment.
       (c) Cost Sharing.--
       (1) In general.--An institution of higher education 
     receiving an award under the Major Research Instrumentation 
     program shall provide at least 30 percent of the cost from 
     private or non-Federal sources.
       (2) Exceptions.--Institutions of higher education that are 
     not Ph.D.-granting institutions are exempt from the cost 
     sharing requirement in paragraph (1), and the Director may 
     reduce or waive the cost sharing requirement for--
       (A) institutions--
       (i) that are not ranked among the top 100 institutions 
     receiving Federal research and development funding, as 
     documented by the statistical data published by the 
     Foundation; and
       (ii) for which the proposed project will make a substantial 
     improvement in the institution's capabilities to conduct 
     leading edge research, to provide research experiences for 
     undergraduate students using leading edge facilities, and to 
     broaden the participation in science and engineering research 
     by individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of the Science 
     and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a or 
     1885b); and
       (B) consortia of institutions of higher education that 
     include at least one institution that is not a Ph.D.-granting 
     institution.

     SEC. 7037. LIMIT ON PROPOSALS.

       (a) Policy.--For programs supported by the Foundation that 
     require as part of the selection process for awards the 
     submission of preproposals and that also limit the number of 
     preproposals that may be submitted by an institution, the 
     Director shall allow the subsequent submission of a full 
     proposal based on each preproposal that is determined to have 
     merit following the Foundation's merit review process.
       (b) Review and Assessment of Policies.--The Board shall 
     review and assess the effects on institutions of higher 
     education of the policies of the Foundation regarding the 
     imposition of limitations on the number of proposals that may 
     be submitted by a single institution for programs supported 
     by the Foundation. The Board shall determine whether current 
     policies are well justified and appropriate for the types of 
     programs that limit the number of proposal submissions. Not 
     later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Board shall summarize the Board's findings and any 
     recommendations regarding changes to the current policy on 
     the restriction of proposal submissions in a report to the 
     Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
                     TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

     SEC. 8001. COLLECTION OF DATA RELATING TO TRADE IN SERVICES.

       (a) Report.--Not later than January 31, 2008, the Secretary 
     of Commerce, acting through the Director of the Bureau of 
     Economic Analysis, shall report to Congress on the 
     feasibility, annual cost, and potential benefits of a program 
     to collect and study data relating to export and import of 
     services.
       (b) Program.--The proposed program to be studied under 
     subsection (a) shall include requirements that the Secretary 
     annually--
       (1) provide data collection and analysis relating to export 
     and import of services;
       (2) collect and analyze data for service imports and 
     exports in not less than 40 service industry categories, on a 
     State-by-State basis;
       (3) collect data on, and analyze, the employment effects of 
     exports and imports on the service industry; and
       (4) integrate ongoing and planned data collection and 
     analysis initiatives in research and development and 
     innovation.

     SEC. 8002. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING SMALL BUSINESS 
                   GROWTH AND CAPITAL MARKETS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--

[[Page H9452]]

       (1) the United States has the most fair, most transparent, 
     and most efficient capital markets in the world, in part due 
     to its strong securities statutory and regulatory scheme;
       (2) it is of paramount importance for the continued growth 
     of the economy of the Nation, that our capital markets retain 
     their leading position in the world;
       (3) small businesses are vital participants in United 
     States capital markets, and play a critical role in future 
     economic growth and high-wage job creation;
       (4) section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has 
     greatly enhanced the quality of corporate governance and 
     financial reporting for public companies and increased 
     investor confidence;
       (5) the Securities and Exchange Commission (referred to in 
     this section as the ``Commission'') and the Public Company 
     Accounting Oversight Board (referred to in this section as 
     the ``PCAOB'') have both determined that the current auditing 
     standard implementing section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
     of 2002 has imposed unnecessary and unintended cost burdens 
     on small and mid-sized public companies;
       (6) the Commission and the PCAOB are now near completion of 
     a 2-year process intended to revise the auditing standard in 
     order to provide more efficient and effective regulation; and
       (7) the Chairman of the Commission recently has said, with 
     respect to section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 
     that, ``We don't need to change the law, we need to change 
     the way the law is implemented. It is the implementation of 
     the law that has caused the excessive burden, not the law 
     itself. That's an important distinction. I don't believe 
     these important investor protections, which are even now only 
     a few years old, should be opened up for amendment, or that 
     they need to be.''.
       (b) Sense of the Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate 
     that the Commission and the PCAOB should complete 
     promulgation of the final rules implementing section 404 of 
     the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7262).

     SEC. 8003. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REVIEW OF 
                   ACTIVITIES, GRANTS, AND PROGRAMS.

       Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     submit a report to Congress that--
       (1) assesses and evaluates the effectiveness of a 
     representative sample of the new or expanded programs and 
     activities (including programs and activities carried out 
     under grants) required to be carried out under this Act; and
       (2) includes such recommendations as the Comptroller 
     General determines are appropriate to ensure effectiveness 
     of, or improvements to, the programs and activities, 
     including termination of programs or activities.

     SEC. 8004. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING ANTI-COMPETITIVE TAX 
                   POLICY.

       It is the sense of the Senate that Federal funds should not 
     be provided to any organization or entity that advocates 
     against a United States tax policy that is internationally 
     competitive.

     SEC. 8005. STUDY OF THE PROVISION OF ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall enter 
     into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to 
     conduct a study and provide a report to the Secretary, the 
     Secretary of Commerce, and Congress. The study shall consider 
     the mechanisms and supports needed for an institution of 
     higher education (as defined in section 7001) or nonprofit 
     organization to develop and maintain a program to provide 
     free access to online educational content as part of a degree 
     program, especially in science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or foreign languages, without using Federal 
     funds, including funds provided under title IV of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) The study 
     shall consider whether such a program could be developed and 
     managed by such institution of higher education or nonprofit 
     organization and sustained through private funding. The study 
     shall examine how such program can--
       (1) build on existing online programs, including making use 
     of existing online courses;
       (2) modify or expand traditional course content for online 
     educational content;
       (3) develop original course content for online courses and 
     degree programs;
       (4) provide necessary laboratory experience for science, 
     technology, and engineering courses;
       (5) be accepted for full credit by other institutions of 
     higher education; and
       (6) provide credentials that would be recognized by 
     employers, enabling program participants to attain 
     employment.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may 
     be necessary for fiscal year 2008.

     SEC. 8006. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING DEEMED EXPORTS.

       It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the policies of the United States Government relating 
     to deemed exports should safeguard the national security of 
     the United States and protect fundamental research;
       (2) the Department of Commerce has established the Deemed 
     Export Advisory Committee to develop recommendations for 
     improving current controls on deemed exports; and
       (3) the President and Congress should consider the 
     recommendations of the Deemed Export Advisory Committee in 
     the development and implementation of export control 
     policies.

     SEC. 8007. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING CAPITAL MARKETS.

       It is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) Congress, the President, regulators, industry leaders, 
     and other stakeholders should take the necessary steps to 
     reclaim the preeminent position of the United States in the 
     global financial services marketplace;
       (2) the Federal and State financial regulatory agencies 
     should, to the maximum extent possible--
       (A) coordinate activities on significant policy matters, so 
     as not to impose regulations that may have adverse unintended 
     consequences on innovativeness with respect to financial 
     products, instruments, and services, or that impose 
     regulatory costs that are disproportionate to their benefits; 
     and
       (B) at the same time, ensure that the regulatory framework 
     overseeing the United States capital markets continues to 
     promote and protect the interests of investors in those 
     markets; and
       (3) given the complexity of the financial services 
     marketplace, Congress should exercise vigorous oversight over 
     Federal regulatory and statutory requirements affecting the 
     financial services industry and consumers, with the goal of 
     eliminating excessive regulation and problematic 
     implementation of existing laws and regulations, while 
     ensuring that necessary investor protections are not 
     compromised.

     SEC. 8008. ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY OF ACTIVITIES 
                   AUTHORIZED BY THIS ACT.

       (a) Prohibited Use of Funds.--A grant or contract funded by 
     amounts authorized by this Act may not be used for the 
     purpose of defraying the costs of a banquet or conference 
     that is not directly and programmatically related to the 
     purpose for which the grant or contract was awarded. A 
     directly and programmatically related banquet or conference 
     includes a banquet or conference held in connection with 
     planning, training, assessment, review, or other routine 
     purposes related to a project funded by the grant or 
     contract. Records of the total costs related to, and 
     justifications for, all banquets and conferences shall be 
     reported to the appropriate Department, Administration, or 
     Foundation. Not later than 60 days after receipt of such 
     records, the appropriate Department, Administration, or 
     Foundation shall make the records available to the public.
       (b) Conflict of Interest Statement.--Any person awarded a 
     grant or contract funded by amounts authorized by this Act 
     shall submit a statement to the Secretary of Commerce, the 
     Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Education, the 
     Administrator, or the Director, as appropriate, certifying 
     that no funds derived from the grant or contract will be made 
     available through a subcontract or in any other manner to 
     another person who has a financial interest or other conflict 
     of interest in the person awarded the grant or contract, 
     unless such conflict is previously disclosed and approved in 
     the process of entering into a contract or awarding a grant. 
     Not later than 60 days after receipt of the certification, 
     the appropriate Secretary, Administrator, or Director shall 
     make all documents received that relate to the certification 
     available to the public.
       (c) Application to Federal Grants and Contracts.--
     Subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect 360 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act.
       (d) Exception.--Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to 
     grants or contracts authorized under sections 6201 and 6203.
       And the Senate agree to the same.
     From the Committee on Science and Technology, for 
     consideration of the House bill and the Senate amendment, and 
     modifications committed to conference:
     Bart Gordon,
     Daniel Lipinski,
     Brian Baird,
     David Wu,
     Nick Lampson,
     Mark Udall,
     Gabrielle Giffords,
     Jerry McNerney,
     Vernon J. Ehlers,
     From the Committee on Education and Labor, for consideration 
     of Division C of the Senate amendment, and modifications 
     committed to conference:
     George Miller,
     Rush Holt,
                                Managers on the Part of the House.

     Jeff Bingaman,
     Daniel K. Inouye,
     Edward Kennedy,
     Joseph Lieberman,
     Barbara A. Mikulski,
     John F. Kerry,
     Bill Nelson,
     Pete V. Domenici,
     Ted Stevens,
     Michael B. Enzi,
     Lamar Alexander,
     John Ensign,
     Norm Coleman,
                               Managers on the Part of the Senate.

       JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE

       The managers on the part of the House and the Senate at the 
     conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the 
     amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 2272) to invest in 
     innovation through research and development, and to improve 
     the competitiveness of the United States, submit the 
     following joint statement to the House and the Senate in 
     explanation of the effect of the action agreed upon by the 
     managers and recommended in the accompanying conference 
     report:

[[Page H9453]]

   TITLE I--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY; GOVERNMENT-WIDE 
                                SCIENCE


           national science and technology summit (sec. 1001)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1101) that 
     would require the President to convene a National Science and 
     Technology Summit within 180 days of enactment to evaluate 
     the health and direction of the nation's science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics enterprises and to identify key 
     research and technology challenges and recommendations for 
     research and development investment over the next five years.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to subsections (a) and (b) and agrees to 
     modified text for subsection (c).


              study on barriers to innovation (sec. 1002)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1102) that 
     requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology 
     Policy (OSTP) to enter into a contract with the National 
     Academy of Sciences one year after enactment and four years 
     after enactment to conduct a study to identify forms of risk 
     that create barriers to innovation. The study is intended to 
     review the long-term value of innovation to the business 
     community and to identify means to mitigate risks presently 
     associated with such innovation activities.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate provision with the removal 
     of paragraphs (a)(13) and (a)(14).


          national technology and innovation medal (sec. 1003)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1103) that 
     amends Section 16 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 
     Innovation Act of 1980 to rename the ``National Technology 
     Medal'' as the ``National Technology and Innovation Medal.''
       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 205) that 
     establishes the Presidential Innovation Award to be presented 
     periodically, on the basis of recommendations from the 
     director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to 
     citizens or permanent residents of the United States who 
     develop unique scientific or engineering ideas judged to 
     stimulate scientific and engineering advances in the national 
     interest, to illustrate the linkage between science and 
     engineering and national needs, and to provide an example to 
     excite the interest of students in science or engineering 
     professions.
       The House recedes.


semiannual science, technology, engineering, and mathematics days (sec. 
                                 1004)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1105) that 
     expresses the Sense of Congress that OSTP should encourage 
     all elementary and middle schools to observe a Science, 
     Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Day twice in every 
     school year for the purpose of facilitating the interaction 
     between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     mentors and grade school students. This section also 
     expresses a Sense of Congress that OSTP should encourage 
     involvement of federal employees, the private sector, and 
     institutions of higher learning in such days.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


                  study of service science (sec. 1005)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1106) that 
     would express a Sense of Congress that the Federal Government 
     should better understand and respond strategically to the 
     emerging management and learning discipline known as 
     ``service science.'' The provision would require the Director 
     of OSTP, through the National Academy of Sciences, to conduct 
     a study on how the Federal Government should best support 
     service science through research, education, and training.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to change the report 
     requirement from 270 days to 1 year.


   president's council on innovation and competitiveness (sec. 1006)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1201) that 
     would require the President to establish a President's 
     Council on Innovation and Competitiveness to develop a 
     comprehensive agenda to promote innovation in the public and 
     private sectors. The Council, which could be constituted by 
     designating an existing body to perform its functions, would 
     include the Secretaries of Commerce, Defense, Education, 
     Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Labor, and 
     Treasury along with the heads of the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, 
     the National Science Foundation, the Office of the United 
     States Trade Representative, the Office of Management and 
     Budget, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the 
     Environmental Protection Agency, the Small Business 
     Administration, and other relevant federal agencies involved 
     in innovation. As the President's Council on Innovation and 
     Competitiveness develops a comprehensive agenda for 
     strengthening innovation and competitiveness it should 
     consult with advisors from the private sector, labor, 
     scientific organizations, academic organizations, and other 
     nongovernmental organizations working in the area of science 
     or technology.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


      national coordination of research infrastructure (sec. 1007)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 206) that 
     establishes a National Coordination Office for Research 
     Infrastructure under the OSTP to identify and prioritize 
     deficiencies in research facilities and instrumentation in 
     academic institutions and national laboratories and to make 
     recommendations for use of funding authorized. The Office is 
     directed to report to Congress annually at the time of the 
     Administration's budget proposal.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Conferees agree to modified language that directs the 
     Director of the OSTP to identify and prioritize the 
     deficiencies in research facilities and major instrumentation 
     located at Federal laboratories and national user facilities 
     at academic institutions that are widely accessible for use 
     by researchers in the United States. The provision also 
     requires the Director of OSTP to annually submit to Congress, 
     in support of the President's budget, a report setting forth 
     the deficiencies in research infrastructure, projects, and 
     budget proposals of Federal research facilities for major 
     instrumentation acquisitions that are included in the budget 
     and an explanation of how the projects and instrumentation 
     acquisitions relate to the identified deficiencies and 
     priorities.


   sense of congress on innovation acceleration research (sec. 1008)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1202) that 
     would require the President, through the head of each Federal 
     research agency, to establish the ``Innovation Acceleration 
     Research Program'' to support and promote innovation in the 
     United States by requiring each department or agency that 
     sponsors scientific research to set as a goal 8 percent of 
     its annual research budget to be directed toward innovation 
     acceleration research.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Conferees agree to a modified provision that expresses 
     the Sense of Congress that each Federal research agency 
     should strive to support and promote innovation through high-
     risk, high-reward basic research and set a goal of allocating 
     an appropriate percentage of its annual basic research budget 
     to funding high-risk, high-reward basic research projects.


           release of scientific research results (sec. 1009)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1104) that 
     would require the Director of OSTP, in consultation with the 
     Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the 
     heads of all Federal civilian agencies that conduct 
     scientific research, to develop and issue a set of principles 
     for the communication of scientific information by government 
     scientists, policy makers, and managers to the public within 
     90 days after the date of enactment.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with a clarifying amendment.

        TITLE II--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION


             nasa's contribution to innovation (sec. 2001)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 209) that 
     expresses the Sense of the Congress that a balanced and 
     robust program in science, aeronautics, exploration, and 
     human space flight at NASA, as authorized in the NASA 
     Authorization Act of 2005, contributes significantly to 
     national innovation and competitiveness. It also directs the 
     NASA Administrator to participate fully in interagency 
     efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness 
     through scientific research and development.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1301) that 
     directs that NASA be regarded as a full participant in 
     interagency activities to promote competitiveness and 
     innovation and to enhance science, technology, engineering, 
     and mathematics education, provided that such efforts are 
     consistent with NASA's mission, including authorized 
     activities. It also identifies NASA's balanced science 
     program as an essential part of NASA's contribution to 
     innovation in and the economic competitiveness of the United 
     States and that funding NASA at the levels authorized in the 
     NASA Authorization Act of 2005 would enable NASA's programs 
     to contribute to U.S. innovation and competitiveness.
       The House recedes with modifications.


                         aeronautics (sec.2002)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1302) that 
     would consolidate NASA's aeronautics research authorized 
     under the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 into an Aeronautics 
     Institute for Research within NASA. It would require the 
     Institute to cooperate with relevant programs in the 
     Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, the 
     Department of Commerce, and the Department of Homeland 
     Security, including the Joint Planning and Development Office 
     established under the VISION 100-Century of Aviation 
     Reauthorization Act. The Aeronautics Institute would be 
     allowed to accept assistance, staff, and funding from other 
     federal departments and agencies.

[[Page H9454]]

       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Conferees agree to modified language that includes a 
     Sense of Congress that NASA's aeronautics research and 
     development program has been an important contributor to 
     innovation and to the competitiveness of the United States, 
     and that NASA should maintain its capabilities to advance the 
     state of aeronautics. The provision also includes language 
     that directs the Administrator to coordinate NASA's 
     aeronautics activities with relevant departments and 
     agencies.


                 basic research enhancement (sec. 2003)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1303) that 
     establishes, within NASA, a Basic Research Executive council 
     to oversee the distribution and management of programs and 
     resources engaged in support of basic research activity 
     including the most senior agency official representing the 
     space science, earth science, life and microgravity sciences, 
     and aeronautical research areas. The duties of the Council 
     will be to set criteria for identification of basic research, 
     set priority of research activity, review and evaluate 
     research activity, make recommendations regarding needed 
     adjustments in research activities, and provide annual 
     reports to Congress on research activities.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Conferees agree to strike all but subsection (a) as 
     amended.


               aging workforce issues program (sec. 2004)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1304) that 
     expresses the Sense of Congress that the NASA Administrator 
     should implement a program to address aging workforce issues 
     in aerospace that would document technical and management 
     experiences of senior NASA employees before they leave the 
     Administration, provide incentives for retirees to return to 
     NASA to teach new NASA employees about their lessons and 
     experiences, and provide for the development of an award to 
     recognize and reward senior NASA employees for their 
     contribution to knowledge sharing.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


 sense of the congress regarding nasa's undergraduate student research 
                          program (sec. 2005)

       The Senate amendment contained no provision.
       The House bill contained no provision.
       The Conferees agree to include a provision to express the 
     Sense of Congress that in order to generate interest in 
     careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     and to help train the next generation of space and 
     aeronautics scientists, technologists, engineers, and 
     mathematicians, the Administrator should utilize NASA's 
     existing Undergraduate Student Research Program to support 
     basic research projects on subjects relevant to NASA.


use of international space station national laboratory to support math 
         and science education and competitiveness (sec. 2006)

       The Senate amendment contained no provision.
       The House bill contained no provision.
       The Conferees agree to include a provision to express the 
     Sense of Congress that the International Space Station 
     National Laboratory offers unique opportunities for 
     educational activities and provides a unique resource for 
     research and development in science, technology, and 
     engineering which can enhance the global competitiveness of 
     the United States. The provision also directs the 
     Administrator to develop detailed plans for implementing one 
     or more education projects that utilize the International 
     Space Station and identifying and supporting research to be 
     conducted aboard the International Space Station.
     Fiscal Year 2008 basic science and research funding
       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1306) that 
     increases funding for basic science and research, including 
     for the Explorer program, for fiscal year 2008 by $160 
     million by transferring such amount for such purpose from 
     NASA accounts. The availability of these funds is made 
     contingent upon unobligated balances being available to NASA.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.
     Conforming amendments
       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1305) that 
     would amend Section 101(d) of the NASA Authorization Act of 
     2005 by adding that the assessment undertaken by NASA 
     examines the number and content of science activities which 
     may be considered as fundamental, or basic research, whether 
     incorporated within specific missions or conducted 
     independently of any specific mission. In addition, this 
     section would require NASA to assess how NASA science 
     activities can best be structured to ensure that basic and 
     fundamental research can be effectively maintained and 
     coordinated in response to national goals in competitiveness 
     and innovation.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.

       TITLE III--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY


              authorization of appropriations (sec. 3001)

       The House bill contained provisions (sec. 411 and 412) that 
     authorize appropriations for the next three fiscal years. 
     Included in the House provisions were authorizations for 
     Science and Technical Research and Services of $470.9 million 
     for Laboratory Activities, $7.9 million for the Malcolm 
     Baldrige National Quality Award Program, and $93.9 million 
     for Construction and Maintenance in FY08; $497.8 million for 
     Laboratory Activities, $8.1 million for the Malcolm Baldrige 
     National Quality Award Program, and $86.4 million for 
     Construction and Maintenance in FY09; and $537.6 million for 
     Laboratory Activities, $8.3 million for the Malcolm Baldrige 
     National Quality Award Program, and $49.7 million for 
     Construction and Maintenance in FY10. In addition, the House 
     provision authorizes for Industrial Technology Services: $223 
     million for FY08, of which $110 million is for the Technology 
     Innovation Program (TIP) of which at least $45 million shall 
     be for new awards, and $113 million is for the Manufacturing 
     Extension Partnership (MEP) Program of which not more than $1 
     million is for the MEP competitive grant program; $263.5 
     million for FY09, of which $141.5 million is for the TIP of 
     which at least $45 million shall be for new awards, and $122 
     million is for the MEP of which not more than $4 million is 
     for the MEP competitive grant program; and $282.3 million for 
     FY10, of which $150.5 million is for the TIP of which at 
     least $45 million shall be for new awards, and $131.8 million 
     is for the MEP of which not more than $4 million is for the 
     MEP competitive grant program.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1401) that 
     authorized appropriations for the next four fiscal years. The 
     Senate provision authorizes $703.6 million in FY08 of which 
     $115 million is for the MEP; $774 million in FY09 of which 
     $122 million is for the MEP; $851.4 million in FY10 of which 
     $131.8 million is for the MEP; and $936.5 million in FY11 of 
     which $142.3 million is for the MEP.
       The Conferees agree to alternate language that authorizes 
     NIST appropriations for three years and at sums for Science 
     and Technical Research and Services of $502.1 million for 
     Laboratory Activities and $150.9 million for Construction and 
     Maintenance in FY08; $541.9 million for Laboratory Activities 
     and $86.4 million for Construction and Maintenance in FY09; 
     and $584.8 million for Laboratory Activities and $49.7 
     million for Construction and Maintenance in FY10. In 
     addition, the Conferees authorize for Industrial Technology 
     Services: $210 million for FY08, of which $100 million is for 
     the Technology Innovation Program (TIP) of which at least $40 
     million shall be for new awards, and $110 million is for the 
     Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program of which 
     not more than $1 million is for the MEP competitive grant 
     program; $253.5 million for FY09, of which $131.5 million is 
     for the TIP of which at least $40 million shall be for new 
     awards, and $122 million is for the MEP of which not more 
     than $4 million is for the MEP competitive grant program; and 
     $272.3 million for FY10, of which $140.5 million is for the 
     TIP of which at least $40 million shall be for new awards, 
     and $131.8 million is for the MEP of which not more than $4 
     million is for the MEP competitive grant program.


 amendments to the stevenson-wydler technology innovation act of 1980 
                               (sec.3002)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1402) that 
     eliminates the Technology Administration and the Under 
     Secretary of Commerce for Technology at the Department of 
     Commerce, and makes conforming amendments.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Conferees agree to a modified provision that 
     restructures the Technology Administration Authority and 
     makes appropriate conforming amendments, including 
     clarification that the Directors of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology and the National Technical 
     Information Service shall report directly to the Secretary of 
     Commerce.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1405) that 
     re-establishes the Experimental Program to Stimulate 
     Competitive Technology (EPSCoT), which was previously managed 
     by the Technology Administration, at NIST. In making awards 
     under this section the NIST Director is directed to ensure 
     that the awards are made on a competitive basis. Special 
     emphasis would be given to projects which would increase the 
     participation of women, Native Americans (including Native 
     Hawaiians and Alaska Natives) and other under-represented 
     groups in science and technology. The program has a matching 
     requirement of not less than 50 percent.
       The House bill contains no similar provision.
       The Conferees agree to a modified provision that transfers 
     the responsibility of the EPSCoT to the Secretary of Commerce 
     rather than the Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology as in the original Senate provision.


            manufacturing extension partnership (sec. 3003)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1407) that 
     would amend paragraph 3 of section 25(c) of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology Act to clarify that a 
     MEP Center that receives Federal aid must pay for at least 50 
     percent of the costs incurred in operating the Center with 
     funding from non-Federal sources for the first 3 years and an 
     increasing percentage for the

[[Page H9455]]

     last three years in which the Center is receiving aid under 
     the program. All non-Federal funding that a Center receives 
     from private industry, universities, and State governments, 
     may be included as a portion of the Center's 50 percent or 
     greater funding obligation, if it is determined by the Center 
     to be programmatically reasonable and allocable.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to a modified provision.
       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 423(A)) that 
     creates an independent and outside Advisory Board for the MEP 
     to assess and provide advice on MEP programs, plans, 
     policies, and performance.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.
       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 423(B)) that 
     allows the MEP to accept funds from the private sector and 
     other Federal departments and agencies. The provision 
     specifies that these funds shall not be considered in the 
     calculation of the Federal cost-share.
       The Senate amendment contained a similar provision (sec. 
     1404 (b)) that allows the MEP to accept funds from the 
     private sector and other Federal departments and agencies and 
     stipulates that any private sector funding would not be 
     considered a part of the Federal share in the calculation of 
     the Federal cost-share. Funding accepted from other Federal 
     departments or agencies may be considered in the calculation 
     of the Federal cost share.
       The Conferees agree to a modified provision that allows the 
     MEP to accept funds from the private sector and other Federal 
     departments and agencies. Any private sector funding would 
     not be considered a part of the Federal share in the 
     calculation of the Federal cost-share. When funds are 
     accepted from other Federal departments or agencies, the 
     provision specifies that the Director shall make the 
     determination if funds from other Federal departments and 
     agencies shall be considered a part of the Federal share in 
     the calculation of the Federal cost share.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1404(a)) 
     that amends section 25(c)(5) of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Act (15 USC 278(c)(5)) by inserting 
     a probationary program for MEP Centers that have not received 
     a satisfactory rating. If a Center's performance has not 
     improved in one year, the Director would be required to 
     conduct a competition to select a new operator for the 
     Center.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes.
       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 423(C)) that 
     establishes a competitive grants program for MEP Centers or 
     consortia of Centers. The grants are for Centers to conduct 
     projects to solve new or emerging manufacturing problems. 
     Awardees are not required to provide matching funds.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


               institute-wide planning report (sec. 3004)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 421) that 
     requires the Director of NIST to submit a 3-year programmatic 
     planning document for NIST to Congress and submit yearly 
     updates thereafter.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


                report by visiting committee (sec. 3005)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 422) that 
     changes the reporting requirement for the Visiting Committee 
     on Advanced Technology to be due 30 days after the budget 
     submission and to comment on the NIST Director's 3-year 
     planning document.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


   meetings of visiting committee on advanced technology (sec. 3006)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 428) that 
     reduces the frequency of meetings for the Visiting Committee 
     on Advanced Technology from quarterly to twice annually.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


     collaborative manufacturing research pilot grants (sec. 3007)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 426) that 
     establishes a collaborative manufacturing research pilot 
     grant program for partnerships between at least one industry 
     and one non-industry partner, with the purpose of fostering 
     collaboration and conducting applied research on 
     manufacturing. The award can be no more than one-third of the 
     cost of the partnership, with no more than an additional one-
     third coming from other Federal sources. NIST will run one 
     pilot competition and awards will be for three years.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision
       The Senate recedes.


              manufacturing fellowship program (sec. 3008)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 427) that 
     establishes a program of postdoctoral and senior research 
     fellowships at NIST in manufacturing sciences.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


     procurement of temporary and intermittent services (sec. 3009)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 449) that 
     authorizes NIST to issue up to 200 personal services 
     contracts per year to procure the temporary or intermittent 
     services of scientific and technical experts and consultants. 
     The authority expires in 2010.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


                  malcolm baldrige awards (sec. 3010)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 450) that raises 
     to 18 the limit on the number of annual awards under the 
     Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program and removes 
     category restrictions.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


  report on national institute of standards and technology efforts to 
  recruit and retain early career science and engineering researchers 
                              (sec. 3011)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 208) that 
     requires the Director of NIST to report on efforts to recruit 
     and retain young scientists and engineers at the early stages 
     of their careers.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


               technology innovation program (sec. 3012)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 424) that 
     repeals the existing Advanced Technology Program (ATP) 
     statute and creates the Technology Innovation Program (TIP). 
     The purpose of TIP is to assist businesses and universities 
     to accelerate the development of high-risk technologies that 
     will have broad-based economic impact. The TIP will make 
     awards to either small- or medium-sized businesses or joint 
     ventures. Awards made to single companies can be for no more 
     than $3 million over three years. Awards made to joint 
     ventures may not exceed $9 million over five years. (A joint 
     venture includes either two separately owned for-profit 
     companies with the lead being a small- or medium-sized 
     business, or at least one small- or medium-sized business and 
     one institution of higher education.) The Federal share of a 
     project shall not exceed 50 percent. To participate in the 
     TIP an eligible company must be majority owned by U.S. 
     citizens or owned by a parent company incorporated in another 
     country provided that the company's participation is in U.S. 
     economic interests. The provision establishes minimum 
     criteria for the selection of awards based upon scientific 
     and technological merit, the project's potential for benefits 
     that extend beyond direct return to the applicant, the 
     applicant's ability to manage the award successfully and an 
     explanation of why TIP support is necessary. In the case of 
     joint ventures, language is included to ensure that 
     intellectual property is to vest in any participant as agreed 
     to by the joint venture participants. The provisions requires 
     the TIP to continue funding awards made under the prior 
     Advanced Technology Program, requires the Director to 
     coordinate with other Federal agencies to ensure there is no 
     duplication of efforts, and allows the TIP to accept funds 
     from other Federal agencies. An Advisory board is established 
     to provide independent advice on TIP operations and planning.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Conferees agree to accept a modified version of the 
     House provision. The modifications clarify that the focus of 
     the program is to support, promote, and accelerate innovation 
     in the United States through high-risk, high-reward research 
     in areas of critical national need, and establish that large 
     companies may not receive any TIP funding. The modified 
     version also includes a list of award criteria requiring the 
     applicant to: establish that the proposed technology has 
     strong potential to address critical national needs through 
     transforming the Nation's capacity to deal with major 
     societal challenges that are not currently being addressed; 
     provide evidence that the research will not be conducted 
     within a reasonable time period without TIP assistance; 
     demonstrate that reasonable efforts were made by the 
     applicant to secure funding from alternative sources and that 
     no other alternative funding sources were reasonably 
     available; and demonstrate that other entities have not 
     already developed, commercialized, marketed, distributed or 
     sold similar technologies. In addition, the Director shall 
     transmit to Congress an annual report on the program's 
     activities. The TIP may accept funds from other Federal 
     agencies, and these funds will be included as part of the 
     Federal cost share of any TIP project. The section also 
     provides a definition of ``high-risk, high-reward research.''


    technical amendments to the national institute of standards and 
       technology act and other technical amendments (sec. 3013)

       The House bill contained several provisions (sec. 425, 442, 
     443, 445, 446, 447, and 448) that make technical amendments 
     to the NIST Act. These provisions: raise the limitation on 
     the amount NIST can spend on research fellowships from 1 
     percent to 1.5 percent of the total appropriations; authorize 
     NIST to enter into grants and cooperative agreements in 
     addition to its current authority to enter into contracts and 
     cooperative research and development agreements; authorize 
     NIST to transfer up to 0.25 percent of its

[[Page H9456]]

     total appropriations, and any funds from other agencies given 
     to NIST to produce Standard Reference Materials, into the 
     Working Capital Fund; repeal an outdated statute requiring 
     the NIST Director to establish a program to evaluate non-
     energy inventions; clarify in statute that the metric system 
     used in the U.S. is the modern system of metric measurement 
     units; eliminate archaic, special-case language related to 
     the definition of units of electrical and light measurement; 
     and specify that standard time in the US is Coordinated 
     Universal Time and fix technical problems in statute with the 
     time zone definitions.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1406) that 
     makes technical amendments to the NIST Act as requested in 
     previous years by the President. These provisions: eliminate 
     the limitation on the amount NIST can spend on research 
     fellowships; authorize NIST to enter in grants and 
     cooperative agreements in addition to its current authority 
     to enter in contracts and cooperative research and 
     development agreements; authorize NIST to purchase 
     memberships in scientific organizations and pay registration 
     fees for NIST employees' attendance at conferences; clarify 
     in statute that the metric system used in the U.S. is the 
     modern system of metric measurement units; eliminate archaic, 
     special-case language related to the definition of units of 
     electrical and light measurement; specify that standard time 
     in the U.S. is Coordinated Universal Time and fix technical 
     problems in statute with the time zone definitions; and 
     repeal an outdated statute requiring the NIST Director to 
     establish a program to evaluate non-energy inventions.
       The Senate recedes to sec 425 of the House bill.
       The Conferees agree to include all House and Senate 
     provisions, except the Working Capital Fund Transfers (sec. 
     443 of the House bill) and the authorization for NIST to 
     purchase memberships in scientific organizations and pay 
     registration fees for NIST employees' attendance at 
     conferences (sec. 1406(b)(2) of the Senate amendment).


            retention of depreciation surcharge (sec. 3014)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 444) that allows 
     NIST to retain the building use and depreciation surcharge 
     fees that are charged by the General Services Administration.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


                   post-doctoral fellows (sec. 3015)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 441) that raises 
     the cap on the number of post-doctoral fellows that NIST can 
     accept each year from 60 to 120.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.
     Innovation acceleration
       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1403) that 
     establishes an Innovation Acceleration grants program at NIST 
     to be known as the ``Standards and Technology Acceleration 
     Research Program.'' The purpose of the program is to support 
     and promote innovation in the United States through high-
     risk, high-reward research. No less than 8 percent of the 
     funds available to NIST are for this program, and they shall 
     be taken from the funds available to NIST for Laboratory 
     Activities. At least 80 percent of the funds available to the 
     program shall be used to award competitive, merit-reviewed 
     grants, cooperative agreements or contracts to public or 
     private entities, including businesses and universities. The 
     Director is required to ensure that any resulting 
     intellectual property from awards under the program shall 
     vest in a United States entity that can commercialize the 
     technology in a timely manner. Each funded project would be 
     required to have a least one small- or medium-sized business 
     and would receive priority when educational institutions are 
     involved. The Director is required to solicit proposals 
     annually to address areas of national need for high-risk, 
     high-reward research. ``High-risk, high-reward research'' is 
     defined as research that: 1) has the potential for yielding 
     results with far-ranging or wide-ranging implications, 2) 
     addresses critical national needs related to measurement 
     standards and technology, and 3) is too novel or too 
     interdisciplinary to fare well in the traditional peer-review 
     process.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.
     Manufacturing research database
       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 429) that 
     requires NIST to establish a manufacturing research database 
     to enable private sector individuals and Federal officials to 
     access a broad range of information on manufacturing research 
     supported by Federal funding. NIST may charge a nominal fee 
     for use of the database. This section authorizes $2 million 
     for these activities.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes.

                TITLE IV--OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC PROGRAMS


   ocean and atmospheric research and development program (sec. 4001)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1501) that 
     directs the Administrator of NOAA, in consultation with the 
     NASA and the NSF, to establish a coordinated program of 
     ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmospheric research, in 
     collaboration with academic and nongovernmental entities, 
     that is focused on the development of advanced technologies 
     and analytic methods to promote U.S. leadership in ocean and 
     atmospheric science and competitiveness in the uses of such 
     knowledge.
       The House bill contains no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


   noaa ocean and atmospheric science education programs (sec. 4002)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1502) that 
     directs the Administrator of NOAA to develop, conduct, and 
     coordinate education activities, built upon existing NOAA 
     programs, to increase public awareness of ocean, coastal, 
     Great Lakes, and atmospheric science and stewardship. The 
     Administrator of NOAA is also directed to develop a science 
     education plan for the next twenty years and evaluate and 
     update the education plan every five years thereafter.
       The House bill contains no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


             noaa's contribution to innovation (sec. 4003)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (sec. 1503) that 
     directs that NOAA is to be a full participant in interagency 
     efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness, 
     consistent with the agency mission.
       The House contains no similar provision.
       The House recedes.

                     TITLE V--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


  mathematics, science and engineering education at the department of 
                           energy (sec. 5003)

       The Senate amendment (section 2003) contained a provision 
     that would amend the Department of Energy Science Education 
     Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381a) to establish a Director of 
     Mathematics, Science and Engineering Education, reporting to 
     the Undersecretary of Science. The Director would be 
     responsible for coordinating Mathematics, Science and 
     Engineering Education across the Department of Energy; 
     preparing unified budgets; and acting as the interagency 
     liaison for this area. The Secretary is directed to establish 
     a separate fund to which 0.3 percent of funds made available 
     to the Department for research, development, demonstration 
     and commercial application activities for each fiscal year 
     are made available to carry out activities authorized in this 
     Act.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate with an amendment requiring 
     along with the Department's annual budget proposal a 
     description of how funds were spent from this fund in the 
     prior fiscal year and a proposal for how they will be spent 
     in the fiscal year of the budget proposal.


   pilot program of grants to specialty schools for mathematics and 
                      science (sec. 5003, chpt. 1)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision to establish a 
     competitive grant program to assist States in establishing or 
     expanding public, statewide specialty schools that provide 
     comprehensive mathematics, science, engineering and 
     technology education. The provision authorized scientific and 
     engineering staff of the National Laboratories to assist in 
     teaching courses in statewide specialty schools in 
     mathematics and science education, and to use National 
     Laboratory scientific equipment in the teaching of courses. 
     The Federal share of the costs of establishing or expanding 
     public statewide specialty schools for mathematics and 
     science would not exceed 50 percent. The Senate amendment 
     provided $140 million over 4 years for these schools.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment authorizing a 3-year 
     pilot program; setting a cap on the award amount and duration 
     for each State; reducing the Federal share; clarifying the 
     required uses of funds; and reducing the total authorization 
     to $66.5 million over fiscal years 2008 through 2010.
       The conferees intend for all 50 states to be eligible to 
     participate in the pilot program, and that schools serve 
     students residing in the State where the school is located 
     and offer a high quality comprehensive math, science, 
     engineering and technology curriculum designed to improve 
     academic achievement in those areas. The conferees intend for 
     the specialty schools to integrate parental involvement into 
     curricula.


     experiential-based learning opportunities (sec. 5003, chpt. 2)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision to establish 
     summer internships, including internships at the National 
     Laboratories, for middle and high school students to promote 
     experiential, hands-on learning in math and science. The 
     Senate amendment provided $60 million over 4 years for 
     these internships.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to reduce the total 
     authorization to $22.5 million over fiscal years 2008 through 
     2010.
       The conferees do not intend for this provision to override 
     any policies of the Department as they pertain to liability 
     concerns with hosting minors onsite at the National 
     Laboratories.

[[Page H9457]]

  national laboratories centers of excellence in science, technology, 
       engineering and mathematics education (sec. 5003, chpt. 3)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision to establish a 
     program at each of the National Laboratories to support a 
     Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at one high 
     need public secondary school located in the region of the 
     National Laboratory.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment providing the National 
     Laboratories flexibility to designate more than 1 high-need 
     school in the region as a Center of Excellence; clarifying 
     the eligibility requirement for partnerships with 
     institutions of higher education; and permitting nonprofit 
     entities to participate in the partnerships.
       The conferees intend for the institutions of higher 
     education and any nonprofit partners in this program to have 
     long-standing expertise in teacher training, including pre-
     service preparation and postgraduate professional development 
     of teachers and other school personnel. In addition, the 
     conferees intend that the schools and students throughout the 
     region benefit from the Centers of Excellence through the 
     distribution of best practices and teacher training at the 
     Centers.


                 summer institutes (sec. 5003, chpt. 4)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision to establish 
     programs of summer institutes, at both the National 
     Laboratories and at eligible partner institutions, including 
     universities and certain nonprofits, to strengthen the 
     teaching skills of K-12 math and science teachers. The 
     provision gave priority to the establishment of summer 
     institutes that provide training to teachers from a wide 
     range of high need school districts. The Senate amendment 
     provided $190 million over 4 years for these institutes.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment clarifying the 
     definitions of ``eligible partner'' and ``summer institute''; 
     establishing selection criteria for eligible partners; 
     clarifying the assistance provided by the National 
     Laboratories to the eligible partners; specifying the 
     required and allowable uses of funds under this program; and 
     reducing the total authorization to $60 million over fiscal 
     years 2008 through 2010.
       The conferees intend for this provision to create two 
     programs. The first program would provide funds to the 
     National Laboratories to establish or expand existing summer 
     institutes on-site. The conferees encourage the National 
     Laboratories to leverage the federal contribution by 
     continuing to solicit state and local government support 
     along with that of the private sector for these summer 
     institutes. The second program would allow National 
     Laboratory resources, including staff and equipment, to be 
     used to assist eligible partner institutions seeking to 
     establish or expand their own summer institutes. Provision of 
     such assistance may require travel and other expenditures by 
     the National Laboratories. However, the conferees do not 
     intend for any of the funds authorized under this program to 
     be made available directly to eligible partners but that 
     funds shall be made available through the National 
     Laboratories to the eligible partner for the costs associated 
     with hosting an institute provided that the Department of 
     Energy shall ensure adequate oversight of such funds. It is 
     the intent of the conferees that the National Laboratory seek 
     partnerships in which the National Laboratory contributes 
     unique expertise and resources. Under the definition of 
     eligible partners the conferees intend for the institution of 
     higher education that provides training for teachers and 
     principals to have strong and longstanding expertise in 
     teacher training, including pre-service preparation and 
     postgraduate professional development for teachers and other 
     school personnel.


  nuclear science talent expansion program for institutions of higher 
education (sec. 5004) and hydrocarbon systems science talent expansion 
        program for institutions of higher education (sec. 5005)

       The Senate bill contained a provision, Section 2003, 
     Chapter 5 that would create a program of grants to 
     institutions of higher education to create or expand research 
     and education programs in nuclear science. The Senate 
     provision placed the authority for this program under the 
     newly created Director of Mathematics, Science and 
     Engineering Education, a position reporting to the 
     Undersecretary for Science. The Senate bill provided $139.5 
     million over 4 years for these grants.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment removing this program 
     from the authority of the newly created Director and 
     elevating it to the level of the Secretary; giving the 
     Secretary more flexibility in determining the duration of 
     grants; creating an additional program for hydrocarbon 
     systems sciences; and reducing the overall authorizations for 
     the program.
       The conferees believe that the Office of Science and the 
     Office of Nuclear Energy have distinct roles in supporting 
     nuclear science research and education. Accordingly, the 
     conferees do not intend the new program created in this 
     provision to be a replacement for the existing University 
     Nuclear Science and Engineering Support program authorized in 
     Sec. 954 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT). In 
     particular, the conferees believe that the Office of Nuclear 
     Energy has the responsibility to support university research 
     and training reactors and associated infrastructure, as 
     described in subsection (d) of Sec. 954. In addition, while 
     nuclear sciences has been defined broadly in Sec. 5004 to 
     include a range of fields with varying degrees of relevance 
     to the nuclear energy mission of the Department, it is the 
     intent of the conferees that the Office of Nuclear Energy 
     maintain its primary responsibility for supporting research 
     and human infrastructure development in areas identified by 
     the Secretary as critical to the near term nuclear energy 
     mission. Such support may be in the form of fellowships or 
     research grants as authorized in Sec. 954 of EPACT, or in the 
     form of institutional grants authorized under this Act. The 
     conferees believe that the Office of Science should 
     participate in the new program only in support of basic 
     sciences, which may include fields like separations chemistry 
     that are relevant to the long-term nuclear energy research 
     plan. The conferees encourage the Secretary to allocate 
     responsibilities under this provision accordingly.
       The conferees intend for the program of grants to 
     institutions of higher education to create or expand research 
     and education programs in hydrocarbon systems 
     science authorized in Section 5005 to begin to address the 
     decline in resources dedicated to hydrocarbons systems 
     science education at institutions of higher education and 
     bolster the number of graduates with degrees in 
     hydrocarbon systems science. The conferees believe that 
     increasing hydrocarbon systems science programs at 
     institutions of higher education will rebuild the science 
     and engineering capabilities of the nation in this 
     critical energy sector. Programs to educate and create 
     graduates of hydrocarbon systems science are needed to 
     replace forecasted workforce shortages in this area due to 
     retirements of aging hydrocarbon systems science 
     professionals. The conferees seek to address this 
     workforce challenge in the nation's energy industry.


                    Early career grants (sec. 5006)

       The House bill contained a provision (section 203) to award 
     grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of 
     their careers in academia or in nonprofit, non-degree 
     granting research organizations to conduct research in fields 
     relevant to the mission of the Department, giving priority to 
     grants expanding energy production and use through coal-to-
     liquids technology and advanced nuclear reprocessing. The 
     grants provide 5 years of research funding support at a 
     minimum of $80 thousand per year per award and are based upon 
     merit.
       The Senate amendment contained a similar provision (section 
     2004) to award early career grants of not more than $100 
     thousand annually for up to 5 years to scientists and 
     engineers within 10 years of completing their doctorate, 
     particularly at National Laboratories or other federally 
     funded research and development centers.
       The Senate recedes to the House provision with an amendment 
     expanding eligibility for early career awards to include 
     scientists at the National Laboratories; requiring an award 
     ceiling of $125 thousand per year; [and striking the priority 
     given to coal-to-liquids technology and advanced nuclear 
     reprocessing.]


              Office of Science authorization (sec. 5007)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 2006) 
     that amended section 971(b) of the Energy Policy Act (42 
     U.S.C. 16311(B)) by lowering the authorization for the Office 
     of Science in fiscal year 2009 from $5.2 billion to $4.8 
     billion and extending the authorization out to fiscal year 
     2010 to $4.945 billion and fiscal year 2011 to $5.265 billion 
     consistent with the President's American Competitiveness 
     Initiative.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate with an amendment that 
     retains the authorization levels for the Office of Science 
     found in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and adds an additional 
     year of authorization in Fiscal Year 2010, increasing it to 
     $5.814 billion.


                Discovery science institutes (sec. 5008)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 2007) 
     to select, based upon merit, 3 multidisciplinary institutes 
     centered at National Laboratories to apply fundamental 
     science and engineering discoveries to technological 
     innovations related to missions of the Department and the 
     global competitiveness of the United States. The institutes 
     would partner with institutions of higher education to train 
     engineering students and work with private industry, state 
     and local governments and financing entities, such as venture 
     capital funds, to transition innovative technologies from the 
     institutes to the private sector.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment striking the 
     partnership with state and local governments as well as 
     financing entities and limiting the funding of any one 
     institute to three years in duration.


     Protecting America's Competitive Edge Fellowships (sec. 5009)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 2008) 
     that would award competitive, merit-based, portable 
     fellowships not exceeding 5 years in duration to students 
     pursuing a Ph.D. at an institution of higher

[[Page H9458]]

     education in a field relevant to the mission of the 
     Department. Selection criteria included that the applicants 
     be in the upper 10 percent of their class. Funding was 
     authorized based on a fellowship of $40 thousand--$50 
     thousand per year, including a stipend, tuition and 
     incidentals. The enumerated authorizations were to fund in 
     fiscal year 2008 200 fellowships, increasing in fiscal year 
     2011 to 700 fellowships. A limit on a fee for a third party 
     administrator was placed on the program to approximately 10 
     percent of the fellowship program.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment limiting the duration 
     of the fellowship to 3 years within a 5 year period; 
     eliminating the criterion that applicants be in the upper 10 
     percent of their class; removing the cap on administrative 
     fees; and reducing the total authorization for the program 
     such that the number of fellowships available is 
     approximately 160 in fiscal year 2008 (assuming the same 
     fellowship amount as above), increasing to approximately 430 
     in fiscal year 2010.


 Sense of Congress regarding certain recommendations and reviews (sec. 
                                 5010)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 2009) 
     requiring the Secretary of Energy to implement the 
     recommendations of Government Accountability Report number 
     04-639 and annually conduct compliance reviews of at least 2 
     recipients of Department grants in order to comply with Title 
     IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment expressing a Sense of 
     Congress that the Department comply with the recommendations 
     of GAO report 04-639 and annually conduct reviews in 
     accordance with Title IX of at least 2 grant recipients.


              Distinguished scientist program (sec. 5011)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 2011) 
     to establish a program to support the joint appointment of 
     distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education 
     and National Laboratories. The provision authorized $30 
     million in fiscal year 2008 to support 30 appointments, 
     increasing to $100 million in fiscal year 2010 and 2011 to 
     support 100 appointments at $1 million each, with a 
     requirement for a $1 million cost-match by the institution of 
     higher education.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment reducing the total 
     authorization level to $65 million over fiscal years 2008 
     through 2010.
       It is the intent of the conferees that the amounts 
     authorized for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010 support 
     appointments at approximately $1 million with an equal or 
     greater cost-match by the institution of higher education.


         Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy (sec. 5012)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 2005) 
     that establishes an Advanced Research Projects Authority--
     Energy, enabling the Secretary acting through a Director to 
     fund projects to overcome long-term and high-risk 
     technological barriers to the development of energy 
     technologies. Authorization of the authority was established 
     based on such sum as necessary to carry out this section for 
     Fiscal Years 2008 through 2011. An authorization for ARPA-E 
     was previously contained in Senate bill S. 2197 in the 109th 
     Congress at $250 million annually for Fiscal Years 2008 
     through 2011.
       The House bill contained no such provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment that establishes an 
     Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy, or ARPA-E, whose 
     purpose is to fund collaborative research and development to 
     overcome long-term or high-risk technological barriers in 
     energy technologies that industry by itself will not 
     undertake because of technical and financial uncertainty. 
     ARPA-E is to be headed by a Director nominated by the 
     President and confirmed by the Senate. The conferees expect 
     the President to appoint an acting Director who shall have 
     the full authority allowed to the Director under this Act, to 
     serve from the time ARPA-E is established until the Senate 
     acts to confirm a Director. Similar to the Defense Advanced 
     Research Projects Agency the Director is to establish and 
     monitor project milestones, initiate research projects 
     quickly, and just as quickly terminate or restructure 
     projects if such milestones are not achieved. The Director is 
     to utilize the existing authorities granted to the Department 
     of Energy by Congress to fund projects. Projects should be 
     conducted through teams that utilize the talent, resources 
     and facilities found in the nation?s universities, National 
     Laboratories and the private sector. In the case of awards to 
     consortia that include one or more of the National 
     Laboratories, the conferees intend that the unique, taxpayer-
     funded resources and facilities of the National Laboratories 
     be used to complement the abilities of companies, nonprofits, 
     institutions of higher learning, or other participants in the 
     consortia. The Director is given hiring authority to hire 70 
     to 120 scientific, engineering personnel to act as program 
     managers without regard to civil service laws to quickly 
     offer competitive salaries rivaling those of industry. Use of 
     this hiring authority is limited to a 3 year appointment 
     which may be extended. This ensures that technical program 
     managers pass through ARPA-E with the intent of executing 
     technically challenging projects during their tenure, while 
     circulating new talent and ideas through ARPA-E. A fund is 
     established in the United States Treasury without fiscal year 
     limitation, for ARPA-E, to be included as a separate line 
     item in the annual budget request to the Congress. Likewise, 
     with this separate fund it is the intent that ARPA-E should 
     be a semi-autonomous agency outside the Department of Energy 
     bureaucracy, able to react quickly to the most challenging 
     energy problems in the 21st century to reduce foreign imports 
     of energy, develop revolutionary energy efficient and low-
     emitting technologies, and ensure the United States leads the 
     world in energy technology competitiveness. The conferees 
     intend that funding for ARPA-E be provided through the same 
     appropriations process and subcommittee consideration used 
     for other semi-autonomous agencies of the Department at the 
     time of enactment of this Act. It is the strong intent of the 
     conferees that ARPA-E should not be established at the 
     expense of on-going programs at the Department of Energy. In 
     particular, the conferees intend that ARPA-E be funded to the 
     full extent practicable provided that the Office of Science, 
     the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA), and laboratory 
     directed research and development (LDRD) at the National 
     Laboratories maintain the funding levels they would have 
     received in the absence of ARPA-E. In this regard, the 
     provision contains language specifying that no funds for 
     ARPA-E shall be appropriated unless the appropriation for the 
     Office of Science increases by inflation over Fiscal Year 
     2007. Authorization of appropriations for ARPA-E is 
     established in FY 2008 at $300 million and such sums 
     thereafter for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.
     Provisions deleted


                    High-Risk, High Reward Research

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 2010) 
     that required the Secretary of Energy and the Director of the 
     United States Geological Survey to establish a grant program 
     to conduct high-risk, high-reward research.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes to the House.

          FINAL STATEMENT OF MANAGERS FOR TITLE VI--EDUCATION


                    Findings of Congress (sec. 6001)

       The Senate amendment included findings regarding the 
     importance of improving education to ensure that the nation 
     remains competitive in the global economy.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


                        Definitions (sec. 6002)

       The Senate amendment provided that, unless otherwise 
     specified, all terms used in the division have the same 
     meanings given in section 9101 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act. It also defined critical foreign 
     languages and the Secretary.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes.

                     Subtitle A--Teacher Assistance

              Part I--Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow


                          Purpose (sec. 6111)

       The Senate amendment stated that the purposes of this Part 
     were: to develop and implement programs to provide integrated 
     courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or 
     critical foreign languages, and teacher education that lead 
     to a baccalaureate degree with concurrent teacher 
     certification; to develop and implement master's degree 
     programs that enhance science, mathematics, technology, or 
     critical foreign language teachers? content knowledge and 
     pedagogical skills; and to develop master's degree programs 
     in education for professionals in science, mathematics or 
     critical foreign language fields to become teachers.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to clarify that 
     technology and engineering fields should be supported by the 
     programs in this Part.


                        Definitions (sec. 6112)

       The Senate amendment defined Children from Low-income 
     Families, Eligible Recipient, High-Need Local Educational 
     Agencies, Highly Qualified, Partnership, and Teaching Skills.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to clarify the 
     definition of teaching skills.
       Programs for baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, 
     engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign languages, with 
     concurrent teacher certification (sec. 6113)
       The Senate amendment authorized competitive grants that 
     enable partnerships to develop and implement programs to 
     provide courses of study in mathematics, science, 
     engineering, or critical foreign language in ways that are 
     integrated with teacher education and that lead to a 
     baccalaureate degree with concurrent teacher certification.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to collect data on the 
     retention of program graduates, placing a priority on 
     applications with a focus on placing participants in high 
     need local educational agencies clarifying that technology 
     programs also should be supported and to include a rule of 
     construction maintaining compliance with section 444 of the 
     General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g).

[[Page H9459]]

  Programs for master's degrees in science, technology, engineering, 
         mathematics, or critical foreign language (sec. 6114)

       The Senate amendment authorized competitive grants for 
     partnerships to develop and implement 2- or 3-year part-time 
     master's degree programs in mathematics, science, technology, 
     or critical foreign language education for current teachers 
     to improve their content knowledge and pedagogical skills, 
     and programs for professionals in mathematics, science, 
     engineering, or critical foreign languages that lead to 1-
     year master's degree in teaching that results in teacher 
     certification. The partnerships consist of institutions of 
     higher education, departments of mathematics, engineering, 
     science or critical foreign languages, teacher preparation 
     programs and high-need local educational agencies and their 
     schools.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment that technology and 
     engineering fields should be supported by both programs.


                     General provisions (sec. 6115)

       The Senate amendment includes provisions requiring the 
     programs under sections 6113 and 6114 to provide grants for 
     five years, require applicants to provide matching funds and 
     ensure that grants supplement existing state and federal 
     funding. The Secretary is also required to evaluate the 
     programs and provide an annual report to Congress.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to change House 
     Committee on Education and the Workforce to House Committee 
     on Education and Labor.


              Authorization of appropriations (sec. 6116)

       The Senate amendment authorized $210,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 
     3 succeeding fiscal years, of which 57.1 percent will be 
     available to carry out section 3113 for fiscal year 2008 and 
     each succeeding fiscal year; and 42.9 percent will be 
     available to carry out section 3114 for fiscal year 2008 and 
     each succeeding fiscal year.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment changing the amounts 
     authorize to $276 million for fiscal year 2008 and such sums 
     for the two succeeding years, with $151,200,000 for section 
     6113 and $125,000,000 for section 6114.

  Part II--Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs


                          Purpose (sec. 6121)

       The Senate amendment stated that the purpose of the section 
     was to increase the number of students taking Advanced 
     Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes 
     and to increase the number of students passing AP and IB 
     tests, and to increase the number of qualified AP and IB 
     teachers serving in high-need schools teaching 
     mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


                        Definitions (sec. 6122)

       The Senate amendment defined Advanced Placement or 
     International Baccalaureate courses as courses of college-
     level instruction provided to middle or secondary school 
     students, terminating in an examination administered by the 
     College Board or the International Baccalaureate 
     Organization, or another highly rigorous, evidence-based, 
     postsecondary preparatory program terminating in an 
     examination administered by another nationally recognized 
     educational organization that has a demonstrated record of 
     effectiveness in assessing secondary school students.
       The House had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to update the 
     definition to include the additional program that may be 
     allowed and to strike the reference to middle school students 
     from the definition because such students are included in the 
     definition of ``secondary school'' students used in this 
     bill.


Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs (sec. 6123)

       The Senate amendment authorized competitive grants to 
     expand access to AP and IB and pre-AP and pre-IB classes and 
     to increase the number of qualified AP and IB teachers in 
     high-need schools. The Senate amendment outlined allowable 
     uses of funds, terms of grants and application requirements. 
     It also authorized appropriations of $58,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 
     three succeeding fiscal years.
       The House had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to change the reference 
     to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to the 
     House Committee on Education and Labor and to increase the 
     authorized appropriation to $65,000,000 for 2008 and such 
     sums for each of the next 2 succeeding fiscal years. The 
     amendment also places a priority on grant applications that 
     increase the number of students in high need schools who 
     participate in and pass IB and AP courses.

Part III--Promising Practices in Mathematics, Science, Technology, and 
                          Engineering Teaching


                    Promising practices (sec. 6131)

       The Senate amendment authorized the Secretary of Education 
     to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to convene 
     a national panel within a year after the enactment of this 
     Act to identify promising practices in the teaching of 
     science, technology, engineering and mathematics in 
     elementary and secondary education. Scientists, 
     practitioners, teachers, principals, and representatives from 
     entities with expertise in education, mathematics, and 
     science would participate in the panel.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment clarifying the 
     provision, including that promising practices identified 
     under this program should be grounded in scientifically valid 
     research as that term is defined in the Higher Education Act 
     of 1965. The House amendment also authorizes appropriations 
     of $1,200,000 for fiscal year 2008.

                        Subtitle B--Mathematics


Math Now for elementary school and middle school students program (sec. 
                                 6201)

       The Senate amendment authorized a grant program to improve 
     instruction in elementary and middle school mathematics and 
     provided targeted help for students struggling with 
     mathematics to reach or exceed grade-level academic 
     achievement standards. Grants would be awarded to implement 
     mathematics instructional materials and interventions, 
     provide professional development activities, and monitor the 
     progress of students in mathematics. State educational 
     agencies would be awarded grants on a competitive basis to 
     enable them to award grants to eligible local educational 
     agencies. Priority would be given to applications for 
     projects that would implement statewide strategies for 
     improving mathematics instruction and raising the mathematics 
     achievement of students, particularly those in grades 4 
     through 8. The provision requires a match, but the Secretary 
     is given the authority to waive all or part of it in cases of 
     serious hardship. The section authorized $146,700,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each 
     of the three succeeding fiscal years.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to decrease the 
     duration of the grants from five years to three years and to 
     authorize $95,000,000 in fiscal year 2008 and such sums in 
     the succeeding two, not three, years. The amendment also 
     requires the Secretary of Education to establish a screening 
     process to ensure that those providing technical assistance 
     to states and school districts under this program do not have 
     financial interests in the products, activities or services 
     that grant recipients might purchase with grant funding.


               Summer Term Education Programs (sec. 6202)

       The Senate amendment authorized the Secretary of Education 
     to provide grants to support summer learning opportunities 
     for low income students in the fields of mathematics, 
     technology, and problem-solving to mitigate learning losses 
     experienced over the summer. The Senate bill authorized such 
     sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to authorize such sums 
     as may be necessary to carry out the program for 2008 and 
     each of the succeeding two succeeding fiscal years.


         Math Skills for Secondary School Students (sec. 6203)

       The Senate amendment authorized the Secretary of Education 
     to provide grants supporting the following activities: (1) 
     assistance to State and local education agencies in 
     implementing research-based mathematics programs for students 
     in secondary schools; (2) improving the instruction of 
     mathematics programs based on best practices; (3) providing 
     targeted help to low-income students who are struggling with 
     mathematics; and (4) providing in-service training to 
     instructors to improve the teaching of mathematics to 
     students.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to decrease the 
     duration of the grants from a period of four years to a 
     period of three years and to authorize $95,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2008 and such sums for the succeeding two, not three, 
     fiscal years. The amendment also requires the Secretary of 
     Education to establish a screening process that would ensure 
     that those providing technical assistance to states and 
     school districts under this program do not have financial 
     interests in the products, activities or services that 
     recipients could purchase with grant funding.


             Peer review of state applications (sec. 6204)

       The Senate amendment banned conflict of interests for those 
     reviewing grant applications for the Math Now program (sec. 
     3201).
       The House bill had no similar provisions.
       The House recedes with an amendment adding a section 
     prohibiting conflicts of interest and establishing a 
     screening process for identifying such conflicts under the 
     Math Now and Math Skills programs. The amendment requires the 
     Secretary of Education to establish peer review panels to 
     review State applications and further requires that the 
     Secretary and the Office of General Counsel establish a 
     process for screening reviewers to prevent conflicts arising 
     from professional connections to teaching methodologies, 
     connections to state programs, or financial interests. The 
     amendment requires that the review process be transparent and 
     that reviewer's reports be available to the public but not 
     reveal any personally identifiable information about the 
     reviewer. However, State educational agencies shall have the 
     opportunity for direct interaction with the review panel 
     including the disclosure of the identities of the reviewers.

[[Page H9460]]

            Subtitle C--Foreign Language Partnership Program


                    Findings and purpose (sec. 6301)

       The Senate amendment included findings regarding the 
     shortage of skilled professionals with higher levels of 
     proficiency in foreign language and the need to provide 
     language instruction at younger ages, starting in elementary 
     school and carrying through to postsecondary education. The 
     Senate amendment stated that the purpose of the subtitle was 
     to significantly increase both the opportunities to study 
     critical foreign languages programs and the number of 
     students who obtain the highest levels of foreign language 
     proficiency.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


                        Definitions (sec. 6302)

       The Senate amendment contained definitions for eligible 
     recipient and superior level of proficiency.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to revise the 
     definition of the term `eligible entity' to mean an entity 
     mutually agreed upon by a partnership that shall receive 
     grant funds under this subtitle on behalf of the partnership 
     for use in carrying out the activities assisted under this 
     title.


                     Program authorized (sec. 6303)

       The Senate amendment authorizes a competitive grant program 
     to enable institutions of higher education and local 
     educational agencies working in partnership to establish 
     articulated programs of study in critical foreign languages 
     so that students from elementary school through postsecondary 
     education can advance their knowledge successfully and 
     achieve higher levels of proficiency in a critical foreign 
     language.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to change the reference 
     to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to the 
     House Committee on Education and Labor. The amendment also 
     requires that the evaluation required by the Senate bill 
     identify best practices on teaching and learning of foreign 
     languages. The amendment also clarifies that 2 of the 5 years 
     of the grant duration may be used for planning and 
     development.


              Authorization of appropriations (sec. 6304)

       The Senate amendment authorizes $22,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the three 
     succeeding fiscal years.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to authorize 
     $28,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be 
     necessary for each of the succeeding two, not three, fiscal 
     years.

              Subtitle D--Alignment of Education Programs


Alignment of secondary school graduation requirements with the demands 
of 21st century postsecondary endeavors and support for P-16 education 
                        data systems (sec. 6401)

       The Senate amendment authorized the Secretary of Education 
     to award competitive grants to States to promote better 
     alignment of elementary and secondary education with the 
     knowledge and skills needed to succeed in academic credit-
     bearing coursework in institutions of higher education, in 
     the 21st century workforce and in the Armed Forces. The 
     Senate amendment also authorized competitive grants to 
     support the establishment or improvement of statewide P-16 
     educational longitudinal data systems to assist States in 
     improving the rigor and quality of content knowledge 
     requirements and assessments, ensure that students are 
     prepared to succeed in postsecondary endeavors, and enable 
     States to have valid and reliable information to inform 
     education policy and practice. The Senate amendment 
     authorized $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such 
     sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to add the requirement 
     that access to personally identifiable information be limited 
     by the provisions of the General Education Provisions Act (20 
     USC 1232g) and to authorize $120,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 
     and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009.

      Subtitle E--Mathematics and Science Partnership Bonus Grants


      Mathematics and science partnership bonus grants (sec. 6501)

       The Senate amendment directed the Secretary of Education to 
     award grants of $50,000 to three elementary and three 
     secondary schools, each of which has a high concentration of 
     low income students, in each State whose students demonstrate 
     the largest improvement in mathematics and science.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes.


              Authorization of appropriations (sec. 6502)

       The Senate amendment authorized such sums as may be 
     necessary for fiscal years 2008-2011 to carry out the 
     activities under Title V.
       The House bill had no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment to authorize such sums 
     as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the two 
     succeeding fiscal years.

                 TITLE VII--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


                        Definitions (sec. 7001)

       The House bill contained a provision (sec. 302) that 
     defined a number of terms used in this Title.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes with the addition of a definition for 
     the term basic research.


        Total amount and length of NSF authorization (sec. 7002)

       The House bill contained a provision authorizing total 
     appropriations for NSF as follows: $6.5 billion for FY 2008, 
     $6.98 billion for FY 2009, and $7.49 billion for FY 2010 
     (sec. 303).
       The Senate amendment contained a provision authorizing 
     total appropriations as follows: $6.73 billion for FY 2008, 
     $7.74 billion for FY 2009, $8.9 billion for FY 2010, and 
     $10.2 billion for FY 2011 (sec. 4001).
       The Conference substitute provides $6.6 billion for FY 
     2008, $7.33 billion for FY 2009, and $8.13 billion for FY 
     2010, which would place NSF on a path to achieve budget 
     doubling in approximately 7 years (sec. 7002).
       The conferees intend that the rate of budget increase for 
     the education activities supported by NSF keep pace with the 
     rate of increase for the research activities for FY 2009 and 
     beyond.


    Research and Related Activities (R&RA) Authorization (sec. 7002)

       The House bill contained a provision authorizing 
     appropriations for Research and Related Activities (R&RA) as 
     follows: $5.08 billion for FY 2008, of which $115 million is 
     provided for Major Research Instrumentation (MRI); $5.46 
     billion for FY 2009, of which $123.1 million is provided for 
     MRI; and $5.86 billion for FY 2010, of which $131.7 million 
     is provided for MRI (sec. 303). In addition, the provision 
     required NSF to increase funding for Research Experiences for 
     Undergraduates (REU) in proportion to appropriations received 
     for R&RA (sec. 303(g)); and required NSF to allocate at least 
     3.5 percent of appropriations received for R&RA for the 
     CAREER program (sec. 202).
       The Senate amendment contained no provision for authorizing 
     the overall R&RA budget. However, it contained authorization 
     amounts for specified programs: for the Professional Science 
     Master's program, it provided $15 million for FY 2008, $18 
     million for FY 2009, and $20 million for each of FY 2010 and 
     FY 2011 (sec. 4004); for the EPSCoR program, it provided $125 
     million for FY 2008 and provided for increases above that 
     amount in proportion to overall appropriations increases in 
     each year thereafter (sec. 4008); and for communications 
     technology research, it provided $45 million for FY 2008, $50 
     million for FY 2009, $55 million for FY 2010, and $60 million 
     for FY 2011 (sec. 4011).
       The Senate recedes on sections 303(g) and 202 with an 
     amendment to authorize specific amounts for REU and CAREER. 
     The Conference substitute (sec. 7002) provides the following 
     authorizations of appropriations for R&RA:
        $5.156 billion for FY 2008, of which $115 million 
     is provided for Major Research Instrumentation (MRI), $165.4 
     million for early-career (CAREER) grants, $61.6 million for 
     Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), $120.0 
     million for Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive 
     Research (EPSCoR), $47.3 million for the R&RA share of the 
     Integrated Graduate Education and Research Traineeship 
     (IGERT) program, $9.0 million for the R&RA share of the 
     Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) program, and $10.0 
     million for the Professional Science Masters (PSM) 
     program.
        $5.742 billion for FY 2009, of which $123.1 
     million is provided for MRI, $183.6 million for CAREER 
     grants, $68.4 million for REU, $133.2 million for EPSCoR, 
     $52.5 million for the R&RA share of IGERT, $10.0 million for 
     the R&RA share of GRF, and $12.0 million for PSM.
        $6.401 billion for FY 2010, of which $131.7 
     million is provided for MRI, $203.8 million for CAREER 
     grants, $75.9 million for REU, $147.8 million for EPSCoR, 
     $58.3 million for the R&RA share of IGERT, $11.1 million for 
     the R&RA share of GRF, and $15.0 million for PSM.

         SUMMARY OF R&RA AUTHORIZATIONS, IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 FY08     FY09     FY10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
R&RA.........................................     5156     5742     6401
MRI..........................................      115    123.1    131.7
CAREER.......................................    165.4    183.6    203.8
REU..........................................     61.6     68.4     75.9
EPSCoR.......................................    120.0    133.2    147.8
IGERT........................................     47.3     52.5     58.3
GRF..........................................      9.0     10.0     11.1
PSM..........................................     10.0     12.0     15.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Education and Human Resources (EHR) Authorization (sec. 7002)

       The House bill contained a provision authorizing 
     appropriations for Education and Human Resources (EHR) as 
     follows (sec 303):
        $873 million for FY08, of which $94 million was 
     provided for Math and Science Partnerships (MSP), $70 million 
     for the Noyce Scholarship Program (Noyce), $44 million for 
     the STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP), and $51.6 million 
     for the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.
        $934 million for FY09, of which $100.6 million was 
     provided for MSP, $101 million for Noyce, $55 million for 
     STEP, and $55.2 million for ATE.
        $1.003 billion for FY10, of which $107.6 million 
     was provided for MSP, $133 million for Noyce, $60 million for 
     STEP, and $59.1 million for ATE.
       In addition, the House bill required NSF to increase 
     funding for undergraduate education programs in proportion to 
     appropriations received for the entire Foundation (sec.

[[Page H9461]]

     303(e)); and required NSF to support activities to create 
     informal educational materials relevant to global warming 
     (sec 303(h)).
       The Senate amendment contained a provision authorizing 
     $1050 million for EHR for FY08, with the rate of increase for 
     the three subsequent years equal to the rate of increase for 
     the entire Foundation (sec 4002). It also authorized specific 
     amounts for the following programs:
        For STEP, provided $40 million for FY08; $45 
     million for FY 09, $50 million for FY 10, and $55 million for 
     FY 11 (sec. 4005);
        For Noyce, provided $117 million for FY 08, $130 
     million for FY 09, $148 million for FY 10, and $200 million 
     for FY 11 (sec. 4012);
        For the Teacher Institutes for the 21st Century, 
     provided $84 million for FY 08, $94 million for FY 09, $106 
     million for FY 10, and $140 million for FY 11 (sec. 4014)
       The House recedes to the Senate on sections 303 (e) and 
     (h). The Conference substitute provides (sec. 7002):
        $896.0 million for FY 2008, of which $100.0 
     million is provided for MSP, $89.8 million for Noyce, $40.0 
     million for STEP, $52.0 million for ATE, $27.1 million for 
     the EHR share of the Integrated Graduate Education and 
     Research Traineeship (IGERT) program, and $96.6 million for 
     the EHR share of the Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) 
     program.
        $995.0 million for FY 2009, of which $111.0 
     million is provided for MSP, $115.0 million for Noyce, $50.0 
     million for STEP, $57.7 million for ATE, $30.1 million for 
     the EHR share of the IGERT, and $107.2 million for the EHR 
     share of GRF.
        $1.104 billion for FY 2010, of which $123.2 
     million is provided for MSP, $140.5 million for Noyce, $55.0 
     million for STEP, $64.0 million for ATE, $33.4 million for 
     the EHR share of the IGERT, and $119.0 million for the EHR 
     share of GRF.
       The conferees intend that a significant proportion of the 
     appropriation for the Math and Science Partnerships be used 
     to support the Teacher Training Institutes for the 21st 
     Century (sec. 7029).

          SUMMARY OF EHR AUTHORIZATIONS, IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 FY08     FY09     FY10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EHR..........................................    896.0    995.0   1104.0
MSP..........................................    100.0    111.0    123.2
Noyce........................................     89.8    115.0    140.5
STEP.........................................     40.0     50.0     55.0
ATE..........................................     52.0     57.7     64.0
IGERT........................................     27.1     30.1     33.4
GRF..........................................     96.6    107.2    119.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Other Programs Authorizations (sec. 7002)

       The House bill (sec. 303) contained a provision authorizing 
     appropriations for other accounts as follows:
        For FY 2008, $245.0 million for Major Research 
     Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC), $285.6 million 
     for the Agency Operations & Award Management (AOAM), $4.05 
     million for the National Science Board (NSB), and $12.35 
     million for the Office of the Inspector General (IG).
        For FY 2009, $262.0 million for MREFC, $309.8 
     million for the AOAM, $4.12 million for NSB, and $12.72 
     million for the IG.
        For FY 2010, $280.0 million for MREFC, $329.5 
     million for the AOAM, $4.25 million for NSB, and $13.1 
     million for the IG.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Conference Substitute provides (sec. 7002):
        For FY 2008, $245.0 million for MREFC, $286.6 
     million for AOAM, $4.05 million for NSB, and $12.35 million 
     for the IG.
        For FY 2009, $262.0 million for MREFC, $309.8 
     million for the AOAM, $4.19 million for NSB, and $12.75 
     million for the IG.
        For FY 2010, $280.0 million for MREFC, $329.5 
     million for the AOAM, $4.34 million for NSB, and $13.21 
     million for the IG.

  SUMMARY OF NSF AUTHORIZATIONS OTHER THAN R&RA OR EHR, IN MILLIONS OF
                                 DOLLARS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 FY08     FY09     FY10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MREFC........................................    245.0    262.0    280.0
AOAM.........................................    285.6    309.8    329.5
NSB..........................................     4.05     4.19     4.34
IG...........................................    12.35    12.75    13.21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Reaffirmation of the merit-review process of the National Science 
                         Foundation (sec. 7003)

       The House bill contained no provision.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision clarifying that 
     the Act does not change NSF?s merit-review system or peer 
     review process (sec. 4007).
       The House recedes.


Sense of the Congress regarding the mathematics and science partnership 
   programs of the Department of Education and the National Science 
                         Foundation (sec. 7004)

       The House bill contained a provision expressing a sense of 
     the Congress that the Math and Science Partnerships programs 
     at NSF and the Department of Education are complementary and 
     not duplicative and that the two agencies should have ongoing 
     collaboration to ensure the two programs continue to work in 
     concert (sec. 319).
       The Senate amendment contained a provision expressing a 
     sense of the Senate with language identical to the House 
     provision (sec. 4013).
       The Senate recedes.


                         Curricula (sec. 7005)

       The House bill contained a provision clarifying that 
     nothing in the Act limits the authority of state or local 
     governments to determine curricula (sec. 124).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


 Centers for research on learning and education improvement (sec. 7006)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring NSF to 
     continue funding Centers for Research on Learning and 
     Education Improvement (sec. 304).
       Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


                 Interdisciplinary research (sec. 7007)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring the National 
     Science Board to evaluate NSF's role and effectiveness in 
     supporting interdisciplinary research and to report to 
     Congress on its findings (sec. 305).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


               Postdoctoral research fellows (sec. 7008)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring all research 
     proposals that support postdoctoral researchers to include a 
     description of the mentoring activities that will be provided 
     and to require that this aspect of the proposal be evaluated 
     under NSF's ``broader impacts'' criterion (sec. 308). It also 
     required that the grant annual and final reports describe the 
     mentoring activities that were provided
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


              Responsible conduct of research (sec. 7009)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring institutions 
     funded by NSF to provide training in the responsible conduct 
     of research to students participating in research projects 
     (sec. 309).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.
       The conferees recognize that what constitutes ``appropriate 
     training'' may not be the same for undergraduate students as 
     for graduate students or postdocs. The conferees prefer to 
     give NSF maximum flexibility in determining the full range of 
     activities that would constitute appropriate training; 
     however, the conferees do expect NSF to promptly develop and 
     provide written guidelines and/or templates for universities 
     to follow so that compliance can be verified by all parties. 
     The conferees intend for NSF, when developing guidelines, to 
     consider the financial impact that these measures will have 
     on institutions and seek to minimize such impacts 
     accordingly.


               Reporting of research results (sec. 7010)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring NSF to make 
     available to the public in electronic form final project 
     reports and citations to NSF-funded research (sec. 310).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.
       The conferees intend for NSF to provide to the public a 
     readily accessible summary of the outcomes of NSF-sponsored 
     research projects. In addition to citations to journal 
     publications, the conferees intend for NSF to make available 
     research project summaries, not including any proprietary or 
     otherwise sensitive information.


                  Sharing research results (sec. 7011)

       The House bill contained a provision making investigators 
     who fail to comply with existing NSF policy on sharing of 
     research results ineligible for future NSF awards until they 
     come into compliance (sec. 311).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.
       In deciding if and when to reinstate eligibility, the 
     conferees urge the Director to weigh heavily whether the 
     research results being requested were withheld deliberately 
     and were critical to a policy decision being made at the time 
     of the denied request.


     Funding for successful science, technology, engineering, and 
               mathematics education programs (sec. 7012)

       The House bill contained a provision authorizing NSF to 
     exempt from re-competition and renew for up to 3 years, with 
     the possibility of a second extension of 3 years, grants that 
     are for teacher professional development or that have the 
     primary purpose of increasing diversity in STEM fields. Such 
     grant extensions are to be based on the success of the 
     project in meeting the objectives of the initial grant 
     proposal (sec. 312).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes with an amendment to allow only one 
     extension of a grant under this exemption for a total of 3 
     years beyond the initial period of support.


                        Cost sharing (sec. 7013)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring the National 
     Science Board to evaluate and report to Congress on the 
     impact of its ruling to eliminate all cost-sharing for NSF's 
     awards as it affects programs that involve industry 
     partnerships and historically have required industry cost 
     sharing (sec. 313).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


                     Additional reports (sec. 7014)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring the National 
     Science Board to report to Congress on options for supporting 
     the cost of detailed design for major research facilities 
     construction projects; requiring NSF to include plans for 
     polar research facilities

[[Page H9462]]

     in its annual facilities report; requiring NSF to report on 
     education programs carried out through the research 
     directorates' programs; requiring NSF to report on the 
     success rates and distribution of awards by type of 
     institution under the Research in Undergraduate Institutions 
     program; and requiring NSF to provide an annual plan for all 
     its STEM education activities (sec. 315).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


                 Administrative amendments (sec. 7015)

       The House bill contained a provision changing from annual 
     to triannual the Inspector General's audit requirement for 
     assessing the compliance of the National Science Board with 
     the Government in Sunshine Act; authorizing the NSB to 
     employ individuals in rotator positions; and authorizing 
     up to 3 Waterman awards in any year (sec. 316).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


               national science board reports (sec. 7016)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring certain NSB 
     reports to be submitted directly to Congress (sec. 317).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


     program fraud civil remedies act of 1986 amendment (sec. 7017)

       The Senate amendment contained no provision.
       The House bill contained no provision.
       The Conferees agree to include a provision amending the 
     Program Fraud and Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) to include NSF. 
     This provision will authorize the agency to recover funds and 
     assess penalties under PFCRA's provisions.


          meeting critical national science needs (sec. 7018)

       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision requiring NSF to 
     give priority in making research awards to proposals that 
     assist in meeting critical national needs by advancing 
     physical or natural science, technology, engineering, 
     mathematics, or national competitiveness or innovation and 
     specifying that the provision does not inhibit NSF's support 
     for other areas of research that are within the agency's 
     mandate or change the core mission of NSF (sec. 4006).
       The House recedes with an amendment to add social sciences 
     to the list of priority areas for making research awards and 
     to add safety and security as areas of critical national 
     needs.
       The conferees cite the National Academies ``Rising Above 
     the Gathering Storm Report'' on which this Act is based in 
     calling attention to the unique contribution of research in 
     the social sciences, which have ``increased understanding of 
     the nature of competent performance and the principles of 
     knowledge organization that underlie people's abilities to 
     solve problems in a wide variety of fields, including 
     mathematics and science.'' The conferees further agree with 
     the statement in the report that ``special investment in 
     physical sciences, engineering, mathematics and information 
     sciences does not mean that there should be a disinvestment 
     in such important fields as the life sciences or the social 
     sciences.'' It is the intent of the conferees to ensure 
     support for research in areas that will address the critical 
     national needs identified in the ``Gathering Storm'' report. 
     The conferees do not intend the language contained in 
     subsections (a) and (b) of this provision to in any way 
     devalue the contributions of other fields or to signal any 
     desire on the part of the conferees to disinvest in any field 
     currently supported by the Foundation, as is made clear in 
     subsection (c).


          research on innovation and inventiveness (sec. 7019)

       The House bill contained a provision authorizing NSF to 
     support research on the process of innovation and the 
     teaching of inventiveness as part of its research programs on 
     science policy and the science of learning (sec. 207).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


                    cyberinfrastructure (sec. 7020)

       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision requiring NSF to 
     develop a plan that describes the status of broadband access 
     for scientific research purposes for institutions in EPSCoR-
     eligible jurisdictions (sec. 4010).
       The House recedes with amendment to expand the report to 
     include all rural areas and minority-serving institutions.


       pilot program of grants for new investigators (sec. 7021)

       The House bill contained a provision establishing a pilot 
     program of one-year seed grants for new investigators whose 
     research proposals are rated ``excellent'' or ``very good'' 
     but who are nevertheless not funded, specifying that grants 
     are to support the eligible individuals in generating 
     additional data and performing additional analysis to enable 
     them to submit strengthened proposals to NSF. The provision 
     also required the National Science Board to evaluate the 
     program and report to Congress within 3 years with any 
     recommendations regarding the pilot program (sec. 306).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes with an amendment authorizing such seed 
     grants only for new investigators whose initial, unsuccessful 
     proposals are rated ``excellent'' and requiring the Board's 
     report to Congress to state explicitly whether the pilot 
     program should be continued or terminated.


           broader impacts merit review criterion (sec. 7022)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring NSF, in 
     applying its ``broader impacts'' criterion in evaluating 
     research proposals, to give special consideration to 
     proposals involving partnerships with industry and to 
     encourage proposals that involve partnerships with industry, 
     including cost-sharing by industrial partners (sec. 307).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes with an amendment specifying that NSF 
     must consider as appropriate, among other types of possible 
     activities for meeting its broader impacts criterion, 
     proposals involving partnerships with industry and deleting 
     language in the House bill on encouraging proposals involving 
     industry partnerships.
       The conferees affirm that the primary mission of NSF is to 
     support discovery research, research that asks questions 
     about how the world works before any particular problem or 
     application has been identified. In specifying that research 
     proposals involving partnerships with industry should be 
     considered as appropriate for meeting the requirements of the 
     ``broader impacts'' proposal review criterion, the conferees 
     do not intend to de-value other appropriate activities, such 
     as promoting learning or broadening participation in STEM 
     fields. The conferees simply point out that industry 
     interest and involvement in proposed basic research 
     projects is one indication of the potential value of the 
     research and may arise in areas important to innovation 
     and technological competitiveness, such as nanotechnology 
     or information technology.


                         donations (sec. 7023)

       The House bill contained a provision authorizing NSF to 
     accept private funds for specific prize competitions (sec. 
     314).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes with amendment to ensure that prizes are 
     for ``basic research''.


         high-performance computing and networking (sec. 7024)

       The House bill contained a provision amending the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 to clarify the program's 
     goals and content; to require a regularly updated plan for 
     the development and deployment of high-end computing systems; 
     and to reestablish a dedicated external advisory committee 
     for the interagency program and specify its responsibilities 
     (sec. 501 and 502).
       The Senate amendment contained a provision authorizing a 
     communications research grant program; establishing a board 
     within the NSF to oversee the research program; authorizing 
     university-based research centers; and authorizing 
     appropriations for the program (sec. 4011).
       The conference agreement accepts the House amendments to 
     the 1991 Act with minor language changes. The Senate 
     provision is replaced with a requirement for the interagency 
     program carried out under the 1991 Act to support 
     communications research in areas designated by section 4011 
     and to report to Congress annually on the funding allocated 
     to these areas. NSF is directed to increase funding for these 
     research areas in proportion to appropriations received for 
     its research and related activities account. The House 
     recedes on the centers program, and the Senate recedes on 
     creation of the new board.


  science, technology, engineering, and mathematics talent expansion 
                          program (sec. 7025)

       The House bill contained a provision amending the NSF STEM 
     Talent Expansion Program (STEP) to create centers for 
     improvement of undergraduate education in STEM fields, 
     specifying that centers may support activities to help train 
     faculty and graduate students to be more effective teachers 
     and to develop more effective educational materials and 
     methods targeted for undergraduate instruction (sec. 125).
       The Senate amendment contained a provision amending the 
     STEP Program to establish outreach programs for middle and 
     high school students and teachers to expand their exposure to 
     engineering and technology; provide summer internships for 
     STEM undergraduate students; facilitate hiring of STEM 
     faculty; and provide programs that bridge the transition to 
     college for students from underrepresented groups (sec. 
     4005).
       The conference agreement amends the STEP Program to 
     establish a grant program to create up to 5 centers for the 
     improvement of undergraduate STEM education. It also amends 
     the current program to make the changes included in the 
     Senate amendment, except the provision regarding hiring of 
     faculty.


              laboratory science pilot program (sec. 7026)

       The House bill contained a provision establishing a 
     ``Partnerships for Access to Laboratory Science'' (PALS) 
     program at NSF to determine how best to integrate laboratory 
     experiences with STEM classroom instruction in secondary 
     schools. The provision specified

[[Page H9463]]

     that the pilot program should support teacher training, 
     development of instructional programs, and acquisition and 
     maintenance of equipment. The provision required a 50 percent 
     cost-share from non-Federal sources (sec. 128).
       The Senate amendment contained a provision establishing a 
     program that is similar to that in the House bill, except 
     that it included a sunset provision that would terminate the 
     program after FY 2011 and required a 70 percent cost-share 
     from non-Federal sources (sec. 4015).
       The Senate recedes with an amendment requiring a 60 percent 
     cost-share from non-Federal sources and including a provision 
     to sunset the program after FY 2010.


    study on laboratory equipment donations for schools (sec. 7027)

       The House bill contained a provision directing NSF to 
     report to Congress on the extent to which institutions of 
     higher education are donating used laboratory equipment to 
     schools (sec. 129).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes with an amendment to extend the study on 
     donations of equipment to include other private sector 
     entities.


 mathematics and Science Education Partnerships amendments (sec. 7028)

       The House bill contained a provision amending the Math and 
     Science Partnerships program (sec. 121), authorizing the 
     development of master's degree programs for in-service 
     teachers, after school and summer programs, mentoring 
     programs for teachers and students involved in STEM college-
     preparatory courses, and development of curriculum tools for 
     teaching innovation. The provision also amended the program 
     by setting award size limits and requiring the identification 
     and reporting of model projects ready for wider replication. 
     An additional provision required NSF to develop a master's 
     degree program for in-service teachers through the Math and 
     Science Partnerships program (sec. 123).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes with an amendment striking the 
     authorization for the master's degree program for teachers, 
     the limits on award size, and the requirement for 
     identification and reporting of model programs. The House 
     recedes on the section 123 provision.
       The conferees strongly support the creation of master's 
     degree programs for in-service teachers to improve content 
     knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics 
     and include a provision to fund such programs in section 6114 
     of this bill.


  national science foundation teacher institutes for the 21st Century 
                              (sec. 7029)

       The House bill contained a provision directing NSF to 
     establish a grant program to support teacher institutes and 
     authorizing grantees under the Teacher Institutes for the 
     21st Century program to carry out summer teacher institutes 
     (sec. 122).
       The Senate amendment contained a provision authorizing the 
     Teacher Institutes for the 21st Century program at NSF to 
     provide professional development for math and science 
     teachers in high-need schools (sec. 4014).
       The House recedes with an amendment to specify what 
     comprise ``high-need subjects'' and to clarify how priorities 
     are established for the institutes.


          robert noyce teacher scholarship program (sec. 7030)

       The House bill contained a provision stating as a policy 
     objective the education of 10,000 highly qualified K-12 
     science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) 
     teachers each year (sec. 113). The bill also amended and 
     expanded the NSF Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program as follows 
     (sec. 114): required collaboration between science and 
     education faculty to establish STEM teacher education 
     programs, required early classroom experiences for teachers 
     in training, increased scholarships and stipends to at least 
     $10,000 per year, and allowed for up to 3 years of 
     scholarship support, beginning with the sophomore year. 
     Further, it replaced the requirement for Noyce Scholars to 
     serve their teaching obligation in high-need schools with an 
     incentive for teaching in such schools; changed from 4 to 5 
     the number of years within which Noyce Scholars must graduate 
     with certification to teach; and created a new partnership 
     program for attracting STEM professionals to teaching careers 
     and provides for salary supplements for such individuals, 
     from non-Federal sources through the partnership, during the 
     period of their teaching obligation.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision amending and 
     expanding the NSF Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program in a way 
     similar to the House bill, except: it established NSF 
     Teaching Fellowships for attracting accomplished STEM 
     professionals to teaching and NSF Master Teaching Fellowships 
     for creating master teachers from among current exemplary 
     STEM teachers having master's degrees (in each case providing 
     salary supplements for the teaching obligation period); 
     required a 50 percent cost share from non-Federal funds for 
     all types of Noyce awards; required that teaching obligations 
     be served in high-need schools; and limited scholarships to 2 
     years (sec. 4012).
       The conference agreement amends and expands the Noyce 
     program: requires collaboration between science and education 
     faculty to establish STEM teacher education programs, 
     requires early classroom experiences for teachers in 
     training, increases scholarships and stipends to at least 
     $10,000 per year, and allows for up to 3 years of scholarship 
     support, beginning with the junior year. In addition it 
     retains the requirement for Noyce Scholars to serve their 
     teaching obligation in high-need schools; changes from 4 to 5 
     the number of years within which Noyce Scholars must graduate 
     with certification to teach; and creates a new partnership 
     program for attracting STEM professionals to teaching careers 
     (NSF Teaching Fellows) and for preparing master teachers (NSF 
     Master Teaching Fellows). The agreement specifies that annual 
     scholarship, stipend, and fellowship awards may be granted on 
     a pro-rated basis to students in school part time and that 
     scholarship and stipend recipients' service obligation is 
     based on the number of full annual scholarships or stipends 
     received, regardless of the number of years over which such 
     amounts are pro-rated. For the two fellowship programs, the 
     agreement requires 50 percent cost sharing from non-federal 
     sources and the provision for salary supplements for fellows 
     during the period of their teaching obligation. The House 
     recedes on the section 113 provision.
       The agreement also clarifies the process for repayment in 
     the event that scholarship, stipend, or fellowship recipients 
     fail to maintain good status in the program or fail to meet 
     their service requirements. The conferees intend that the 
     Director consult with the Secretary of Education in 
     developing policies regarding the effective enforcement of 
     the service requirement under this section. The conferees 
     note that the changes made in the system of repayment 
     collection are intended to clarify such system but do not 
     presume the creation of an entirely new system of repayment 
     collection.
       The conferees anticipate that the Noyce program will grow 
     to become a major source of effective STEM teachers, which is 
     the reason for the large increases in authorizations of 
     appropriations provided for the program. The conferees have 
     required that teachers educated through the Noyce program 
     carry out their teaching obligations in high-need schools 
     because survey results have documented that such schools have 
     the highest percentages of poorly qualified STEM teachers on 
     their faculties. This requirement is appropriate during the 
     period of initial growth of the Noyce program but the 
     conferees intend for this national program to benefit all 
     students. As the scale of the program grows and the numbers 
     of teachers educated under the program increases 
     substantially, the conferees expect this policy to be 
     reviewed in 2 years and when the program is next reauthorized 
     to ensure that all children have equal access to high-quality 
     teachers with strong subject matter knowledge.
       The conferees note that eligibility for awards under the 
     Noyce program includes 2-year colleges and that such 
     institutions are specifically included among the institutions 
     that may form partnerships for carrying out the NSF Teaching 
     Fellowship and NSF Master Teaching Fellowship programs. The 
     conferees urge NSF, in soliciting applications for awards 
     under the Noyce program, to encourage participation by 2-year 
     institutions.


                 encouraging participation (sec. 7031)

       The House bill contained had no similar provision.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision establishing at 
     2-year colleges a mentoring program to increase the 
     participation of women in STEM fields, including recruiting 
     and training of mentors.
       The House recedes with an amendment to place the program 
     within the existing NSF Advanced Technological Education 
     program.


     National Academy of Sciences report on diversity in science, 
       technology, engineering and mathematics fields (sec. 7032)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring NSF to 
     contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for a 
     report on barriers to and strategies for increasing the 
     participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM fields 
     (sec. 318).
       The Senate amendment contained a provision with a similar 
     requirement as part of a study that the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy is required to conduct through the NAS 
     (sec. 1102).
       The Senate recedes.


    Hispanic-serving institutions undergraduate program (sec. 7033)

       The House bill contained a provision establishing a program 
     to improve STEM undergraduate education at Hispanic-serving 
     institutions through activities that may include improved 
     courses and curriculum, faculty development, and support for 
     research experiences for undergraduates (sec. 320).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


       Professional science master's degree programs (sec. 7034)

       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The Senate amendment contained a provision requiring NSF to 
     award grants to facilitate the creation or improvement of 
     Professional Science Master's degree programs at institutions 
     of higher education (sec. 4004).
       The House recedes with an amendment that clarifies that 
     such programs may include linkages in the program between 
     institutions of higher education and industry and requires 
     such programs to describe how they will produce individuals 
     for the workforce in

[[Page H9464]]

     high need fields. The conferees intend that the term ``high 
     need fields'' take into account needs on a state, regional 
     and national basis.


Sense of Congress on communications training for scientists (sec. 7035)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring NSF to 
     provide supplements, on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, 
     to holders of IGERT grants to train graduate students in the 
     communication of the substance and importance of their 
     research to non-scientist audiences and to report to Congress 
     on how the funds are used (sec. 321).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes with an amendment to transform the 
     provision to a Sense of Congress statement that such 
     communications training should be part of the activities 
     carried out using IGERT grants. The report to Congress on how 
     IGERT grants are used for communications training is 
     retained.


               Major research instrumentation (sec. 7036)

       The House bill contained a provision setting a minimum and 
     maximum award amounts for major research instrumentation 
     (MRI) grants, specifying that MRI funds may be used for 
     operations and maintenance, and requiring cost-sharing by 
     grantees (sec. 303(d)).
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.


                     Limit on proposals (sec. 7037)

       The House bill contained a provision requiring the Director 
     allow submission of a full proposal for each pre-proposal 
     that is determined to have merit and requiring a review and 
     assessment of Foundation policies regarding the imposition of 
     limitations on the numbers of proposals that may be submitted 
     by an institution of higher education.
       The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
       The Senate recedes.

                     TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS


    Collection of Data Relating to Trade in Services (Section 8001)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 5001) 
     that established a five year program within the Bureau of 
     Economic Analysis to collect and study data relating to 
     export and import services.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate with an amendment that 
     would have the Secretary of Commerce acting through the 
     Director of the Bureau of Economic Analysis to prepare a 
     report to Congress, no later than January 31, 2008 on the 
     feasibility, cost and potential benefits of a program to 
     collect and study data relating to the export and import of 
     services.


Sense of the Senate Regarding Small Business Growth and Capital Markets 
                             (section 8002)

       The Senate amendment contained a sense of the Senate 
     (section 5002) that Securities and Exchange Commission and 
     the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board should 
     promulgate final rules implementing section 404 of the 
     Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7262).
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate provision.


   Government Accountability Office Review of Activities, Grants and 
                        Programs (section 8003)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 5003) 
     that required no later than 3 years after date of enactment 
     that the Comptroller General of the United States examine 
     each interim report submitted to the Congress under the Act 
     and assess or evaluate the effectiveness of the new or 
     expanded activities under the Act and include 
     recommendations to improve the effectiveness of activities 
     under the Act including termination.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate with an amendment that 
     selects a representative sample of new or expanded activities 
     required to be carried out under the Act and includes such 
     recommendations as the Comptroller General determines 
     appropriate to ensure effectiveness of, or improvements to 
     the programs and activities, including termination.


  Sense of the Senate Regarding Anti-Competitive Tax Policy (section 
                                 8004)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 5004) 
     that notwithstanding any other provision of law, would 
     prohibit federal funds to any organization or entity that 
     advocates against tax competition or United States tax 
     competitiveness. The amendment notes that advocating for 
     effective tax information or advocating for effective tax 
     transfer, and advocating for income tax treaties is not 
     considered to be advocating against tax competition or the 
     United States' tax competitiveness.
       The House had no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate with an amendment that it 
     is a sense of the Senate that Federal funds should not be 
     provided to any organization or entity that advocates against 
     United States tax policy that is internationally competitive.


    Study of the Provision of Online Degree Programs (section 8005)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 5005) 
     that would require the Secretary of Commerce to enter into a 
     contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a 
     feasibility study on creating a national, free online degree 
     program that would enable all individuals described under 
     section 484(a)(5) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1091(a)(5)) who wish to pursue a degree in a field of 
     strategic importance to the United States and where expertise 
     is in demand such as mathematics, science and foreign 
     languages.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate with an amendment that the 
     Secretary of Education shall enter into an arrangement with 
     the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and 
     provide a report to the Secretary, Secretary of Commerce and 
     Congress on the mechanisms and support needed for an 
     institution of higher education or nonprofit organization to 
     develop and maintain a program to provide free access to 
     online educational content as part of a degree program, 
     especially in science, technology, engineering and 
     mathematics or foreign language without using Federal funds 
     including funds provided under title IV of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070).


      Sense of the Senate Regarding Deemed Exports (section 8006)

       The Senate amendment contained a sense of the Senate that 
     the Deemed Export Advisory Committee of the Department of 
     Commerce develop recommendations for improving current 
     controls on deemed exports and that the President and the 
     Congress should consider the recommendations of the Committee 
     in developing and implementing export control policies.
       The House bill contained no similar provision.
       The House recedes to the Senate provision.


 Accountability and Transparency of Activities Authorized by this Act 
                             (section 8008)

       The Senate amendment contained a provision (section 1504) 
     that would have required the Inspector General of the 
     Department of Commerce to conduct routine independent, 
     publicly available reviews of activities carried out with 
     grants and other financial assistance made available by the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, NOAA. The provision would have prohibited 
     NOAA funds under a grant or contract to be used by the person 
     who receives the grant or contract, including any 
     subcontractor, for a banquet or conference, other than a 
     conference relating to the training or a routine meeting with 
     officers or employees of the Administration to discuss an 
     ongoing project. The provision would also require that each 
     person who receives funds from the NOAA Administrator through 
     a grant or contract shall submit to the Administrator a 
     certification stating that none of such funds will be made 
     available through a subcontract in any other manner to 
     another person who has a financial interest or other conflict 
     with the person who received such funds from the 
     Administrator.
       The House bill contains no similar provision.
       The House recedes with an amendment specifying that, 360 
     days after enactment of the Act, a grant or contract funded 
     by amounts authorized under the Act may not be used to defray 
     the costs of a banquet or conference not directly and 
     programmatically related to the purpose for which the grant 
     or contract was awarded where a directly and programmatically 
     related banquet or conference includes a banquet or 
     conference held in connection with planning, training, 
     assessment, review, or other routine purposes related to a 
     project funded by the grant or contract. The amendment also 
     requires that any person awarded a grant or contract funded 
     by amounts authorized by this Act shall submit a statement to 
     the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, the 
     Secretary of Education, the Administrator, or the Director, 
     as appropriate, certifying that no funds derived from the 
     grant or contract will be made available through a 
     subcontract or in any other manner to another person who has 
     a financial interest or other conflict of interest in the 
     person awarded the grant or contract, unless previously 
     disclosed and approved in the process of entering into a 
     contract or awarding a grant. The amendment does not apply to 
     sections 6201 and 6203 which contain separate conflict of 
     interest provisions.
     From the Committee on Science and Technology, for 
     consideration of the House bill and the Senate amendment, and 
     modifications committed to conference:
     Bart Gordon,
     Daniel Lipinski,
     Brian Baird,
     David Wu,
     Nick Lampson,
     Mark Udall,
     Gabrielle Giffords,
     Jerry McNerney,
     Vernon J. Ehlers,
     From the Committee on Education and Labor, for consideration 
     of Division C of the Senate amendment, and modifications 
     committed to conference:
     George Miller,
     Rush Holt,
                                Managers on the Part of the House.

     Jeff Bingaman,
     Daniel K. Inouye,
     Edward Kennedy,

[[Page H9465]]

     Joseph Lieberman,
     Barbara A. Mikulski,
     John F. Kerry,
     Bill Nelson,
     Pete V. Domenici,
     Ted Stevens,
     Michael B. Enzi,
     Lamar Alexander,
     John Ensign,
     Norm Coleman,
                               Managers on the Part of the Senate.

     

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