[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7149-S7167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AMERICAN INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS ACT
Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 695, S. 3084.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
A bill (S. 3084) to invest in innovation through research
and development, and to improve the competitiveness of the
United States.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill,
which had been reported from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, with an amendment to strike all after the enacting
clause and insert in lieu thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``American
Innovation and Competitiveness Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE I--MAXIMIZING BASIC RESEARCH
Sec. 101. Reaffirmation of merit-based peer review.
Sec. 102. Transparency and accountability.
Sec. 103. EPSCoR reaffirmation and update.
Sec. 104. Cybersecurity research.
Sec. 105. Networking and information technology research and
development update.
Sec. 106. High-energy physics coordination.
Sec. 107. Laboratory program improvements.
Sec. 108. International activities.
Sec. 109. Standard Reference Data Act update.
Sec. 110. NSF mid-scale project investments.
Sec. 111. Oversight of NSF large-scale research facility projects.
Sec. 112. Conflicts of interest.
Sec. 113. Management of the NSF Antarctic Program.
Sec. 114. NIST campus security.
Sec. 115. Federal coordination of sustainable chemistry research and
development.
TITLE II--ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY BURDEN REDUCTION
Sec. 201. Interagency working group on research regulation.
Sec. 202. Scientific and technical collaboration.
Sec. 203. NIST grants and cooperative agreements update.
Sec. 204. Repeal of certain obsolete reports.
Sec. 205. Repeal of certain provisions.
Sec. 206. Grant subrecipient transparency and oversight.
Sec. 207. Micro-purchase threshold for procurement solicitations by
research institutions.
TITLE III--SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH EDUCATION
Sec. 301. Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program update.
Sec. 302. Space grants.
Sec. 303. STEM Education Advisory Panel.
Sec. 304. Committee on STEM Education.
Sec. 305. Grant programs to expand STEM opportunities.
Sec. 306. Centers of excellence for inclusion in STEM.
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Sec. 307. NIST education and outreach.
Sec. 308. Presidential awards for excellence in STEM mentoring.
Sec. 309. Working group on inclusion in STEM fields.
Sec. 310. Improving undergraduate STEM experiences.
Sec. 311. Computer science education research.
Sec. 312. Informal STEM education.
Sec. 313. Developing STEM apprenticeships.
Sec. 314. NSF report on broadening participation.
Sec. 315. NOAA ocean and atmospheric science education programs.
TITLE IV--LEVERAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Sec. 401. Prize competition authority update.
Sec. 402. Crowdsourcing and citizen science.
Sec. 403. NIST other transaction authority update.
Sec. 404. NIST Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology update.
TITLE V--MANUFACTURING
Sec. 501. Hollings manufacturing extension partnership improvements.
Sec. 502. Federal loan guarantees for innovative technologies in
manufacturing.
Sec. 503. Manufacturing communities.
TITLE VI--INNOVATION, COMMERCIALIZATION, AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Sec. 601. Innovation corps.
Sec. 602. Translational research grants.
Sec. 603. Optics and photonics technology innovations.
Sec. 604. Authorization of appropriations for the Regional Innovation
Program.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, unless expressly provided otherwise:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Federal science agency.--The term ``Federal science
agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
6623).
(3) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National
Science Foundation.
(4) 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
920 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(5) NIST.--The term ``NIST'' means the National Institute
of Standards and Technology.
(6) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' has the meaning given the term
in section 2 of the American COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note).
(7) STEM education.--The term ``STEM education'' has the
meaning given the term in section 2 of the STEM Education Act
of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note).
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2017.--
(1) National institute of standards and technology.--There
is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce
$974,000,000 for NIST for fiscal year 2017.
(2) National science foundation.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Foundation $7,510,000,000 for fiscal year
2017.
(b) Fiscal Year 2018.--
(1) National institute of standards and technology.--There
is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce
$1,013,000,000 for NIST for fiscal year 2018.
(2) National science foundation.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Foundation $7,810,000,000 for fiscal year
2018.
TITLE I--MAXIMIZING BASIC RESEARCH
SEC. 101. REAFFIRMATION OF MERIT-BASED PEER REVIEW.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts
criteria remain appropriate for evaluating grant proposals,
as concluded by the 2011 National Science Board Task Force on
Merit Review;
(2) evaluating proposals on the basis of the Foundation's
intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria assures
that--
(A) proposals funded by the Foundation are of high quality
and advance scientific knowledge; and
(B) the Foundation's overall funding portfolio addresses
societal needs through research findings or through related
activities; and
(3) as evidenced by the Foundation's contributions to
scientific advancement, economic development, human health,
and national security, its peer review and merit review
processes have successfully identified and funded
scientifically and societally relevant research and should be
preserved.
(b) Merit Review Criteria.--The Foundation shall maintain
the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria, among
other specific criteria as appropriate, as the basis for
evaluating grant proposals in the merit review process.
(c) Updates.--If after the date of enactment of this Act a
change is made to the merit-review process, the Director
shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of
Congress not later than 30 days after the date of the change.
SEC. 102. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that the Foundation has
improved transparency and accountability of the outcomes made
through the merit review process.
(b) Guidance.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall issue
and periodically update, as appropriate, policy guidance for
both Foundation staff and other Foundation merit review
process participants, clarifying the importance of
transparency and accountability of the outcomes made through
the merit review process.
(2) Requirements.--The guidance under paragraph (1) shall
require that each abstract for a Foundation-funded research
project--
(A) provide a clear justification for any Federal funds
that will be expended, including by--
(i) describing how the project--
(I) reflects the mission statement of the Foundation; and
(II) addresses both of the National Science Board-approved
merit review criteria; and
(ii) clearly identifying the research priorities of the
project in a manner that can be easily understood by both
technical and non-technical audiences; and
(B) be publicly available at the time of award.
(c) Examination.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Science Board shall--
(1) examine the efforts by the Foundation to improve
transparency and accountability in the merit-review process;
and
(2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the examination, including any recommendations for
how to further improve transparency and accountability of the
outcomes made through the merit-review process.
SEC. 103. EPSCOR REAFFIRMATION AND UPDATE.
(a) Findings.--Section 517(a) of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``The National'' and inserting ``the
National''; and
(B) by striking ``education,'' and inserting ``education'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``with 27 States'' and
all that follows through the semicolon at the end and
inserting ``with 28 States and jurisdictions, taken together,
receiving only about 12 percent of all National Science
Foundation research funding;'';
(3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) each of the States described in paragraph (2)
receives only a fraction of 1 percent of the Foundation's
research dollars each year;''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) first established at the National Science Foundation
in 1979, the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research (referred to in this section as `EPSCoR') assists
States and jurisdictions historically underserved by Federal
research and development funding in strengthening their
research and innovation capabilities;
``(5) the EPSCoR structure requires each participating
State to develop a science and technology plan suited to
State and local research, education, and economic interests
and objectives;
``(6) EPSCoR has been credited with advancing the research
competitiveness of participating States, improving awareness
of science, promoting policies that link scientific
investment and economic growth, and encouraging partnerships
between government, industry, and academia;
``(7) EPSCoR proposals are evaluated through a rigorous and
competitive merit-review process to ensure that awarded
research and development efforts meet high scientific
standards; and
``(8) according to the National Academy of Sciences, EPSCoR
has strengthened the national research infrastructure and
enhanced the educational opportunities needed to develop the
science and engineering workforce.''.
(b) Sense of Congress.--
(1) In general.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(A) since maintaining the Nation's scientific and economic
leadership requires the participation of talented individuals
nationwide, EPSCoR investments into State research and
education capacities are in the Federal interest and should
be sustained; and
(B) EPSCoR should maintain its experimental component by
supporting innovative methods for improving research capacity
and competitiveness.
(2) Definition of epscor.--In this subsection, the term
``EPSCoR'' has the meaning given the term in section 502 of
the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
1862p note).
(c) Award Structure Updates.--Section 517 of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Award Structure Updates.--In implementing the mandate
to maximize the impact of Federal EPSCoR support on building
competitive research infrastructure, and based on the inputs
and recommendations of previous EPSCoR reviews, the head of
each Federal agency administering an EPSCoR program shall--
``(1) consider modifications to EPSCoR proposal
solicitation, award type, and project evaluation--
``(A) to more closely align with current agency priorities
and initiatives;
``(B) to focus EPSCoR funding on achieving critical
scientific, infrastructure, and educational needs of that
agency;
``(C) to encourage collaboration between EPSCoR-eligible
institutions and researchers, including with institutions and
researchers in other States and jurisdictions;
``(D) to improve communication between State and Federal
agency proposal reviewers; and
``(E) to continue to reduce administrative burdens
associated with EPSCoR;
``(2) consider modifications to EPSCoR award structures--
``(A) to emphasize long-term investments in building
research capacity, potentially through
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the use of larger, renewable funding opportunities; and
``(B) to allow the agency, States, and jurisdictions to
experiment with new research and development funding models;
and
``(3) consider modifications to the mechanisms used to
monitor and evaluate EPSCoR awards--
``(A) to increase collaboration between EPSCoR-funded
researchers and agency staff, including by providing
opportunities for mentoring young researchers and for the use
of Federal facilities;
``(B) to identify and disseminate best practices; and
``(C) to harmonize metrics across participating Federal
agencies, as appropriate.''.
(d) Reports.--
(1) Congressional reports.--Section 517 of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9), as
amended, is further amended--
(A) by striking subsection (c);
(B) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as
subsections (c) through (f), respectively;
(C) in subsection (c), as redesignated--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Experimental Programs
to Stimulate Competitive Research'' and inserting ``EPSCoR'';
and
(ii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) in subparagraphs (A) and (E), by striking ``EPSCoR and
Federal EPSCoR-like programs'' and inserting ``each EPSCoR'';
(II) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``EPSCoR and other
Federal EPSCoR-like programs'' and inserting ``each EPSCoR'';
(III) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``EPSCoR or Federal
EPSCoR-like programs'' and inserting ``each EPSCoR''; and
(IV) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``EPSCoR programs''
and inserting ``each EPSCoR''; and
(D) by amending subsection (d), as redesignated, to read as
follows:
``(d) Federal Agency Reports.--Each Federal agency that
administers an EPSCoR shall submit to Congress, as part of
its Federal budget submission--
``(1) a description of the program strategy and objectives;
``(2) a description of the awards made in the previous
fiscal year, including--
``(A) the total amount made available, by State, under
EPSCoR;
``(B) the total amount of agency funding made available to
all institutions and entities within each EPSCoR State;
``(C) the efforts and accomplishments to more fully
integrate the EPSCoR States in major agency activities and
initiatives;
``(D) the percentage of EPSCoR reviewers from EPSCoR
States; and
``(E) the number of programs or large collaborator awards
involving a partnership of organizations and institutions
from EPSCoR and non-EPSCoR States; and
``(3) an analysis of the gains in academic research quality
and competitiveness, and in science and technology human
resource development, achieved by the program over the last 5
fiscal years.''; and
(E) in subsection (e)(1), as redesignated, by striking
``Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research or a
program similar to the Experimental Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research'' and inserting ``EPSCoR''.
(2) Results of award structure plan.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the EPSCoR
Interagency Coordinating Committee shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the updates made to the
award structure under 517(f) of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9(f)), as
amended by this subsection.
(e) Definition of EPSCoR.--
(1) In general.--Section 502 of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p note) is amended
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) EPSCoR.--The term `EPSCoR' means--
``(A) the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research established by the Foundation; or
``(B) a program similar to the Established Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research at another Federal agency.''.
(2) Technical and conforming amendments.--Section 113 of
the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42
U.S.C. 1862g) is amended--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``experimental'' and
inserting ``established'';
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ``an Experimental
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research'' and inserting ``a
program to stimulate competitive research (known as the
`Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research')'';
and
(C) in subsection (b), by striking ``the program'' and
inserting ``the Program''.
SEC. 104. CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH.
(a) Foundation Cybersecurity Research.--Section 4(a)(1) of
the Cyber Security Research and Development Act, as amended
(15 U.S.C. 7403(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (O), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (P), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(Q) security of election-dedicated voting system software
and hardware; and
``(R) role of the human factor in cybersecurity and the
interplay of computers and humans and the physical world.''.
(b) NIST Cybersecurity Priorities.--
(1) Critical infrastructure awareness.--The Director of
NIST, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland
Security, shall continue to raise public awareness of the
voluntary, industry-led cybersecurity standards and best
practices for critical infrastructure developed under section
2(c)(15) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)(15)).
(2) Quantum computing.--Under section 2(b) of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b))
and section 20 of that Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-3), the Director
of NIST shall--
(A) research information systems for future cybersecurity
needs; and
(B) coordinate with relevant stakeholders to develop a
process--
(i) to research and identify or, if necessary, develop
cryptography standards and guidelines for future
cybersecurity needs, including quantum-resistant cryptography
standards; and
(ii) to provide recommendations to Congress, Federal
agencies, and industry for a secure and smooth transition to
the standards under clause (i).
(3) Voting.--Section 2(c) of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (16) through (23) as
paragraphs (17) through (24), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (15) the following:
``(16) perform research to support the development of
voluntary, consensus-based, industry-led standards and
recommendations on the security of computers, computer
networks, and computer data storage used in voting systems to
ensure voters can vote securely and privately.''.
SEC. 105. NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE.
(a) Networking and Information Technology Research and
Development.--Section 101(a)(1) of the High-Performance
Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``In general.--'' before ``The President'';
(2) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(J) provide for research on the interplay of computing
and people, including social computing and human-robot
interaction;
``(K) provide for research on cyber-physical systems and
improving the methods available for the design, development,
and operation of those systems that are characterized by high
reliability, safety, and security;
``(L) provide for the understanding of the science,
engineering, policy, and privacy protection related to
networking and information technology;
``(M) provide for the understanding of the human facets of
cyber threats and secure cyber systems;
``(N) provide for the transition of high-performance
computing in hardware, system software, development tools,
and applications into development and operations; and
``(O) foster public-private collaboration with government,
industry research laboratories, academia, and nonprofit
organizations to maximize research and development efforts
and the benefits of networking and information technology,
including high-performance computing.''.
(b) Review and Plan.--Section 101 of the High-Performance
Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(d) Periodic Reviews.--The heads of the applicable
agencies and departments working through the National Science
and Technology Council and the Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development Program shall--
``(1) not later than 1 year after the date the advisory
committee submits a report under subsection (b)(2), assess
the structure of the Program, including the Program Component
Areas and associated contents and funding levels, taking into
consideration any relevant recommendations of the advisory
committee; and
``(2) ensure that the Program includes foundational and
interdisciplinary information technology research and
development activities.
``(e) Strategic Plans.--
``(1) In general.--The heads of the applicable agencies and
departments, working through the National Science and
Technology Council and the Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development Program shall develop and
implement strategic plans to guide emerging activities in
specific Program Component Areas, as the advisory committee
determines relevant under subsection (b), of Federal
networking and information technology research and
development, and to guide the activities described in
subsection (a)(1).
``(2) Updates.--The heads of the applicable agencies and
departments shall update the strategic plans as appropriate.
``(3) Contents.--Each strategic plan shall--
``(A) specify near-term and long-term objectives for the
Program, the anticipated schedule for achieving the near-term
and long-term objectives, and the metrics to be used for
assessing progress toward the near-term and long-term
objectives;
``(B) specify how the near-term and long-term objectives
complement research and development areas in which academia
and the private sector is actively engaged;
``(C) describe how the heads of the applicable agencies and
departments will support mechanisms for foundational and
interdisciplinary research and development in networking and
information technology, including through collaborations--
``(i) across Federal agencies and departments;
``(ii) across Program Component Areas; and
``(iii) with industry, Federal and private research
laboratories, research entities, universities, institutions
of higher education, relevant
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nonprofit organizations, and international partners of the
United States;
``(D) describe how the heads of the applicable agencies and
departments will foster the rapid transfer of research and
development results into new technologies and applications;
``(E) describe how the Program will address long-term
challenges for which solutions require large-scale, long-
term, foundational and interdisciplinary research and
development; and
``(F) place emphasis on innovative and high-risk projects
having the potential for substantial societal returns on the
research investment.
``(4) Private sector efforts.--In developing, implementing,
and updating strategic plans, the heads of the applicable
agencies and departments, working through the National
Science and Technology Council and Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development Program, shall coordinate
with industry, academia, and other interested stakeholders to
ensure, to the extent practicable, that the Federal
networking and information technology research and
development activities carried out under this section do not
duplicate the efforts of the private sector.
``(5) Recommendations.--In developing and updating
strategic plans, the heads of the applicable agencies and
departments shall solicit recommendations and advice from--
``(A) the advisory committee under subsection (b); and
``(B) a wide range of stakeholders, including industry,
academia, including representatives of minority serving
institutions and community colleges, National Laboratories,
and other relevant organizations and institutions.
``(f) Reports.--The heads of the applicable agencies and
departments, working through the National Science and
Technology Council and the Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development Program, shall submit to
the advisory committee, the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives--
``(1) the strategic plans developed under subsection
(e)(1); and
``(2) each update under subsection (e)(2).
``(g) Definition of Applicable Agencies and Departments.--
In this section, the term `applicable agencies and
departments' means the Federal agencies and departments
identified in subsection (a)(3)(B) or designated under clause
(xii) of that subsection.''.
(c) Research Coordination.--Section 101(a)(2) of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``Requirements.--'' before ``The Director''; and
(2) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) provide for the coordination of Federal networking
and information technology research, development, networking,
and other activities--
``(i) among the applicable agencies and departments under
the Program; and
``(ii) to the extent practicable, with other Federal
agencies not identified in subsection (a)(3)(B), other
Federal and private research laboratories, industry, research
entities, universities, institutions of higher education,
relevant nonprofit organizations, and international partners
of the United States;''.
(d) Budget.--Section 101(a)(3) of the High-Performance
Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511(a)(3)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``Contents of annual reports.--'' before ``The annual'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking clauses (i) through
(xi) and inserting the following--
``(i) the Department of Commerce;
``(ii) the Department of Defense;
``(iii) the Department of Education;
``(iv) the Department of Energy;
``(v) the Department of Health and Human Services;
``(vi) the Department of Homeland Security;
``(vii) the Department of Justice;
``(viii) the Environmental Protection Agency;
``(ix) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
``(x) the National Archives and Records Administration;
``(xi) the National Science Foundation; and
``(xii) such other agencies and departments as the
President or the Director considers appropriate;'';
(3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``is submitted,'' and
inserting ``is submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal
year,'';
(4) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) by striking ``is submitted,'' and inserting ``is
submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal year,''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(5) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F);
and
(6) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
``(E) include a description of how the objectives for each
Program Component Area, and the objectives for activities
that involve multiple Program Component Areas, relate to the
objectives of the Program identified in the strategic plan
under subsection (e);''.
(e) Conforming Amendments to High-Performance Computing Act
of 1991.--The High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15
U.S.C. 5501 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2 (15 U.S.C. 5501)--
(A) in paragraphs (2) and (5), by striking ``high-
performance computing'' and inserting ``networking and
information technology, including high-performance
computing,''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``high-performance
computing'' and inserting ``networking and information
technology, including high-performance computing'';
(2) in section 3 (15 U.S.C. 5502)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) and paragraph
(1), by striking ``high-performance computing'' and inserting
``networking and information technology'' each place it
appears; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``high-performance computing and'' and
inserting ``networking and information technology and''; and
(ii) by striking ``high-performance computing network'' and
inserting ``networking and information technology'';
(3) in section 4 (15 U.S.C. 5503)--
(A) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking ``high-
performance computing'' and inserting ``networking and
information technology'';
(B) by striking paragraph (5);
(C) in paragraph (6), by striking ``National High-
Performance Computing'' and inserting ``Networking and
Information Technology Research and Development''; and
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), (6), and (7) as
paragraphs (4), (3), (5), and (6), respectively;
(4) in section 101 (15 U.S.C. 5511)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``national high-performance
computing'' and inserting ``networking and information
technology research and development'';
(B) in subsection (a)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``National High-Performance
Computing'' and inserting ``Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development'';
(ii) in paragraph (1)--
(I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``National High-Performance Computing'' and inserting
``Networking and Information Technology Research and
Development'';
(II) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance
computing, including networking'' and inserting ``networking
and information technology'';
(III) in subparagraphs (B) and (C), by striking ``high-
performance computing'' and inserting ``high-end computing,
including high-performance computing,''; and
(IV) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``high-performance
computing'' and inserting ``networking and information
technology, including high-performance computing,''; and
(iii) in paragraph (2)--
(I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance
computing research, development, networking'' and inserting
``networking and information technology research and
development'';
(II) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``high-performance
computing and networking systems'' and inserting ``high-end
computing and networking systems''; and
(III) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``high-performance
computing'' and inserting ``high-end, including high-
performance, computing'';
(C) in subsection (b)(1), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance computing''
each place it appears and inserting ``networking and
information technology'';
(D) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``Committee on
Science and Technology'' and inserting ``Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology''; and
(E) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ``high-performance
computing'' and inserting ``networking and information
technology'';
(5) in section 201(a)(1) (15 U.S.C. 5521(a)(1)), by
striking ``high-performance computing and advanced high-speed
computer networking'' and inserting ``networking and
information technology'';
(6) in section 202(a) (15 U.S.C. 5522(a)), by striking
``high-performance computing'' and inserting ``networking and
information technology'';
(7) in section 203 (15 U.S.C. 5523(a))--
(A) by striking ``high-performance computing and
networking'' and inserting ``networking and information
technology''; and
(B) by striking ``high-performance computing systems'' and
inserting ``high-end, including high-performance, computing
systems'';
(8) in section 204 (15 U.S.C. 5524)--
(A) in subsection (a)(1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance
computing systems and networks'' and inserting ``networking
and information technology systems'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``high-performance
computing systems in networks'' and inserting ``networking
and information technology systems''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``high-performance
computing systems'' and inserting ``networking and
information technology''; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``High-performance
Computing and Network'' and inserting ``Network and
Information Technology Security''; and
(ii) by striking ``sensitive information in Federal
computer systems'' and inserting ``agency information and
information systems''; and
(9) in section 207 (15 U.S.C. 5527)--
(A) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``section 2315(a) of
title 10'' and inserting ``section 3552(b)(6)(A) of title
44''; and
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ``high-performance
computing systems'' and inserting ``networking and
information technology''.
(f) Additional Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) National networking and information technology
program.--Section 101 of the High-Performance Computing Act
of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511), as amended, is further amended--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``Advisory committee.--
'' before ``The President shall'';
[[Page S7153]]
(ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``Additional duties.--
'' before ``In addition to''; and
(iii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``FACA.--'' before
``Section 14''; and
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``Reports.--'' before
``Each Federal''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``OMB review.--''
before ``The Office''.
(2) Miscellaneous.--
(A) National science foundation research.--Section
4(b)(5)(K) of the Cyber Security Research and Development Act
(15 U.S.C. 7403(b)(5)(K)) is amended by striking ``high-
performance computing'' and inserting ``networking and
information technology''.
(B) National information technology research and
development program.--Section 13202(b) of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C. 17912(b)) is
amended by striking ``National High-Performance Computing
Program'' and inserting ``Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development Program''.
(C) Federal cybersecurity research and development.--
Section 201(a)(4) of the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of
2014 (15 U.S.C. 7431(a)(4)) is amended by striking ``clauses
(i) through (x) of section 101(a)(3)(B) of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511(a)(3)(B))
or designated under clause (xi) of that section'' and
inserting ``clauses (i) through (xi) of section 101(a)(3)(B)
of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C.
5511(a)(3)(B)) or designated under clause (xii) of that
section''.
(D) National research and education network.--Section 102
of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C.
5512) is repealed.
(E) Next generation internet.--Section 103 of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5513) is
repealed.
(F) Fostering united states competitiveness in high-
performance computing and related activities.--Section 208 of
the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5528)
is repealed.
SEC. 106. HIGH-ENERGY PHYSICS COORDINATION.
(a) In General.--The Physical Science Subcommittee of the
National Science and Technology Council shall define and
continue to coordinate Federal efforts, including activities
of relevant advisory committees, related to high-energy
physics research to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness
of United States investment in high-energy physics.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Physical Science
Subcommittee include--
(1) to advise and assist the Committee on Science and the
National Science and Technology Council on United States
policies, procedures, and plans in the physical sciences,
including high-energy physics; and
(2) to identify emerging opportunities, stimulate
international cooperation, and foster the development of the
physical sciences in the United States, including--
(A) in high-energy physics research, including related
underground science and engineering research;
(B) in physical infrastructure and facilities;
(C) in information and analysis; and
(D) in coordination activities.
(c) Responsibilities.--In regard to coordinating Federal
efforts related to high-energy physics research, the Physical
Science Subcommittee shall--
(1) provide recommendations on planning for construction
and stewardship of large facilities participating in high-
energy physics;
(2) provide recommendations on research coordination and
collaboration among the programs and activities of Federal
agencies;
(3) establish goals and priorities for high-energy physics,
related underground science, and research and development
that will strengthen United States competitiveness in high-
energy physics;
(4) propose methods for engagement with international,
Federal, and State agencies and Federal laboratories not
represented on the National Science and Technology Council to
identify and reduce regulatory, logistical, and fiscal
barriers that inhibit United States leadership in high-energy
physics and related underground science; and
(5) develop, and update as necessary, a strategic plan to
guide Federal programs and activities in support of high-
energy physics research, including--
(A) the efforts taken in support of subsection (b) since
the last strategic plan;
(B) an evaluation of the current research needs for
maintaining United States leadership in high-energy physics;
and
(C) an identification of future priorities in the area of
high-energy physics.
SEC. 107. LABORATORY PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Director of NIST, acting through the
Associate Director for Laboratory Programs, shall develop and
implement a comprehensive strategic plan for laboratory
programs that expands--
(1) interactions with academia, international researchers,
and industry; and
(2) commercial and industrial applications.
(b) Optimizing Commercial and Industrial Applications.--In
accordance with the purpose under section 1(b)(3) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
271(b)(3)), the comprehensive strategic plan shall--
(1) include performance metrics for the dissemination of
fundamental research results, measurements, and standards
research results to industry, including manufacturing, and
other interested parties;
(2) document any positive benefits of research on the
competitiveness of the parties described in paragraph (1);
and
(3) clarify the current approach to the technology transfer
activities of NIST.
SEC. 108. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
Section 17(a) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g(a)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(a) Financial Assistance to Foreign Nationals.--The
Secretary is authorized, notwithstanding any other provision
of law, to expend such sums, within the limit of appropriated
funds, through direct support for activities of international
organizations and foreign national metrology institutes with
which the Institute cooperates to advance measurement
methods, standards, and related basic technologies and, as
the Secretary may deem desirable, through the grant of
fellowships or any other form of financial assistance, to
defray the expenses of foreign nationals not in service to
the Government of the United States while they are performing
scientific or engineering work at the Institute or
participating in the exchange of scientific or technical
information at the Institute.''.
SEC. 109. STANDARD REFERENCE DATA ACT UPDATE.
Section 2 of the Standard Reference Data Act (15 U.S.C.
290a) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
``For the purposes of this Act:
``(1) Standard reference data.--The term `standard
reference data' means data that is--
``(A) either--
``(i) quantitative information related to a measurable
physical or chemical property of a substance or system of
substances of known composition and structure;
``(ii) measurable characteristics of a physical artifact or
artifacts;
``(iii) engineering properties or performance
characteristics of a system; or
``(iv) 1 or more digital data objects that serve--
``(I) to calibrate or characterize the performance of a
detection or measurement system; or
``(II) to interpolate or extrapolate, or both, data
described in subparagraph (A) through (C); and
``(B) that is critically evaluated as to its reliability
under section 3 of this Act.
``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Commerce.''.
SEC. 110. NSF MID-SCALE PROJECT INVESTMENTS.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The Foundation funds major research facilities,
infrastructure, and instrumentation that provide unique
capabilities at the frontiers of science and engineering.
(2) Modern and effective research infrastructure is
critical to maintaining United States leadership in science
and engineering.
(3) Many proposed instruments, equipment, or upgrades to
major research facilities fall between programs currently
funded by the Foundation, creating a gap between Major
Research Instrumentation and Major Research Equipment and
Facilities Construction, including projects that have been
identified as cost-effective additions of high priority to
the advancement of scientific understanding.
(4) The 2010 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey
recommended a vigorous mid-scale innovations program.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the addition of a competitive mid-scale funding opportunity
that includes research, instruments, and infrastructure is
essential to the portfolio of the Foundation and advancing
scientific understanding.
(c) Mid-scale Projects.--
(1) In general.--The Foundation shall evaluate the existing
and future needs, across all disciplines supported by the
Foundation, for mid-scale projects.
(2) Strategy.--The Director of the Foundation shall develop
a strategy to meet the needs identified in paragraph (1).
(3) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Foundation shall
provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress
on the evaluation under paragraph (1) and the strategy under
paragraph (2).
(4) Definition of mid-scale projects.--In this subsection,
the term ``mid-scale projects'' means research,
instrumentation, and infrastructure investments that fall
between the instrumentation funded by the major research
instrumentation program and the very large projects funded by
the major research equipment and facilities construction
program as described in section 507 of the AMERICA Competes
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-358; 124 Stat.
4008).
SEC. 111. OVERSIGHT OF NSF LARGE-SCALE RESEARCH FACILITY
PROJECTS.
(a) Facilities Oversight.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall
strengthen oversight and accountability over the full life-
cycle of large-scale research facility projects, including
planning, development, procurement, construction, operations,
and support, and shut-down of such facilities, in order to
maximize research investment.
(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Director shall--
(A) prioritize the scientific outcomes of large-scale
research facility projects and the internal management and
financial oversight of the projects;
(B) clarify the roles and responsibilities of all
organizations, including offices, panels, committees, and
directorates, involved in supporting large-scale research
facility projects, including the role of the Major Research
Equipment and Facilities Construction Panel;
(C) establish policies and procedures for the planning,
management, and oversight of large-
[[Page S7154]]
scale research facility projects at each phase of the life-
cycle of the project;
(D) ensure that policies for estimating and managing costs
and schedules are consistent with the best practices
described in the Government Accountability Office Cost
Estimating and Assessment Guide, the Government
Accountability Office Schedule Assessment Guide, and the
Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R.
Part 200);
(E) establish the appropriate project management and
financial management expertise required for Foundation staff
to oversee large-scale research facility projects
effectively, including by improving project management
training and certification; and
(F) coordinate the sharing of the best management practices
and lessons learned from large-scale research facility
projects.
(b) Facilities Full Life-cycle Costs.--
(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (c)(1), the Director
of the Foundation shall require that any pre-award analysis
of a large-scale research facility includes the development
and consideration of the full life-cycle cost (as defined in
section 2 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862k note)) in accordance with
section 14 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-4).
(2) Implementation.--Based on the pre-award analysis
described in paragraph (1), the Director shall include
projected operational costs within the Foundation's out years
as part of the President's yearly budget submissions to
Congress.
(c) Cost Oversight.--
(1) Pre-award analysis.--
(A) In general.--The Director of the Foundation and the
National Science Board may not approve any proposed large-
scale research facility project unless--
(i) an analysis of the proposed budget has been conducted
to ensure the proposal is complete and reasonable;
(ii) the analysis under clause (i) follows the Government
Accountability Office Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide;
(iii) except as provided under subparagraph (C), an
analysis of the accounting systems has been conducted;
(iv) an independent cost estimate of the construction of
the project has been conducted using the same detailed
technical information as the project proposal estimate to
determine whether the estimate is well-supported and
realistic; and
(v) the Foundation and the National Science Board has
considered the analyses under clauses (i) and (iii) and the
independent cost estimate under clause (iv) and resolved any
major issues identified therein.
(B) Audits.--A Foundation analysis under subparagraph
(A)(i) may include an audit.
(C) Exception.--The Director, at the Director's discretion,
may waive the requirement under subparagraph (A)(iii) if a
similar analysis of the accounting systems was conducted in
the prior years.
(2) Construction oversight.--The Director shall require for
each large-scale research facility project--
(A) periodic external reviews on project management and
performance;
(B) adequate internal controls, policies, and procedures,
and reliable accounting systems in preparation for the
incurred cost audits under subparagraph (D);
(C) annual incurred cost submissions of financial
expenditures; and
(D) an incurred cost audit of the project--
(i) at least once during construction at a time determined
based on risk analysis and length of the award, except that
the length of time between audits may not exceed 3 years; and
(ii) at the completion of the construction phase.
(3) Operations cost estimate.--The Director shall require
an independent cost estimate of the operational proposal for
each large-scale research facility project.
(d) Contingency.--
(1) In general.--The Foundation shall strengthen internal
controls to improve oversight of contingency on a large-scale
research facility project.
(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Foundation shall--
(A) retain control over a portion of the budget contingency
funds of each awardee;
(B) distribute the retained funds with other incremental
funds as needed; and
(C) track contingency use.
(e) Oversight Implementation Progress.--The Director of the
Foundation shall--
(1) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, and periodically thereafter until the completion
date, provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of
Congress on the response to or progress made toward
implementation of--
(A) this section;
(B) all of the issues and recommendations identified in
cooperative agreement audit reports and memoranda issued by
the Inspector General of the National Science Foundation in
the last 5 years; and
(C) all of the issues and recommendations identified by a
panel of the National Academy of Public Administration in the
December 2015 report entitled ``National Science Foundation:
Use of Cooperative Agreements to Support Large Scale
Investment in Research''; and
(2) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, notify the appropriate committees of Congress when
the Foundation has implemented the recommendations identified
in a panel of the National Academy of Public Administration
report issued December 2015.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology and the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives.
(2) Large-scale research facility project.--The term ``
`large-scale research facility project' '' means a science
and engineering facility project funded by the major research
equipment and facilities construction account, or any
successor thereto.
SEC. 112. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
The Director of the Foundation shall update the policy and
procedure of the Foundation relating to conflicts of interest
to improve documentation and management of any known conflict
of interest of an individual on temporary assignment at the
Foundation, including an individual on assignment under the
Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4701 et
seq.).
SEC. 113. MANAGEMENT OF THE NSF ANTARCTIC PROGRAM.
(a) Review.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall
continue to review the efforts by the Foundation to sustain
and strengthen scientific efforts in the face of logistical
challenges for the United States Antarctic Program.
(2) Issues to be examined.--In conducting the review, the
Director shall examine, at a minimum, the following:
(A) Implementation by the Foundation of issues and
recommendations identified by--
(i) the Inspector General of the National Science
Foundation in audit reports and memoranda on the United
States Antarctic Program in the last 4 years;
(ii) the U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel report,
More and Better Science in Antarctica through Increased
Logistical Effectiveness, issued July 23, 2012; and
(iii) the National Research Council report, Future Science
Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, issued
September 2011.
(B) Efforts by the Foundation to track its progress in
addressing the issues and recommendations under subparagraph
(A).
(C) Efforts by the Foundation to address other
opportunities and challenges, including efforts on scientific
research, coordination with other Federal agencies and
international partners, logistics and transportation, health
and safety of participants, oversight and financial
management of awardees and contractors, and resources and
policy challenges.
(b) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the ongoing review,
including findings and any recommendations.
SEC. 114. NIST CAMPUS SECURITY.
(a) Supervisory Authority.--Consistent with the enforcement
authority delegated by the Secretary of Homeland Security
under section 1315 of title 40, United States Code, the
Department of Commerce Office of Security shall directly
manage the law enforcement and security programs of NIST
through an assigned Director of Security for NIST.
(b) Reports.--The Director of Security for NIST shall
provide an activities and security report on a quarterly
basis for the first year after the date of enactment of this
Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, to the Under
Secretary for Standards and Technology.
SEC. 115. FEDERAL COORDINATION OF SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Importance of Sustainable Chemistry.--It is the sense
of Congress that--
(1) the science of chemistry is vital to improving the
quality of human life and plays an important role in
addressing critical global challenges, including water
quality, energy, health care, and agriculture;
(2) sustainable chemistry can reduce risk to human health
and the environment, reduce waste and improve pollution
prevention, promote safe and efficient manufacturing, and
promote efficient use of resources in developing new
materials, processes, and technologies that support viable
long-term solutions;
(3) sustainable chemistry can stimulate innovation,
encourage new and creative approaches to problems, create
jobs, and save money; and
(4) a coordinated national effort on sustainable chemistry
will allow for a greater return on Federal research
investment in this space.
(b) National Coordination for Sustainable Chemistry.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall convene an entity under
the National Science and Technology Council with the
responsibility to coordinate Federal programs and activities
in support of sustainable chemistry, including, as
appropriate, at the National Science Foundation, the
Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, the
Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, the Department of Defense, the
National Institutes of Health, and other related Federal
agencies.
(2) Chairs.--The entity described in paragraph (1) shall be
chaired by representatives from the National Science
Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, or other
agencies, as appropriate.
(3) Duties.--
(A) In general.--The entity described in paragraph (1)
shall--
(i) develop a working definition of sustainable chemistry,
after seeking advice and input from stakeholders as described
in clause (iv);
(ii) coordinate and support existing Federal research,
development, education, and training efforts in sustainable
chemistry;
[[Page S7155]]
(iii) develop a strategic plan to guide Federal programs
and activities in support of sustainable chemistry research,
development, technology transfer, education, and training as
described in subsection (c), including support for public-
private partnerships; and
(iv) as appropriate, consult and coordinate with
stakeholders qualified to provide advice and information on
the development of the definition of sustainable chemistry
and the strategic plan.
(B) Stakeholders.--In choosing the stakeholders described
in subparagraph (A)(iv), the entity described in paragraph
(1) is strongly encouraged to include representatives from--
(i) industry (including small- and medium-sized enterprises
from across the value chain);
(ii) the scientific community (including the National
Academy of Sciences, scientific professional societies, and
academia);
(iii) the defense community;
(iv) State, tribal, and local governments;
(v) State or regional sustainable chemistry programs;
(vi) non-governmental organizations; and
(vii) other appropriate organizations.
(c) Strategic Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the entity described in subsection
(b)(1) shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and
Public Works and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, a 5-year strategic plan that
shall include--
(A) a summary of Federally funded sustainable chemistry
research, development, demonstration, technology transfer,
commercialization, education, and training activities;
(B) a summary of the financial resources allocated to
sustainable chemistry activities;
(C) an evaluation of best practices and coordination among
participating agencies; and
(D) a framework for advancing sustainable chemistry,
including strategies for and benefits of Federal support
for--
(i) sustainable chemistry research and development
conducted at Federal and national laboratories, Federal
agencies, and public and private institutions of higher
education;
(ii) technology transfer and commercialization of
sustainable chemistry, including incentives and impediments
to development of sustainable chemicals, best practices, and
costs and benefits;
(iii) education and training of undergraduate and graduate
students and professional scientists and engineers, including
through partnerships with industry, in sustainable chemistry
science and engineering;
(iv) economic, legal, and other appropriate social science
research to identify barriers to commercialization and
methods to advance commercialization of sustainable
chemistry; and
(v) public-private partnerships in support of sustainable
chemistry research, development, education, and training.
(2) Submission to gao.--The entity described in subsection
(b)(1) shall submit the strategic plan described in paragraph
(1) to the Government Accountability Office for consideration
in future Congressional inquiries.
(d) Sustainable Chemistry Basic Research.--Subject to the
availability of appropriated funds, the Director of the
National Science Foundation shall continue to carry out the
Sustainable Chemistry Basic Research program authorized under
section 509 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-3).
TITLE II--ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY BURDEN REDUCTION
SEC. 201. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON RESEARCH REGULATION.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Scientific and technological advancement have been the
largest drivers of economic growth in the last 50 years, with
the Federal Government being the largest investor in basic
research.
(2) Federally funded grants are increasingly competitive,
with the Foundation funding only approximately 1 in every 5
grant proposals.
(3) Researchers spend as much as 42 percent of their time
complying with Federal regulations, including administrative
tasks such as applying for grants or meeting reporting
requirements.
(4) The time spent on the activities described in paragraph
(3) affects efficiency and reduces valuable research time.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
administrative burdens faced by researchers may be reducing
the return on investment of federally funded research and
development.
(c) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, in coordination with the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, shall establish an interagency
working group (referred to in this section as the ``Working
Group'') to reduce administrative burdens on federally funded
researchers while protecting the public interest in the
transparency of and accountability for federally funded
activities.
(d) Responsibilities.--
(1) In general.--The Working Group shall--
(A) regularly review relevant, administration-related
regulations imposed on federally funded researchers; and
(B) recommend those regulations or processes that may be
eliminated, streamlined, or otherwise improved for the
purpose described in subsection (c).
(2) Grant review.--
(A) In general.--The Working Group, in consultation with
the Office of Management and Budget, shall--
(i) conduct a comprehensive review of Federal science
agency grant proposal documents; and
(ii) develop, to the extent practicable, a simplified,
uniform grant format to be used by all Federal science
agencies.
(B) Considerations.--In developing the uniform grant
format, the Working Group shall consider whether to
implement--
(i) procedures for preliminary project proposals in advance
of peer-review selection;
(ii) increased use of ``Just-In-Time'' procedures for
documentation that does not bear directly on the scientific
merit of a proposal;
(iii) simplified initial budget proposals in advance of
peer review selection; and
(iv) detailed budget proposals for applicants that peer
review selection identifies as likely to be funded.
(3) Centralized researcher profile database.--
(A) Establishment.--The Working Group shall establish, to
the extent practicable, a secure, centralized database for
investigator biosketches, curriculum vitae, licenses,
publications, and other documents considered relevant by the
Working Group.
(B) Considerations.--In establishing the centralized
database under subparagraph (A), the Working Group shall
consider incorporating existing investigator databases.
(C) Grant proposals.--To the extent practicable, all grant
proposals shall utilize the centralized researcher profile
database established under subparagraph (A).
(D) Requirements.--Each investigator shall--
(i) be responsible for ensuring the investigator's profile
is current and accurate; and
(ii) be assigned a unique identifier linked to the database
and accessible to all Federal funding agencies.
(4) Centralized assurances repository.--The Working Group
shall--
(A) establish a central repository for all of the
assurances required for Federal research grants; and
(B) provide guidance to universities and Federal science
agencies on the use of the centralized assurances repository.
(5) Comprehensive review.--
(A) In general.--The Working Group, in consultation with
the Office of Management and Budget, shall--
(i) conduct a comprehensive review of the mandated progress
reports for federally funded research; and
(ii) develop a strategy to simplify investigator progress
reports.
(B) Considerations.--In developing the strategy, the
Working Group shall consider limiting progress reports to
performance outcomes.
(e) Consultation.--In carrying out its responsibilities
under subsection (d)(1), the Working Group shall consult with
academic researchers outside the Federal Government,
including--
(1) federally funded researchers;
(2) non-federally funded researchers;
(3) institutions of higher education and their
representative associations;
(4) scientific and engineering disciplinary societies and
associations;
(5) nonprofit research institutions;
(6) industry, including small businesses;
(7) federally funded research and development centers; and
(8) members of the public with a stake in ensuring
effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability in the
performance of scientific research.
(f) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter, the
Working Group shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress an annual report on its responsibilities under this
section, including recommendations under subsection
(d)(1)(B).
SEC. 202. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COLLABORATION.
(a) Definition of Scientific and Technical Workshop.--In
this section, the term ``scientific and technical workshop''
means a symposium, seminar, or any other organized, formal
gathering where scientists or engineers working in STEM
research and development fields assemble to coordinate,
exchange and disseminate information or to explore or clarify
a defined subject, problem or area of knowledge in the STEM
fields.
(b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States to
encourage broad dissemination of Federal research findings
and engagement of Federal researchers with the scientific and
technical community.
(c) Authority.--Laboratory, test center, and field center
directors and other similar heads of offices may approve
scientific and technical workshop attendance if--
(1) that attendance would meet the mission of the
laboratory or test center; and
(2) sufficient laboratory or test center funds are
available for that purpose.
(d) Attendance Policies.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, in consultation with the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the heads of
other relevant Federal science agencies, shall revise current
policies and streamline processes, in accordance with the
policy under subsection (b), for attendance at scientific and
technical workshops while ensuring appropriate oversight,
accountability, and transparency.
(2) Considerations.--In revising the policy under paragraph
(1), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
shall consider the goal of adjudicating a request to attend a
scientific and technical workshop not later than 30 days
after the date of the request.
(3) Implementation.--Not later than 90 days after the date
the Director of the Office of Management and Budget revises
the policies under paragraph (1), the head of each Federal
science agency shall update that agency's policies for
attendance at scientific and technical workshops.
[[Page S7156]]
(e) NIST Workshops.--Section 2(c) of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)), as
amended by section 104 of this Act, is further amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (19) through (24) as
paragraphs (22) through (27), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (18) the following:
``(19) host, participate in, and support scientific and
technical workshops (as defined in section 202 of the
American Innovation and Competitiveness Act);
``(20) collect and retain any fees charged by the Secretary
for hosting a scientific and technical workshop described in
paragraph (19);
``(21) notwithstanding title 31 of the United States Code,
use the fees described in paragraph (20) to pay for any
related expenses, including subsistence expenses for
participants;''.
SEC. 203. NIST GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS UPDATE.
Section 8(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3706(a)) is amended by striking ``The
total amount of any such grant or cooperative agreement may
not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the program.''.
SEC. 204. REPEAL OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE REPORTS.
(a) Repeal of Certain Obsolete Reports.--
(1) NIST reports.--
(A) Report on donation of educationally useful federal
equipment to schools.--Section 6(b) of the Technology
Administration Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1) In general.--'' and
indenting appropriately; and
(ii) by striking paragraph (2).
(B) Three-year programmatic planning document.--
(i) In general.--Section 23 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278i) is amended by
striking subsections (c) and (d).
(ii) Conforming amendment.--Section 10(h)(1) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278(h)(1)) is amended by striking the last sentence.
(2) Multiagency report on innovation acceleration
research.--Section 1008 of the America COMPETES Act (42
U.S.C. 6603) is amended--
(A) by striking subsection (c); and
(B) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
(3) NSF reports.--
(A) Funding for successful stem education programs; report
to congress.--Section 7012 of the America COMPETES Act (42
U.S.C. 1862o-4) is amended by striking subsection (c).
(B) Encouraging participation; evaluation and report.--
Section 7031 of the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o-11)
is amended by striking subsection (b).
(C) Math and science partnerships program coordination
report.--Section 9(c) of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n(c)) is amended--
(i) by striking paragraph (4); and
(ii) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).
(b) National Nanotechnology Initiative Reports.--The 21st
Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15
U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by amending section 2(c)(4) (15 U.S.C. 7501(c)(4)) to
read as follows:
``(4) develop, not later than 5 years after the date of the
release of the most-recent strategic plan, and update every 5
years thereafter, a strategic plan to guide the activities
described under subsection (b) that describes--
``(A) the near-term and long-term objectives for the
Program;
``(B) the anticipated schedule for achieving the near-term
objectives; and
``(C) the metrics that will be used to assess progress
toward the near-term and long-term objectives;
``(D) how the Program will move results out of the
laboratory and into application for the benefit of society;
``(E) the Program's support for long-term funding for
interdisciplinary research and development in nanotechnology;
and
``(F) the allocation of funding for interagency
nanotechnology projects;'';
(2) by amending section 4(d) (15 U.S.C. 7503(d)) to read as
follows:
``(d) Reports.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
the most recent assessment under subsection (c), and
quadrennially thereafter, the Advisory Panel shall submit to
the President, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a
report its assessments under subsection (c) and its
recommendations for ways to improve the Program.''; and
(3) in section 5 (15 U.S.C. 7504)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``triennial'' and inserting
``quadrennial'';
(B) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``triennial'' and inserting ``quadrennial'';
(C) in subsection (b), by striking ``triennial'' and
inserting ``quadrennial'';
(D) in subsection (c), by striking ``triennial'' and
inserting ``quadrennial''; and
(E) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
``(d) Report.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date
the first evaluation under subsection (a) is received, and
quadrennially thereafter, the Director of the National
Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall report to the
President its assessments under subsection (c) and its
recommendations for ways to improve the Program.
``(2) Congress.--Not later than 30 days after the date the
President receives the report under paragraph (1), the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall
transmit a copy of the report to Congress.''.
(c) Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction.--
Section 14 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-4) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Prioritization of Proposed Major Research Equipment
and Facilities Construction.--
``(1) Development of priorities.--The Director shall--
``(A) develop a list indicating by number the relative
priority for funding under the major research equipment and
facilities construction account that the Director assigns to
each project the Board has approved for inclusion in a future
budget request; and
``(B) submit the list described in subparagraph (A) to the
Board for approval.
``(2) Criteria.--The Director shall include in the criteria
for developing the list under paragraph (1) the readiness of
plans for construction and operation, including confidence in
the estimates of the full life-cycle cost (as defined in
section 2 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862k note)) and the proposed schedule
of completion.
``(3) Updates.--The Director shall update the list prepared
under paragraph (1) each time the Board approves a new
project that would receive funding under the major research
equipment and facilities construction account and
periodically submit any updated list to the Board for
approval.'';
(2) by striking subsection (e);
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(b) and (c), respectively; and
(4) by amending subsection (c), as redesignated, to read as
follows:
``(c) Board Approval of Major Research Equipment and
Facilities Projects.--The Board shall explicitly approve any
project to be funded out of the major research equipment and
facilities construction account before any funds may be
obligated from such account for such project.''.
SEC. 205. REPEAL OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS.
(a) Technology Innovation Program.--
(1) In general.--Section 28 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n) is repealed.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Additional award criteria.--Section 4226(b) of the
Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (15 U.S.C. 278n note) is
repealed.
(B) Management costs.--Section 2(d) of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(d))
is amended by striking ``sections 25, 26, and 28'' and
inserting ``sections 25 and 26''.
(C) Annual and other reports to secretary and congress.--
Section 10(h)(1) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278(h)(1)) is amended by striking
``, including the Program established under section 28,''.
(b) Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow.--Sections 6111
through 6116 of the America COMPETES Act (20 U.S.C. 9811,
9812, 9813, 9814, 9815, 9816) and the items relating to those
sections in the table of contents under section 2 of that Act
(Public Law 110-69; 121 Stat. 572) are repealed.
SEC. 206. GRANT SUBRECIPIENT TRANSPARENCY AND OVERSIGHT.
By not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Inspector General of the Foundation shall
prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress
an audit of the Foundation's policies and procedures
governing the monitoring of pass-through entities with
respect to subrecipients. The audit shall include the
following:
(1) Information regarding the Foundation's process to
oversee--
(A) the compliance of pass-through entities pursuant to
section 200.331 and subpart F of part 200 of chapter II of
subtitle A of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, and the
other requirements of such title 2 for subrecipients;
(B) whether pass-through entities have processes and
controls in place regarding financial compliance of
subrecipients, where appropriate; and
(C) whether pass-through entities have processes and
controls in place to maintain approved grant objectives for
subrecipients, where appropriate.
(2) Any recommendations to increase the transparency and
oversight of the selection process, grant objectives, and
financial oversight of the pass-through entities, while
balancing administrative burdens.
SEC. 207. MICRO-PURCHASE THRESHOLD FOR PROCUREMENT
SOLICITATIONS BY RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Micro-purchase Threshold.--The micro-purchase threshold
for procurement activities administered under sections 6303
through 6305 of title 31, United States Code, awarded by the
National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, or the National Institute of Standards
and Technology to institutions of higher education (as
defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001(a))), or related or affiliated nonprofit
entities, or to nonprofit research organizations or
independent research institutes is--
(1) $10,000 (as adjusted periodically to account for
inflation); or
(2) such higher threshold as determined appropriate by the
head of the relevant executive agency and consistent with
audit findings under chapter 75 of title 31, United States
Code, internal institutional risk assessment, or State law.
(b) Uniform Guidance.--The Uniform Guidance shall be
revised to conform with the requirements of this section. For
purposes of the
[[Page S7157]]
preceding sentence, the term ``Uniform Guidance'' means the
uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and
audit requirements for Federal awards contained in part 200
of title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
TITLE III--SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH EDUCATION
SEC. 301. ROBERT NOYCE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM UPDATE.
Section 10A of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-1a) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(k) STEM Teacher Service and Retention.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall develop and implement
practices for increasing the proportion of individuals
receiving fellowships under this section who--
``(A) fulfill the service obligation required under
subsection (h); and
``(B) remain in the teaching profession in a high need
local educational agency beyond the service obligation.
``(2) Practices.--The practices described under paragraph
(1) may include--
``(A) partnering with nonprofit or professional
associations or with other government entities to provide
individuals receiving fellowships under this section with
opportunities for professional development, including
mentorship programs that pair those individuals with
currently employed and recently retired science, technology,
engineering, mathematics, or computer science professionals;
``(B) increasing recruitment from high need districts;
``(C) establishing a system to better collect, track, and
respond to data on the career decisions of individuals
receiving fellowships under this section;
``(D) conducting research to better understand factors
relevant to teacher service and retention, including factors
specifically impacting the retention of teachers from
underrepresented groups, including women and minorities; and
``(E) conducting pilot programs to improve teacher service
and retention.''.
SEC. 302. SPACE GRANTS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program has
been an important program by which the Federal Government has
partnered with universities, colleges, industry, and other
organizations to provide hands-on STEM experiences, fostering
of multidisciplinary space research, and supporting graduate
fellowships in space-related fields, among other purposes.
(b) Administrative Costs.--Section 40303 of title 51,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(d) Program Administration Costs.--In carrying out the
provisions of this chapter, the Administrator--
``(1) shall maximize appropriated funds for grants and
contracts made under section 40304 in each fiscal year; and
``(2) in each fiscal year, the Administrator shall limit
its program administration costs to no more than 5 percent of
funds appropriated for this program for that fiscal year.
``(e) Reports.--For any fiscal year in which the
Administrator cannot meet the administration cost target
under subsection (d)(2), if the Administration is unable to
limit program costs under subsection (b), the Administrator
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report, including--
``(1) a description of why the Administrator did not meet
the cost target under subsection (d); and
``(2) the measures the Administrator will take in the next
fiscal year to meet the cost target under subsection (d)
without drawing upon other Federal funding.''.
SEC. 303. STEM EDUCATION ADVISORY PANEL.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment this Act, Director of the Foundation, the
Secretary of Education, the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Administrator
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall
jointly establish an advisory panel (referred to in this
section as the ``STEM Education Advisory Panel'') to advise
the Committee on STEM Education of the National Science and
Technology Council (referred to in this section as
``CoSTEM'') on matters relating to STEM education.
(b) Members.--
(1) In general.--The STEM Education Advisory Panel shall be
composed of not less than 11 members.
(2) Appointment.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Director
of the Foundation, in consultation with the Secretary of
Education and the heads of the Federal science agencies,
shall appoint the members of the STEM Education Advisory
Panel.
(B) Consideration.--In selecting individuals to appoint
under subparagraph (A), the Director of the Foundation shall
seek and give consideration to recommendations from Congress,
industry, the scientific community, including the National
Academy of Sciences, scientific professional societies,
academia, State and local governments, organizations
representing groups underrepresented in STEM fields, such as
women and minorities, and such other organizations as the
Director considers appropriate.
(C) Qualifications.--Members shall--
(i) primarily be individuals from academic institutions,
nonprofit organizations, and industry, including in-school,
out-of-school, and informal education practitioners; and
(ii) be individuals who are qualified to provide advice and
information on STEM education research, development,
training, implementation, interventions, professional
development, or workforce needs or concerns.
(c) Responsibilities.--
(1) Assessment.--
(A) In general.--The STEM Education Advisory Panel shall
advise CoSTEM and periodically assess its progress in
carrying out its responsibilities under section 101(b) of the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
6621(b)).
(B) Considerations.--In its advisory role, the STEM
Education Advisory Panel shall consider--
(i) the appropriateness of criteria used by Federal
agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of Federal STEM
education programs and activities;
(ii) ways to leverage private and nonprofit STEM
investments and encourage public-private partnerships to
strengthen STEM education and help build the STEM workforce
pipeline; and
(iii) how Federal agencies incentivize colleges and
universities to improve retention of STEM students.
(2) Recommendations.--The STEM Education Advisory Panel
shall make recommendations to improve Federal STEM education
programs and activities based on the assessment under
paragraph (1).
(d) Funding.--The Director of the Foundation, the Secretary
of Education, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, and the Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall jointly
make funds available on an annual basis to support the
activities of the STEM Education Advisory Panel.
(e) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 3 years thereafter, the STEM
Education Advisory Panel shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress, and CoSTEM a report on its assessment
under subsection (c)(1) and recommendations under subsection
(c)(2).
(f) Travel Expenses of Non-Federal Members.--
(1) In general.--Non-Federal members of the STEM Education
Advisory Panel, while attending meetings of the panel or
while otherwise serving at the request of a co-chairperson
away from their homes or regular places of business, may be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United
States Code, for individuals in the Government serving
without pay.
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed to prohibit members of the STEM Advisory Panel
who are officers or employees of the United States from being
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, in accordance with existing law.
SEC. 304. COMMITTEE ON STEM EDUCATION.
(a) Responsibilities.--Section 101(b) of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621(b)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (5)(D), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) collaborate with the STEM Education Advisory Panel
established under section 303 of the American Innovation and
Competitiveness Act and other outside stakeholders to ensure
the engagement of the STEM education community;
``(8) review the measures used by a Federal agency to
evaluate its STEM education activities and programs;
``(9) request and review feedback from States on how the
States are utilizing Federal STEM education programs and
activities; and
``(10) recommend the reform, termination, or consolidation
of Federal STEM education activities and programs, taking
into consideration the recommendations of the STEM Education
Advisory Panel.''.
(b) Reports.--Section 101 of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(c) Report.--'' and inserting ``(d)
Reports.--'';
(2) by striking ``(b) Responsibilities of OSTP.--'' and
inserting ``(c) Responsibilities of OSTP.--''; and
(3) in subsection (d), as redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) a description of all consolidations and terminations
of Federal STEM education programs and activities implemented
in the previous fiscal year, including an explanation for the
consolidations and terminations;
``(7) recommendations for reforms, consolidations, and
terminations of STEM education programs or activities in the
upcoming fiscal year; and
``(8) a description of any significant new STEM education
public-private partnerships.''.
SEC. 305. GRANT PROGRAMS TO EXPAND STEM OPPORTUNITIES.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Economic projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
indicate that by 2018, there could be 2.4 million unfilled
STEM jobs.
(2) Women represent slightly more than half the United
States population, and projections indicate that 54 percent
of the population will be a member of a racial or ethnic
minority group by 2050.
(3) Despite representing half the population, women
comprise only about 30 percent of STEM workers according to a
2015 report by the National Center for Science and
Engineering Statistics.
(4) A 2014 National Center for Education Statistics study
found that women and underrepresented minorities leave the
STEM fields at higher rates than their counterparts.
(5) The representation of women in STEM drops significantly
at the faculty level. Overall,
[[Page S7158]]
women hold only 25 percent of all tenured and tenure-track
positions and 17 percent of full professor positions in STEM
fields in our Nation's universities and 4-year colleges.
(6) Black and Hispanic faculty together hold about 6.5
percent of all tenured and tenure-track positions and 5
percent of full professor positions.
(7) Many of the numbers in the American Indian or Alaskan
Native and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
categories for different faculty ranks were too small for the
National Science Foundation to report publicly without
potentially compromising confidential information about the
individuals being surveyed.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) it is critical to our Nation's economic leadership and
global competitiveness that we educate, train, and retain
more scientists, engineers, and computer scientists;
(2) there is currently a disconnect between the
availability of and growing demand for STEM-skilled workers;
(3) women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are
the largest untapped STEM talent pools in the United States;
and
(4) given the shifting demographic landscape, the United
States should encourage full participation of individuals
described in paragraph (3) in STEM fields.
(c) Reaffirmation.--The Director of the Foundation shall
continue to support existing programs designed to broaden
participation of women, minorities, and persons with
disabilities in STEM fields.
(d) Program to Broaden Participation in STEM Fields.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall award
grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to eligible
entities to increase the participation of women and groups
underrepresented in STEM fields.
(2) Applications.--An applicant seeking 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.
(3) Use of funds.--Activities supported by grants under
this section may include the following:
(A) Online workshops.
(B) Mentoring programs that partner science, technology,
engineering, mathematics, or computer science professionals
with applicable students.
(C) Internships for applicable undergraduate and graduate
students in STEM fields.
(D) Conducting outreach programs that provide applicable
elementary school and secondary school students with
opportunities to increase their exposure to STEM fields.
(E) Programs to increase the recruitment and retention of
underrepresented faculty.
(F) Such additional programs as the Director of the
Foundation may consider appropriate.
(e) Grant Program for Grades K Through 8.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall award
grants to be used for research to advance the engagement of
students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM that are
designed to encourage interest, engagement, and skills
development of students in STEM fields, particularly those
who are members of groups underrepresented in STEM fields.
(2) Use of funds.--Activities supported by grants under
this section may include--
(A) development and implementation of programming described
in paragraph (1) for the purpose of research;
(B) use of a variety of engagement methods, including
cooperative and hands-on learning;
(C) exposure of students who are members of groups
underrepresented in STEM fields to role models, including
near-peers, in STEM fields;
(D) mentors;
(E) training of informal learning educators and youth-
serving professionals using evidence-based methods consistent
with the target student population being served;
(F) education of students on the relevance and significance
of STEM careers, provision of academic advice and assistance,
and activities designed to help students make real-world
connections to STEM content activities;
(G) attendance of underrepresented students at events,
competitions, and academic programs to provide content
expertise and encourage career exposure in STEM;
(H) activities designed to engage parents of
underrepresented students;
(I) innovative strategies to engage underrepresented
students, such as using leadership skill outcome measures to
encourage youth with the confidence to pursue STEM course
work and academic study;
(J) coordination with STEM-rich environments, including
other nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations, classroom and
out-of classroom settings, institutions of higher education,
vocational facilities, corporations, museums, or science
centers; and
(K) acquisition of instructional materials or technology-
based tools to conduct applicable grant activity.
(3) Applications.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an applicant
seeking a grant under the section shall submit an application
to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Director may require.
(B) Requirements.--The application shall include, at a
minimum, the following:
(i) A description of the target audience to be served by
the program.
(ii) A description of the process for recruitment and
selection of students, as appropriate.
(iii) A description of how such research activity may
inform programming that engages underrepresented students in
grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM.
(iv) A description of how such research activity may inform
programming that promotes student academic achievement in
STEM.
(v) An evaluation plan to determine the impact and efficacy
of activities being researched.
(4) Consideration.--In awarding grants under this section,
the Director shall give consideration to applicants which,
for the purpose of grant activity, include or partner with an
organization that has extensive experience and expertise in
increasing the participation of underrepresented students in
STEM.
(f) Accountability and Dissemination.--
(1) Evaluation.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall evaluate the grants
provided under this section.
(B) Requirements.--In conducting the evaluation under
subparagraph (A), the Director shall--
(i) use a common set of benchmarks and assessment tools to
identify best practices and materials developed or
demonstrated by the research; and
(ii) to the extent practicable, combine the research
resulting from the grant activity under subsection (e) with
the current research on serving underrepresented students in
grades kindergarten through 8.
(2) Report on evaluations.--Not later than 180 days after
the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), the
Director shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress and make widely available to the public a report
that includes--
(A) the results of the evaluation; and
(B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative
action that could optimize the effectiveness of the program.
(g) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the
Director shall consult, cooperate, and coordinate, to enhance
program effectiveness and to avoid duplication, with the
programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies.
(h) Definition of Groups Underrepresented in STEM Fields.--
In this section, the term ``groups underrepresented in STEM
fields'' has the meaning given the term ``underrepresented in
science and engineering'' in section 637.4(b) of title 34,
Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 306. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR INCLUSION IN STEM.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Foundation shall
carry out a program to award merit-reviewed, competitive
grants to institutions of higher education, or consortia
thereof, to establish not less than 1 Center of Excellence,
(referred to in this section as the ``Center'') to collect,
maintain, and disseminate information to increase
participation of women and groups underrepresented in STEM
fields (as defined in section 305(d)(4)).
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Center is to promote
diversity in STEM fields by building on the success of the
INCLUDES programs, providing technical assistance,
maintaining best practices, and providing related training at
federally-funded academic institutions.
(c) Program.--The Director of the Foundation shall
establish each Center through a merit-reviewed, competitive
award to an eligible entity for at least 3, but not more than
to 5 years.
(d) Public Domain.--All program information developed,
collected, or maintained by a Center, except for personally
identifiable information, is and shall remain part of the
public domain.
(e) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, an eligible institution shall prepare and
submit to the Director an application at such a time, in such
form, and containing such information as the Director may
require.
(f) Activities.--Activities of a Center may include--
(1) conducting and disseminating research on--
(A) systemic factors and institutional policies that impede
or facilitate the recruitment, retention, and success of
underrepresented groups in STEM fields; and
(B) best practices for mitigating the systemic factors and
institutional policies that impede inclusion of
underrepresented groups in STEM fields;
(2) collaborating with institutions of higher education,
Federal agencies, industry, and relevant stakeholders to
develop policies and practices to facilitate the recruitment,
retention, and success of underrepresented groups in STEM;
(3) providing educational opportunities for STEM faculty
members, staff, students, trainees, fellows, and
administrators to learn about inclusion in STEM and to
improve STEM mentoring;
(4) developing and hosting intra- or inter-institutional
workshops, and providing ongoing support to workshop
participants, to propagate best practices in recruiting,
retaining, and advancing STEM faculty members, staff,
students, trainees, fellows, and administrators from
underrepresented groups at institutions of higher education;
(5) assessing the effectiveness of efforts funded by a
Center or related efforts designed to increase inclusion in
STEM;
(6) assessing how modern STEM learning environments can
increase the inclusion, engagement, and retention of students
in STEM fields, particularly for women and groups
underrepresented in STEM fields; and
(7) such other actions as a Center determines are necessary
to further the inclusion of underrepresented groups in STEM.
SEC. 307. NIST EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.
(a) Repeals.--The National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by striking section 18 (15 U.S.C. 278g-1); and
(2) by striking section 19A (15 U.S.C. 278g-2a).
(b) Education and Outreach.--The National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15
[[Page S7159]]
U.S.C. 271 et seq.), as amended, is further amended by
inserting after section 17, the following:
``SEC. 18. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.
``(a) In General.--The Director is authorized to expend
funds appropriated for activities of the Institute in any
fiscal year, to support, promote, and coordinate activities
and efforts to enhance public awareness and understanding of
measurement sciences, standards and technology at the
national measurement laboratories and otherwise in
fulfillment of the mission of the Institute. The Director may
carry out activities under this subsection, including
education and outreach activities to the general public,
industry and academia in support of the Institute's mission.
``(b) Hiring.--The Director, in coordination with the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management, may revise
the procedures the Director applies when making appointments
to laboratory positions within the competitive service--
``(1) to ensure corporate memory of and expertise in the
fundamental ongoing work, and on developing new capabilities
in priority areas;
``(2) to maintain high overall technical competence;
``(3) to improve staff diversity;
``(4) to balance emphases on the noncore and core areas; or
``(5) to improve the ability of the Institute to compete in
the marketplace for qualified personnel.
``(c) Volunteers.--
``(1) In general.--The Director may establish a program to
use volunteers in carrying out the programs of the Institute.
``(2) Acceptance of personnel.--The Director may accept,
subject to regulations issued by the Office of Personnel
Management, voluntary service for the Institute for such
purpose if the service--
``(A) is to be without compensation; and
``(B) will not be used to displace any current employee or
act as a substitute for any future full-time employee of the
Institute.
``(3) Federal employee status.--Any individual who provides
voluntary service under this subsection shall not be
considered a Federal employee, except for purposes of chapter
81 of title 5, United States Code (relating to compensation
for injury), and sections 2671 through 2680 of title 28,
United States Code (relating to tort claims).
``(d) Research Fellowships.--
``(1) In general.--The Director may expend funds
appropriated for activities of the Institute in any fiscal
year, as the Director considers appropriate, for awards of
research fellowships and other forms of financial and
logistical assistance, including direct stipend awards to--
``(A) students at institutions of higher learning within
the United States who show promise as present or future
contributors to the mission of the Institute; and
``(B) United States citizens for research and technical
activities of the Institute, including programs.
``(2) Selection criteria.--The selection of persons to
receive such fellowships and assistance shall be made on the
basis of ability and of the relevance of the proposed work to
the mission and programs of the Institute.
``(3) Financial and logistical assistance.--Notwithstanding
section 1345 of title 31, United States Code, or any other
law to the contrary, the Director may include as a form of
financial or logistical assistance under this subsection
temporary housing and transportation to and from Institute
facilities.
``(e) Educational Outreach Activities.--The Director may--
``(1) facilitate education programs for undergraduate and
graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and academic and
industry employees;
``(2) sponsor summer internships for STEM high school
teachers as appropriate;
``(3) develop programs for graduate student internships and
visiting faculty researchers;
``(4) document publications, presentations, and
interactions with visiting researchers and sponsoring interns
as performance metrics for improving and continuing
interactions with those individuals; and
``(5) facilitate laboratory tours and provide presentations
for educational, industry, and community groups.''.
(c) Post-doctoral Fellowship Program.--Section 19 of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278g-2) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 19. POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Institute and the National Academy
of Sciences, jointly, shall establish and conduct a post-
doctoral fellowship program, subject to the availability of
appropriations.
``(b) Organization.--The post-doctoral fellowship program
shall include not less than 20 nor more than 120 new fellows
per fiscal year.
``(c) Evaluations.--In evaluating applications for post-
doctoral fellowships under this section, the Director of the
Institute and the President of the National Academy of
Sciences shall give consideration to the goal of promoting
the participation of underrepresented minorities in research
areas supported by the Institute.''.
(d) Savings Clauses.--
(1) Research fellowships and other financial assistance to
students at institutes of higher education.--The repeal made
by subsection (a)(1) of this section shall not affect any
award of a research fellowship or other form of financial
assistance made under section 18 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-1) before the
date of enactment of this Act. Such award shall continue to
be subject to the requirements to which such funds were
subject under that section before the date of enactment of
this Act.
(2) Post-doctoral fellowship program.--The amendment made
by subsection (c) of this section shall not affect any award
of a post-doctoral fellowship or other form of financial
assistance made under section 19 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-2) before the
date of enactment of this Act. Such awards shall continue to
be subject to the requirements to which such funds were
subject under that section before the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 308. PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN STEM
MENTORING.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Foundation shall
continue to administer awards on behalf of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy to recognize outstanding
mentoring in STEM fields.
(b) Annual Award Recipients.--The Director of the
Foundation shall provide Congress with a list of award
recipients, including the name, institution, and a brief
synopsis of the impact of the mentoring efforts.
SEC. 309. WORKING GROUP ON INCLUSION IN STEM FIELDS.
(a) Establishment.--The Office of Science and Technology
Policy, in collaboration with Federal departments and
agencies, shall establish an interagency working group to
compile and summarize available research and best practices
on how to promote diversity and inclusions in STEM fields and
examine whether barriers exist to promoting diversity and
inclusion within Federal agencies employing scientists and
engineers.
(b) Responsibilities.--The working group shall be
responsible for reviewing and assessing research, best
practices, and policies across Federal science agencies
related to the inclusion of underrepresented groups in the
Federal STEM workforce, including available research and best
practices on how to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM
fields, including--
(1) policies providing flexibility for scientists and
engineers that are also caregivers, particularly on the
timing of research grants;
(2) policies to address the proper handling of claims of
sexual harassment;
(3) policies to minimize the effects of implicit bias and
other systemic factors in hiring, promotion, evaluation and
the workplace in general; and
(4) other evidence-based strategies that the working group
considers effective for promoting diversity and inclusion in
the STEM fields.
(c) Stakeholder Input.--In carrying out the
responsibilities under section (b), the working group shall
solicit and consider input and recommendations from non-
Federal stakeholders, including--
(1) the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology;
(2) federally funded and non-federally funded researchers,
institutions of higher education, scientific disciplinary
societies, and associations;
(3) nonprofit research institutions;
(4) industry, including small businesses;
(5) federally funded research and development centers;
(6) non-governmental organizations; and
(7) such other members of the public interested in
promoting a diverse and inclusive Federal STEM workforce.
(d) Public Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter, the
working group shall publish a report on the review and
assessment under subsection (b), including a summary of
available research and best practices, any recommendations
for Federal actions to promote a diverse and inclusive
Federal STEM workforce, and updates on the implementation of
previous recommendations for Federal actions.
(e) Termination of Effectiveness.--The authority provided
by subsection (a) terminates effective on the date that is 10
years after the date that the working group is established.
SEC. 310. IMPROVING UNDERGRADUATE STEM EXPERIENCES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
each Federal science agency should invest in and expand
research opportunities for undergraduate students attending
institutions of higher education during the undergraduate
student's first 2 academic years of postsecondary education.
(b) Identification of Research Programs.--Not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the head of
each Federal agency shall submit to the President
recommendations regarding how the agency could best fulfill
the goals described in subsection (a).
(c) Broader Impacts.--Section 526(a)(6) of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-358; 124
Stat. 4019) is amended to read as follows:
``(6) Improved undergraduate STEM education and
instruction.''.
SEC. 311. COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION RESEARCH.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that as the lead Federal
agency for building the research knowledge base for computer
science education, the Foundation is well positioned to make
investments that will accelerate ongoing efforts to enable
rigorous and engaging computer science throughout the Nation.
(b) Grant Program.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall award
grants to eligible entities to research computer science
education and computational thinking.
(2) Research.--The research described in paragraph (1) may
include the development or adaptation, piloting or full
implementation, and testing of--
(A) models of preservice preparation for teachers who will
teach computer science and computational thinking;
[[Page S7160]]
(B) scalable and sustainable models of professional
development and ongoing support for the teachers described in
subparagraph (A);
(C) tools and models for teaching and learning aimed at
supporting student success and inclusion in computing within
and across diverse populations, particularly poor, rural, and
tribal populations and other populations that have been
traditionally underrepresented in computer science and STEM
fields; and
(D) instructional materials and high-quality learning
opportunities for teaching computer science and, especially
in poor, rural, or tribal schools at the elementary school
and middle school levels, for integrating computational
thinking into STEM teaching and learning.
(c) Collaborations.--In carrying out the grants established
in subsection (b), eligible entities may collaborate and
partner with local or remote schools to support the
integration of computing and computational thinking within
pre-kindergarten through grade 12 STEM curricula and
instruction.
(d) Metrics.--The Director of the Foundation shall develop
metrics to measure the success of the grant program funded
under this section in achieving program goals.
(e) Report.--The Director of the Foundation shall report,
in the annual budget submission to Congress, on the success
of the program as measured by the metrics in subsection (d).
(f) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the
term ``eligible entity'' means an institution of higher
education or a nonprofit research organization.
SEC. 312. INFORMAL STEM EDUCATION.
(a) National STEM Partnership Grants.--The Director of the
National Science Foundation may award, through a cross-
Directorate process including the Directorate for Education
and Human Resources and at least one additional Directorate
of the Foundation, competitive, merit-reviewed grants to
support a national partnership of institutions involved in
informal STEM learning.
(b) Use of Funds.--Activities supported by grants under
this section may include--
(1) fostering and implementing on-going partnerships
between institutions involved in informal STEM learning,
institutions of higher education, and education research
centers; and
(2) developing, adapting, and making available informal
STEM education activities and educational materials for broad
implementation.
SEC. 313. DEVELOPING STEM APPRENTICESHIPS.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The lack of data on the return on investment for United
States employers using registered apprenticeships makes it
difficult--
(A) to communicate the value of these programs to
businesses; and
(B) to expand registered apprenticeships.
(2) The lack of data on the value and impact of employer-
provided worker training, which is likely substantial,
hinders the ability of the Federal Government to formulate
policy related to workforce training.
(3) The Secretary of Commerce has initiated--
(A) the first study on the return on investment for United
States employers using registered apprenticeships through
case studies of firms in various sectors, occupations, and
geographic locations to provide the business community with
data on employer benefits and costs; and
(B) discussions with officials at relevant Federal agencies
about the need to collect comprehensive data on--
(i) employer-provided worker training; and
(ii) existing tools that could be used to collect such
data.
(b) Development of Apprenticeship Information.--The
Secretary of Commerce shall continue to research the value to
businesses of utilizing apprenticeship programs, including--
(1) evidence of return on investment of apprenticeships,
including estimates for the average time it takes a business
to recover the costs associated with training apprentices;
and
(2) data from the United States Census Bureau and other
statistical surveys on employer-provided training, including
apprenticeships and other on-the-job training and industry-
recognized certification programs.
(c) Dissemination of Apprenticeship Information.--The
Secretary of Commerce shall disseminate findings from
research on apprenticeships to businesses and other relevant
stakeholders, including--
(1) institutions of higher education;
(2) State and local chambers of commerce; and
(3) workforce training organizations.
(d) Studying Approaches to Collecting Employer-provided
Worker Training Data.--The Secretary of Commerce and the
Secretary of Labor shall--
(1) collaborate to identify approaches to collecting
employer-provided worker training data;
(2) provide a report to the relevant congressional
committees on--
(A) the existing tools available to collect such data; and
(B) the time and cost of collecting such data; and
(3) provide recommendations to the relevant congressional
committees on additional tools that may be needed to collect
such data.
(e) New Apprenticeship Program Study.--The Secretary of
Commerce and the Secretary of Labor shall collaborate to
study approaches for reducing the cost of creating new
apprenticeship programs and hosting apprentices for
businesses, particularly small businesses, including--
(1) training sharing agreements;
(2) group training models; and
(3) pooling resources and best practices.
(f) Economic Development Administration Grants.--The
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 28. STEM APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce may carry out
a grant program to identify the need for skilled science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this
section as `STEM') workers and to expand STEM apprenticeship
programs.
``(b) Eligible Recipient Defined.--In this section, the
term `eligible recipient' means--
``(1) a State;
``(2) an Indian tribe;
``(3) a city or other political subdivision of a State;
``(4) an entity that--
``(A) is a nonprofit organization, an institution of higher
education, a public-private partnership, a science or
research park, a Federal laboratory, or an economic
development organization or similar entity; and
``(B) has an application that is supported by a State, a
political subdivision of a State, or a native organization;
or
``(5) a consortium of any of the entities described in
paragraphs (1) through (5).
``(c) Needs Assessment Grants.--The Secretary of Commerce
may provide a grant to an eligible recipient to conduct a
needs assessment to identify--
``(1) the unmet need of a region's employer base for
skilled STEM workers;
``(2) the potential of STEM apprenticeships to address the
unmet need described in paragraph (1); and
``(3) any barriers to addressing the unmet need described
in paragraph (1).
``(d) Apprenticeship Expansion Grants.--The Secretary of
Commerce may provide a grant to an eligible recipient that
has conducted a needs assessment as described in subsection
(c)(1) to develop infrastructure to expand STEM
apprenticeship programs.''.
SEC. 314. NSF REPORT ON BROADENING PARTICIPATION.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the National Science Foundation shall--
(1) review data on the participation in Foundation
activities of institutions serving groups that are
underrepresented in STEM disciplines, including poor, rural,
and tribal populations; and
(2) submit to Congress a report on the findings from such
review and a recommendation or recommendations regarding how
the Foundation could improve outreach and inclusion of these
groups in Foundation activities.
SEC. 315. NOAA OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE EDUCATION
PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 4002 of the
America COMPETES Act (33 U.S.C. 893a) is amended by inserting
after ``from underrepresented groups'' the following: ``,
including ethnic, racial, and economic minority groups,''.
(b) Educational Program Goals.--Paragraph (4) of section
4002(b) of the America COMPETES Act (33 U.S.C. 893a(b)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (C) and subparagraph (D);
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) are designed considering the unique needs of
underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, translating such
materials and other resources into appropriate multi-lingual
curricula;''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) are promoted widely, especially among
underrepresented groups (including among racial and ethnic
minority communities); and''.
(c) Metrics.--Section 4002 of the America COMPETES Act (33
U.S.C. 893a) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively; and
(2) by adding after section (c) the following:
``(d) Metrics.--In executing the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration science education plan under
subsection (c), the Administrator shall maintain a
comprehensive system for evaluating the Administration's
educational programs and activities. In so doing, the
Administrator shall ensure that such education programs have
measurable objectives and milestones as well as clear,
documented metrics for evaluating programs. For each such
education program or portfolio of similar programs, the
Administrator shall--
``(1) encourage the collection of evidence as relevant to
the measurable objectives and milestones; and
``(2) ensure that program or portfolio evaluations focus on
educational outcomes and not just inputs, activities
completed, or the number of participants.''.
TITLE IV--LEVERAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR
SEC. 401. PRIZE COMPETITION AUTHORITY UPDATE.
Section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Prizes'' and
by inserting ``Prize Competitions'';
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``prize may be one or more of the following'' and inserting
``prize competition may be 1 or more of the following types
of activities'';
(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``competition'' after
``prize''; and
(D) in paragraphs (3) and (4), by striking ``prizes'' and
inserting ``prize competitions'';
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``in
the Federal Register'' and inserting ``on a publicly
accessible Government website, such as www.challenge.gov,'';
(B) in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), by inserting ``prize''
before ``competition''; and
[[Page S7161]]
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``prize'' and inserting
``cash prize purse or non-cash prize award'';
(3) in subsection (g)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``prize'' and inserting ``cash prize purse''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competition'';
(4) in subsection (h), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competition'' each place it appears;
(5) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competition'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competition'' each place it appears;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Waivers.--
``(A) In general.--An agency may waive the requirement
under paragraph (2).
``(B) List.--The Director shall include a list of all of
the waivers granted under this paragraph during the preceding
fiscal year, including a detailed explanation of the reason
for granting the waiver.'';
(6) in subsection (j)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competition'';
(B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Licenses.--As appropriate and to further the goals of
a prize competition, the Federal Government may--
``(A) negotiate a license for the use of intellectual
property developed by a registered participant in a prize
competition; or
``(B) require a registered participant in a prize
competition to provide an open license to the public for the
use of the intellectual property if that requirement is
disclosed prior to registration.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Electronic consent.--The Federal Government may
obtain consent to the intellectual property and licensing
terms of a prize competition from participants during the
online registration for the prize competition.'';
(7) in subsection (k)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``each competition'' and
inserting ``each prize competition'' each place it appears;
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competition''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competitions'' each place it appears;
(8) in subsection (l), by striking ``an agreement with''
and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or
other agreement with a private sector for-profit or nonprofit
entity or State or local government agency to administer the
prize competition, subject to the provisions of this
section.'';
(9) in subsection (m)--
(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--Support for a prize competition under
this section, including financial support for the design and
administration of a prize competition or funds for a cash
prize purse, may consist of Federal appropriated funds and
funds provided by private sector for-profit and nonprofit
entities. The head of an agency may request and accept funds
from other Federal agencies, State, United States territory,
local, or tribal government agencies, private sector for-
profit entities, and nonprofit entities, to be available to
the extent provided by appropriations Acts, to support such
prize competitions. The head of an agency may not give any
special consideration to any agency or entity in return for a
donation.'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``prize awards'' and
inserting ``cash prize purses or non-cash prize awards'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) Announcement.--No prize competition may be announced
under subsection (f) until all the funds needed to pay out
the announced amount of the cash prize purse have been
appropriated or committed in writing by a private or State,
United States territory, local, or tribal government
source.''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``a
prize'' and inserting ``a cash prize purse or non-cash prize
award'';
(II) in clause (i), by inserting ``competition'' after
``prize''; and
(III) in clause (ii), by inserting ``or State, United
States territory, local, or tribal government'' after
``private'';
(D) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``a prize'' and inserting ``a cash prize
purse or a non-cash prize award''; and
(II) by striking ``Science and Technology'' and inserting
``Science, Space, and Technology''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``cash prizes'' and
inserting ``cash prize purses or non-cash prize awards'';
(10) in subsection (n)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Service'' and inserting
``Services'';
(B) by striking ``the date of the enactment of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010,'' and inserting ``the
date of enactment of the American Innovation and
Competitiveness Act,''; and
(C) by inserting ``for both for-profit and nonprofit
entities and State, United States territory, local, and
tribal government entities,'' after ``contract vehicle'';
(11) in subsection (o)(1), by striking ``or providing a
prize'' and inserting ``a prize competition or providing a
cash prize purse or non-cash prize award''; and
(12) in subsection (p)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Annual'' and inserting
``Biennial'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``each year'' and inserting ``every other
year'';
(ii) by striking ``Science and Technology'' and inserting
``Science, Space, and Technology''; and
(iii) by striking ``fiscal year'' and inserting ``2 fiscal
years''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``The report for a fiscal year'' and
inserting ``A report'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) in the heading, by striking ``prizes'' and inserting
``prize purses or non-cash prize awards''; and
(II) by striking ``cash prizes'' each place it appears and
inserting ``cash prize purses or non-cash prize awards''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) Plan.--A description of crosscutting topical areas
and agency-specific mission needs that may be the strongest
opportunities for prize competitions during the upcoming 2
fiscal years.''.
SEC. 402. CROWDSOURCING AND CITIZEN SCIENCE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the authority granted to Federal agencies under the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-
358; 124 Stat. 3982) to pursue the use of incentive prizes
and challenges has yielded numerous benefits;
(2) crowdsourcing and citizen science projects have a
number of additional unique benefits, including accelerating
scientific research, increasing cost effectiveness to
maximize the return on taxpayer dollars, addressing societal
needs, providing hands-on learning in STEM, and connecting
members of the public directly to Federal agency missions and
to each other; and
(3) granting Federal agencies the direct, explicit
authority to use crowdsourcing and citizen science will
encourage its appropriate use to advance agency missions and
stimulate and facilitate broader public participation in the
innovation process, yielding numerous benefits to the Federal
Government and citizens who participate in such projects.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Citizen science.--The term ``citizen science'' means a
form of open collaboration in which individuals or
organizations participate voluntarily in the scientific
process in various ways, including--
(A) enabling the formulation of research questions;
(B) creating and refining project design;
(C) conducting scientific experiments;
(D) collecting and analyzing data;
(E) interpreting the results of data;
(F) developing technologies and applications;
(G) making discoveries; and
(H) solving problems.
(2) Crowdsourcing.--The term ``crowdsourcing'' means a
method to obtain needed services, ideas, or content by
soliciting voluntary contributions from a group of
individuals or organizations, especially from an online
community.
(3) Participant.--The term ``participant'' means any
individual or other entity that has volunteered in a
crowdsourcing or citizen science project under this section.
(c) Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science.--
(1) In general.--The head of each Federal agency, or the
heads of multiple Federal agencies working cooperatively, may
utilize crowdsourcing and citizen science to conduct
activities designed to advance the mission of the respective
Federal agency or the joint mission of Federal agencies, as
applicable.
(2) Voluntary services.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of
title 31, United States Code, the head of a Federal agency
may accept, subject to regulations issued by the Director of
the Office of Personnel Management, services from
participants under this section if such services--
(A) are performed voluntarily as a part of a crowdsourcing
or citizen science project authorized under paragraph (1);
(B) are not financially compensated for their time; and
(C) will not be used to displace any employee of the
Federal Government.
(3) Outreach.--The head of each Federal agency engaged in a
crowdsourcing or citizen science project under this section
shall make public and promote such project to encourage broad
participation.
(4) Consent, registration, and terms of use.--
(A) In general.--Each Federal agency is authorized to
determine the appropriate level of consent, registration, or
acknowledgment of the terms of use that are required from
participants in crowdsourcing or citizen science projects
under this section on a per-project basis.
(B) Disclosures.--In seeking consent, conducting
registration, or developing terms of use for a project under
this subsection, a Federal agency shall disclose the privacy,
intellectual property, data ownership, compensation, service,
program, and other terms of use to the participant in a clear
and reasonable manner.
(C) Mode of consent.--A Federal agency or Federal agencies,
as applicable, may obtain consent electronically or in
written form from participants under this section.
(5) Protections for human subjects.--Any crowdsourcing or
citizen science project under this section that involves
research involving human subjects shall be subject to part 46
of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
regulation).
(6) Data.--
(A) In general.--A Federal agency shall, where appropriate
and to the extent practicable, make data collected through a
crowdsourcing or
[[Page S7162]]
citizen science project under this section available to the
public, in a machine readable format, unless prohibited by
law.
(B) Notice.--As part of the consent process, the Federal
agency shall notify all participants--
(i) of the expected uses of the data compiled through the
project;
(ii) if the Federal agency will retain ownership of such
data;
(iii) if and how the data and results from the project
would be made available for public or third party use; and
(iv) if participants are authorized to publish such data.
(7) Technologies and applications.--Federal agencies shall
endeavor to make technologies, applications, code, and
derivations of such intellectual property developed through a
crowdsourcing or citizen science project under this section
available to the public.
(8) Liability.--Each participant in a crowdsourcing or
citizen science project under this section shall agree--
(A) to assume any and all risks associated with such
participation; and
(B) to waive all claims against the Federal Government and
its related entities, except for claims based on willful
misconduct, for any injury, death, damage, or loss of
property, revenue, or profits (whether direct, indirect, or
consequential) arising from participation in the project.
(9) Scientific integrity.--Federal agencies coordinating
crowdsourcing or citizen science projects under this section
shall make all practicable efforts to ensure that
participants adhere to all relevant scientific integrity or
other applicable ethics policies.
(10) Multi-sector partnerships.--The head of each Federal
agency engaged in crowdsourcing or citizen science under this
section, or the heads of multiple Federal agencies working
cooperatively, may enter into a contract or other agreement
to share administrative duties for such activities with--
(A) a for profit or nonprofit private sector entity,
including a private institution of higher education;
(B) a State, tribal, local, or foreign government agency,
including a public institution of higher education; or
(C) a public-private partnership.
(11) Funding.--In carrying out crowdsourcing and citizen
science projects under this section, the head of a Federal
agency, or the heads of multiple Federal agencies working
cooperatively--
(A) may use funds appropriated by Congress;
(B) may publicize projects and solicit and accept funds or
in-kind support for such activities from--
(i) other Federal agencies;
(ii) for profit or nonprofit private sector entities,
including private institutions of higher education; or
(iii) State, tribal, local, or foreign government agencies,
including public institutions of higher education; and
(C) may not give any special consideration to any entity
described in subparagraph (ii) in return for such funds or
in-kind support.
(12) Facilitation.--
(A) General services administration assistance.--The
Administrator of the General Services Administration, in
coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel
Management, shall, at no cost to Federal agencies, identify
and develop relevant products, training, and services to
facilitate the use of crowdsourcing and citizen science
projects under this section, including by specifying the
appropriate contract vehicles and technology and
organizational platforms to enhance the ability of Federal
agencies to carry out the activities under this section.
(B) Additional guidance.--The head of each Federal agency
engaged in crowdsourcing or citizen science under this
section is encouraged--
(i) to consult any guidance provided by the Director of the
Office of Science and Technology Policy, including the
Federal Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Toolkit;
(ii) to designate a coordinator for that Federal agency's
crowdsourcing and citizen science projects; and
(iii) to share best practices with other Federal agencies,
including participation of staff in the Federal Community of
Practice for Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science.
(d) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall include, as a component
of a report required under section 24(p) of the Stevenson-
Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719(p)),
a report on the activities carried out under this section.
(2) Information included.--The report required under
paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) a summary of each crowdsourcing and citizen science
project conducted by a Federal agency during the most
recently completed 2 fiscal years, including a description of
the proposed goals of each crowdsourcing and citizen science
project;
(B) the participation rates, submission levels, number of
consents, or any other statistic that might be considered
relevant in each crowdsourcing and citizen science project;
(C) a description of--
(i) the resources (including personnel and funding) that
were used in the execution of each crowdsourcing and citizen
science project;
(ii) the activities for which such resources were used; and
(iii) how the obligations and expenditures relating to the
project's execution were allocated among the accounts of the
Federal agency;
(D) a summary of the use of crowdsourcing and citizen
science by all Federal agencies, including interagency and
multi-sector partnerships; and
(E) any other information that the Director of the Office
of Science and Technology Policy considers relevant.
(e) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section may be
construed--
(1) to affect the authority to conduct crowdsourcing and
citizen science authorized by any other provision of law; or
(2) to displace Federal Government resources allocated to
the Federal agencies that use crowdsourcing or citizen
science authorized under this section to carry out a project.
SEC. 403. NIST OTHER TRANSACTION AUTHORITY UPDATE.
Section 2(b)(4) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b)(4)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(4) to enter into and perform such contracts, including
cooperative research and development arrangements, grants,
cooperative agreements, real property leases, or other
transactions, as may be necessary in furtherance of the
purposes of this Act and on such terms as the Director
considers appropriate;''.
SEC. 404. NIST VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
UPDATE.
Section 10(a) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278(a)) is amended--
(1) in the second sentence, by striking ``15 members
appointed by the Director, at least 10 of whom'' and ``not
fewer than 9 members appointed by the Director, a majority of
whom''; and
(2) in the third sentence, by striking ``National Bureau of
Standards'' and inserting ``National Institute of Standards
and Technology''.
TITLE V--MANUFACTURING
SEC. 501. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP
IMPROVEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 25 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 25. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
`appropriate committees of Congress' means--
``(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate; and
``(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives.
``(2) Area career and technical education school.--The term
`area career and technical education school' has the meaning
given the term in section 3 of the Vocational Education Act
of 1963 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(3) Center.--The term `Center' means a manufacturing
extension center that--
``(A) is created under subsection (b); and
``(B) is affiliated with an eligible entity that applies
for and is awarded financial support under subsection (e).
``(4) Community college.--The term `community college'
means an institution of higher education (as defined under
section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a))) at which the highest degree that is predominately
awarded to students is an associate's degree.
``(5) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
United States-based nonprofit institution, or consortium
thereof, an institution of higher education, or a State,
United States territory, local, or tribal government.
``(6) Hollings manufacturing extension partnership or
program.--The term `Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership' or `Program' means the program established under
subsection (b).
``(7) MEP advisory board.--The term `MEP Advisory Board'
means the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board
established under subsection (n).
``(b) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary, acting
through the Director and, if appropriate, through other
Federal officials, shall establish a program to provide
assistance for the creation and support of manufacturing
extension centers for the transfer of manufacturing
technology and best business practices.
``(c) Objective.--The objective of the Program shall be to
enhance competitiveness, productivity, and technological
performance in United States manufacturing through--
``(1) the transfer of manufacturing technology and
techniques developed at the Institute to Centers and, through
them, to manufacturing companies throughout the United
States;
``(2) the participation of individuals from industry,
institutions of higher education, State governments, other
Federal agencies, and, when appropriate, the Institute in
cooperative technology transfer activities;
``(3) efforts to make new manufacturing technology and
processes usable by United States-based small and medium-
sized companies;
``(4) the active dissemination of scientific, engineering,
technical, and management information about manufacturing to
industrial firms, including small and medium-sized
manufacturing companies;
``(5) the utilization, when appropriate, of the expertise
and capability that exists in Federal agencies, other than
the Institute, and federally-sponsored laboratories;
``(6) the provision to community colleges and area career
and technical education schools of information about the job
skills needed in manufacturing companies, including small and
medium-sized manufacturing businesses in the regions they
serve;
``(7) the promotion and expansion of certification systems,
including efforts to assist small- and medium-sized
manufacturing businesses in creating new apprenticeships or
utilizing existing apprenticeships, such as facilitating
training and providing access to information and experts, to
address workforce needs and skills gaps; and
[[Page S7163]]
``(8) the growth in employment and wages at United States-
based small and medium-sized companies.
``(d) Activities.--The activities of a Center shall
include--
``(1) the establishment of automated manufacturing systems
and other advanced production technologies, based on
Institute-supported research, for the purpose of
demonstrations and technology transfer;
``(2) the active transfer and dissemination of research
findings and Center expertise to a wide range of companies
and enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized
manufacturers; and
``(3) the facilitation of collaborations and partnerships
between small and medium-sized manufacturing companies ,
community colleges, and area career and technical education
schools, to help those entities better understand the
specific needs of manufacturers and to help manufacturers
better understand the skill sets that students learn in the
programs offered by such colleges and schools.
``(e) Financial Assistance.--
``(1) Authorization.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
the Secretary may provide financial assistance for the
creation and support of a Center through a cooperative
agreement with an eligible entity.
``(2) Cost sharing.--The Secretary may not provide more
than 50 percent of the capital and annual operating and
maintenance funds required to establish and support a Center.
``(3) Rule of construction.--For purposes of paragraph (2),
any amount received by an eligible entity for a Center under
a provision of law other than paragraph (1) shall not be
considered an amount provided under paragraph (1).
``(f) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(2) Program description.--The Secretary shall establish
and update, as necessary--
``(A) a description of the Program;
``(B) the application procedures;
``(C) performance metrics;
``(D) criteria for determining qualified applicants; and
``(E) criteria for choosing recipients of financial
assistance from among the qualified applicants.
``(F) procedures for determining allowable cost share
contributions; and
``(G) such other program policy objectives and operational
procedures as the Secretary considers necessary.
``(3) Cost sharing.--
``(A) In general.--To be considered for financial
assistance under this section, an applicant shall provide
adequate assurances that the applicant and if applicable, the
applicant's partnering organizations, will obtain funding for
not less than 50 percent of the capital and annual operating
and maintenance funds required to establish and support the
Center from sources other than the financial assistance
provided under subsection (e).
``(B) Agreements with other entities.--In meeting the cost-
sharing requirement under subparagraph (A), an eligible
entity may enter into an agreement with 1 or more other
entities, such as a private industry, an institution of
higher education, or a State, United States territory, local,
or tribal government for the contribution by that other
entity of funding if the Secretary determines the agreement--
``(i) is programmatically reasonable;
``(ii) will help accomplish programmatic objectives; and
``(iii) is allocable under Program procedures under
subsection (f)(2).
``(4) Legal rights.--Each applicant shall include in the
application a proposal for the allocation of the legal rights
associated with any intellectual property which may result
from the activities of the Center.
``(5) Merit review of applications.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall subject each
application to merit review.
``(B) Considerations.--In making a decision whether to
approve an application and provide financial assistance under
subsection (e), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--
``(i) the merits of the application, particularly those
portions of the application regarding technology transfer,
training and education, and adaptation of manufacturing
technologies to the needs of particular industrial sectors;
``(ii) the quality of service to be provided;
``(iii) the geographical diversity and extent of the
service area; and
``(iv) the type and percentage of funding from other
sources under paragraph (3).
``(g) Evaluations.--
``(1) Third and eighth year evaluations by panel.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
Center is evaluated during its third and eighth years of
operation by an evaluation panel appointed by the Secretary.
``(B) Composition.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
evaluation panel appointed under subparagraph (A) is composed
of--
``(i) private experts, none of whom are connected with the
Center evaluated by the panel; and
``(ii) Federal officials.
``(C) Chairperson.--For each evaluation panel appointed
under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall appoint a
chairperson who is an official of the Institute.
``(2) Fifth year evaluations by secretary.--In the fifth
year of operation of a Center, the Secretary shall conduct a
review of the Center.
``(3) Performance measurement.--In evaluating a Center an
evaluation panel or the Secretary, as applicable, shall
measure the performance of the Center against--
``(A) the objective specified in subsection (c);
``(B) the performance metrics under subsection (f)(2)(C);
and
``(C) such other criterion as considered appropriate by the
Secretary.
``(4) Positive evaluations.--If an evaluation of a Center
is positive, the Secretary may continue to provide financial
assistance for the Center--
``(A) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the third
year of a Center, through the fifth year of the Center;
``(B) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the fifth
year of a Center, through the eighth year of the Center; and
``(C) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the eighth
year of a Center, through the tenth year of the Center.
``(5) Other than positive evaluations.--
``(A) Probation.--If an evaluation of a Center is other
than positive, the Secretary shall put the Center on
probation during the period beginning on the date that the
Center receives notice under subparagraph (B)(i) and ending
on the date that the reevaluation is complete under
subparagraph (B)(iii).
``(B) Notice and reevaluation.--If a Center receives an
evaluation that is other than positive, the evaluation panel
or Secretary, as applicable, shall--
``(i) notify the Center of the reason, including any
deficiencies in the performance of the Center identified
during the evaluation;
``(ii) assist the Center in remedying the deficiencies by
providing the Center, not less frequently than once every 3
months, an analysis of the Center, if considered appropriate
by the panel or Secretary, as applicable; and
``(iii) reevaluate the Center not later than 1 year after
the date of the notice under clause (i).
``(C) Continued support during period of probation.--The
Secretary may continue to provide financial assistance under
subsection (e) for a Center during the probation period.
``(6) Failure to remedy.--
``(A) In general.--If a Center fails to remedy a deficiency
or to show significant improvement in performance before the
end of the probation period under paragraph (5), the
Secretary shall conduct a competition to select an operator
for the Center under subsection (h).
``(B) Treatment of centers subject to new competition.--
Upon the selection of an operator for a Center under
subsection (h), the Center shall be considered a new Center
and the calculation of the years of operation of that Center
for purposes of paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection
and subsection (h)(1) shall start anew.
``(h) Reapplication Competition for Financial Assistance
After 10 Years.--
``(1) In general.--If an eligible entity has operated a
Center under this section for a period of 10 consecutive
years, the Secretary shall conduct a competition to select an
eligible entity to operate the Center in accordance with the
process plan under subsection (i).
``(2) Incumbent eligible entities.--An eligible entity that
has received financial assistance under this section for a
period of 10 consecutive years and that the Secretary
determines is in good standing shall be eligible to compete
in the competition under paragraph (1).
``(3) Treatment of centers subject to reapplication
competition.--Upon the selection of an operator for a Center
under paragraph (1), the Center shall be considered a new
Center and the calculation of the years of operation of that
Center for purposes of paragraphs (1) through (5) of
subsection (g) shall start anew.
``(i) Process Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of the American Innovation and
Competitiveness Act, the Secretary shall implement and submit
to Congress a plan for how the Institute will conduct an
evaluation, competition, and reapplication competition under
this section.
``(j) Operational Requirements.--
``(1) Protection of confidential information of center
clients.--The following information, if obtained by the
Federal Government in connection with an activity of a Center
or the Program, shall be exempt from public disclosure under
section 552 of title 5, United States Code:
``(A) Information on the business operation of any
participant in the Program or of a client of a Center.
``(B) Trade secrets of any client of a Center.
``(k) Oversight Boards.--
``(1) In general.--As a condition on receipt of financial
assistance for a Center under subsection (e), an eligible
entity shall establish a board to oversee the operations of
the Center.
``(2) Standards.--
``(A) In general.--The Director shall establish appropriate
standards for each board described under paragraph (1).
``(B) Considerations.--In establishing the standards, the
Director shall take into account the type and organizational
structure of an eligible entity.
``(C) Requirements.--The standards shall address, at a
minimum--
``(i) membership;
``(ii) composition;
``(iii) term limits;
``(iv) conflicts of interest; and
``(v) whether to limit board members serving on multiple
boards under this section.
``(3) Membership.--
``(A) In general.--Each board established under paragraph
(1) shall be composed of members as follows:
``(i) The membership of each board shall be representative
of stakeholders in the region in which the Center is located.
``(ii) A majority of the members of the board shall be
selected from among individuals who own or are employed by
small or medium-sized manufacturers.
``(B) Limitation.--A member of a board established under
paragraph (1) may not serve on
[[Page S7164]]
more than 1 board established under that paragraph.
``(4) Bylaws.--
``(A) In general.--Each board established under paragraph
(1) shall adopt and submit to the Director bylaws to govern
the operation of the board.
``(B) Conflicts of interest.--Bylaws adopted under
subparagraph (A) shall include policies to minimize conflicts
of interest, including such policies relating to disclosure
of relationships and recusal as may be necessary to minimize
conflicts of interest.
``(l) Acceptance of Funds.--In addition to such sums as may
be appropriated to the Secretary and Director to operate the
Program, the Secretary and Director may also accept funds
from other Federal departments and agencies and from the
private sector under section 2(c)(7) of this Act (15 U.S.C.
272(c)(7)), to be available to the extent provided by
appropriations Acts, for the purpose of strengthening United
States manufacturing.
``(m) MEP Advisory Board.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the
Institute a Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory
Board.
``(2) Membership.--
``(A) Composition.--
``(i) In general.--The MEP Advisory Board shall consist of
not fewer than 10 members appointed by the Director and
broadly representative of stakeholders.
``(ii) Requirements.--Of the members appointed under clause
(i)--
``(I) at least 2 members shall be employed by or on an
advisory board for a Center; and
``(II) at least 5 other members shall be from United States
small businesses in the manufacturing sector.
``(iii) Limitation.--No member of the MEP Advisory Board
shall be an employee of the Federal Government.
``(B) Term.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the
term of office of each member of the MEP Advisory Board shall
be 3 years.
``(C) 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.
``(D) Serving consecutive terms.--Any person who has
completed 2 consecutive full terms of service on the MEP
Advisory Board shall thereafter be ineligible for appointment
during the 1-year period following the expiration of the
second such term.
``(3) Meetings.--The MEP Advisory Board shall--
``(A) meet not less than biannually; and
``(B) provide to the Director--
``(i) advice on the activities, plans, and policies of the
Program;
``(ii) assessments of the soundness of the plans and
strategies of the Program; and
``(iii) assessments of current performance against the
plans of the Program.
``(4) FACA applicability.--
``(A) In general.--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 U.S.C. App.).
``(B) Exception.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act shall not apply to the MEP Advisory Board.
``(5) Annual report.--
``(A) In general.--At a minimum, the MEP Advisory Board
shall transmit an annual report to the Secretary for
transmittal to Congress not later than 30 days after the
submission to Congress of the President's annual budget
request in each year.
``(B) Contents.--The report shall address the status of the
Program and describe 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 (15 U.S.C. 278i).
``(n) Small Manufacturers.--
``(1) Evaluation of obstacles.--As part of the Program, the
Director shall--
``(A) identify obstacles that prevent small manufacturers
from effectively competing in the global market;
``(B) implement a comprehensive plan to train the Centers
to address the obstacles identified in paragraph (2); and
``(C) facilitate improved communication between the Centers
to assist such manufacturers in implementing appropriate,
targeted solutions to the obstacles identified in paragraph
(2).
``(2) Development of open access resources.--As part of the
Program, the Secretary shall develop open access resources
that address best practices related to inventory sourcing,
supply chain management, manufacturing techniques, available
Federal resources, and other topics to further the
competitiveness and profitability of small manufacturers.''.
(b) Competitive Awards Program.--The National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 25 the following:
``SEC. 25A. COMPETITIVE AWARDS PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--The Director shall establish within
the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership under
section 25 (15 U.S.C. 278k) and section 26 (15 U.S.C. 278l) a
program of competitive awards among participants described in
subsection (b) of this section for the purposes described in
subsection (c).
``(b) Participants.--Participants receiving awards under
this section shall be Centers, or a consortium of Centers.
``(c) Purpose, Themes, and Reimbursement.--
``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of the program established
under subsection (a) is to add capabilities to the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, including the
development of projects to solve new or emerging
manufacturing problems as determined by the Director, in
consultation with the Director of the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership, the MEP Advisory Board, other Federal
agencies, and small and medium-sized manufacturers.
``(2) Themes.--The Director may identify 1 or more themes
for a competition carried out under this section, which may
vary from year to year, as the Director considers appropriate
after assessing the needs of manufacturers and the success of
previous competitions.
``(3) Reimbursement.--Centers may be reimbursed for costs
incurred by the Centers under this section.
``(d) 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 in
consultation with the MEP Advisory Board.
``(e) Selection.--
``(1) Peer review and competitively awarded.--The Director
shall ensure that awards under this section are peer reviewed
and competitively awarded.
``(2) Geographic diversity.--The Director shall endeavor to
have broad geographic diversity among selected proposals.
``(3) Criteria.--The Director shall select applications to
receive awards that the Director determines will achieve 1 or
more of the following:
``(A) Improve the competitiveness of industries in the
region in which the Center or Centers are located.
``(B) Create jobs or train newly hired employees.
``(C) Promote the transfer and commercialization of
research and technology from institutions of higher
education, national laboratories or other Federally-funded
research programs, and nonprofit research institutes.
``(D) Recruit a diverse manufacturing workforce, including
through outreach to women and minorities.
``(E) Such other result as the Director determines will
advance the objective set forth in section 25(c) (15 U.S.C.
278k) or in section 26 (15 U.S.C. 278l).
``(f) Program Contribution.--Recipients of awards under
this section shall not be required to provide a matching
contribution.
``(g) Global Marketplace Projects.--In making an award
under this section, the Director, in consultation with the
MEP Advisory Board and the Secretary, may take into
consideration whether an application has significant
potential for enhancing the competitiveness of small and
medium-sized United States manufacturers in the global
marketplace.
``(h) Duration.--The duration of an award under this
section shall be for not more than 3 years.
``(i) Definitions.--The terms used in this section have the
meanings given the terms in section 25 (15 U.S.C. 278k).''.
(c) GAO Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States, in consultation with the MEP Advisory Board (as
defined in section 25 of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k), shall submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives a report analyzing--
(1) the effectiveness of the changes in the cost share to
Centers under section 25 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k);
(2) the engagement in services and the characteristics of
services provided by 2 types of Centers, including volume and
type of service; and
(3) whether the cost-sharing ratio has any effect on the
services provided by either type of Center.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Definitions.--Section 2199(3) of title 10, United
States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking ``regional center'' and inserting
``manufacturing extension center'';
(B) by inserting ``and best business practices'' before
``referred''; and
(C) by striking ``25(a)'' and inserting ``25(b)''.
(2) Enterprise integration initiative.--Section 3(a) of the
Enterprise Integration Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 278g-5(a)) is
amended by inserting ``Hollings'' before ``Manufacturing
Extension Partnership''.
(3) Assistance to state technology programs.--Section 26(a)
of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15
U.S.C. 278l(a)) is amended by striking ``Centers program
created'' and inserting ``Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership''.
(e) Savings Provisions.--Notwithstanding the amendments
made by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the
Secretary of Commerce may carry out section 25 of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278k) as that section was in effect on the day before the
date of enactment of this Act, with respect to existing
grants, agreements, cooperative agreements, or contracts, and
with respect to applications for such items that are received
by the Secretary prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 502. FEDERAL LOAN GUARANTEES FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
IN MANUFACTURING.
Section 26(o) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3721(o)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1) In general.--'' before ``To the
maximum'' and indenting appropriately; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Access to capital.--The Secretary, in coordination
with the Small Business Administration and the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, shall identify any
gaps in the access of small- or medium-sized manufacturers to
capital for the use or production of innovative technologies
that the program could fill,
[[Page S7165]]
and develop marketing materials and conduct outreach to
target those gaps.''.
SEC. 503. MANUFACTURING COMMUNITIES.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Made
in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2016''.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Manufacturing community support program.--The term
``Manufacturing Community Support Program'' means the program
established under subsection (c).
(2) Participating agency.--The term ``participating
agency'' means a Federal agency that elects to participate in
the Manufacturing Community Support Program.
(3) Participating program.--The term ``participating
program'' means a program identified by a participating
agency under subsection (d)(1)(C).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
(c) Program to Designate and Support Manufacturing
Communities.--The Secretary shall establish a program to
improve the competitiveness of United States manufacturing
by--
(1) designating consortiums as manufacturing communities
under subsection (e); and
(2) supporting manufacturing communities, as so designated,
under subsection (d).
(d) Support for Designated Manufacturing Communities.--
(1) Preferential consideration.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (D), if
a member of a consortium designated as a manufacturing
community under subsection (e) seeks financial or technical
assistance under a participating program of a participating
agency, the head of such agency may give preferential
consideration to such member with respect to the awarding of
such financial or technical assistance if--
(i) such head considers the award of the financial or
technical assistance consistent with the economic development
strategy of the consortium; and
(ii) the member otherwise meets all applicable requirements
for the financial or technical assistance.
(B) Participating agencies.--The Secretary shall invite
other Federal agencies to become participating agencies of
the Manufacturing Community Support Program.
(C) Participating programs.--The head of each participating
agency shall identify all programs administered by such
participating agency that are applicable to the Manufacturing
Community Support Program.
(D) Multiple members of the same consortium seeking the
same financial or technical assistance.--
(i) In general.--If a participating agency receives
applications for the same financial or technical assistance
from more than 1 member of the same consortium designated as
a manufacturing community under subsection (e), the head of
such agency may determine how preference will be given under
subparagraph (A), including by requiring the consortium to
select which of the members should be given preference.
(ii) Coordination.--If the head of a participating agency
determines that more than 1 member of a consortium should be
given preference under subparagraph (A) for financial or
technical assistance, he or she may require such members to
demonstrate coordination with each other in developing their
applications for the financial or technical assistance.
(E) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the head of each participating agency
shall submit a report to the Secretary that specifies how the
head will give preferential consideration under subparagraph
(A).
(2) Technical assistance.--The Secretary may make a Federal
point of contact available to each consortium designated as a
manufacturing community under subsection (e) to help the
members of the consortium access Federal funds and technical
assistance.
(3) Financial and technical assistance.--
(A) In general.--Under the Manufacturing Community Support
Program, the head of a participating agency may award
financial or technical assistance to a member of a consortium
designated as a manufacturing community under subsection (e)
as he or she considers appropriate for purposes of such
program and consistent with the economic development strategy
of the consortium.
(B) Use of funds.--
(i) In general.--A recipient of financial or technical
assistance under subparagraph (A) may use such financial or
technical assistance to support an investment in an ecosystem
that will improve the competitiveness of United States
manufacturing.
(ii) Investments supported.--Investments supported under
this subparagraph may include--
(I) infrastructure;
(II) access to capital;
(III) promotion of exports and foreign direct investment;
(IV) equipment or facility upgrades;
(V) workforce training or retraining;
(VI) energy or process efficiency;
(VII) business incubators;
(VIII) site preparation;
(IX) advanced research;
(X) supply chain development; and
(XI) small business assistance.
(4) Coordination.--
(A) Coordination by secretary of commerce.--The Secretary
shall coordinate with the heads of the participating agencies
to identify programs under paragraph (1)(C)(i).
(B) Inter-agency coordination.--The heads of the
participating agencies shall coordinate with each other--
(i) to leverage complementary activities, including from
non-Federal sources, such as philanthropies; and
(ii) to avoid duplication of efforts.
(e) Designation of Manufacturing Communities.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (7), for
purposes of the Manufacturing Community Support Program, the
Secretary shall designate eligible consortiums (as described
in paragraph (2)) as manufacturing communities through a
competitive process.
(2) Eligible consortiums.--
(A) In general.--An eligible consortium is a consortium
that--
(i) represents a region defined by the consortium in
accordance with subparagraph (B);
(ii) includes at least 1--
(I) institution of higher education;
(II) a private sector entity; and
(III) a government entity;
(iii) may include 1 or more--
(I) private sector partners;
(II) institutions of higher education;
(III) government entities;
(IV) economic development and other community and labor
groups;
(V) financial institutions; or
(VI) utilities;
(iv) has, as a lead applicant--
(I) a district organization (as defined in section 300.3 of
title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor
regulation);
(II) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
450b)) or a consortium of Indian tribes;
(III) a State or a political subdivision of a State,
including a special purpose unit of a State or local
government engaged in economic or infrastructure development
activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;
(IV) an institution of higher education or a consortium of
institutions of higher education; or
(V) a public or private nonprofit organization or
association that has an application that is supported by a
State, a political subdivision of a State, or a native
community.
(B) Regions.--Subject to approval by the Secretary, a
consortium may define the region that it represents if the
region--
(i) is large enough to contain critical elements of the key
technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium;
and
(ii) is small enough to enable close collaboration among
members of the consortium.
(3) Duration.--Each designation under paragraph (1) shall
be for a period of 2 years.
(4) Renewal.--
(A) In general.--Upon receipt of an application submitted
under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may renew a designation
made under paragraph (1) for up to 2 additional 2-year
periods. Any designation as a manufacturing community or
renewal of such designation that is in effect before the date
of the enactment of this Act shall count toward the limit set
forth in this subparagraph.
(B) Application for renewal.--An eligible consortium
seeking a renewal under subparagraph (A) shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(C) Modifications authorized.--The Secretary may renew a
designation under subparagraph (A) for an eligible consortium
that--
(i) has changed its composition, either by adding or
removing members; or
(ii) as part of its application under subparagraph (B),
submits a revision to the plan submitted under paragraph
(5)(B)(iv) or the strategy submitted under paragraph
(5)(B)(v).
(D) Evaluation for renewal.--In determining whether to
renew a designation of an eligible consortium under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall assess the eligible consortium based
upon--
(i) the performance of the consortium against the terms of
the consortium's most recent designation under paragraph (1)
and any post-designation awards the consortium may have
received;
(ii) the progress the consortium has made with respect to
project-specific metrics the consortium proposed in the
consortium's application for the most recent designation
under paragraph (1), particularly with respect to those
metrics that were designed to help communities track their
own progress;
(iii) whether any changes to the composition of the
eligible consortium or revisions to the plan or strategy
described in subparagraph (C)(ii) would improve the
competitiveness of United States manufacturing; and
(iv) such other criteria as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(5) Application for designation.--
(A) In general.--An eligible consortium seeking a
designation under paragraph (1) shall submit an application
to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the
Secretary may require.
(B) Contents.--Each application submitted to the Secretary
under subparagraph (A) include--
(i) a description of the regional boundaries of the
consortium;
(ii) a description of the manufacturing concentration of
the consortium, including an assessment of how the
manufacturing concentration of the consortium competitively
ranks nationally according to measures relating to
employment, sales, location quotients for an industry's level
of concentration, or such other measures as the Secretary
considers appropriate;
(iii) an integrated assessment of the local industrial
ecosystem of the region of the consortium, which may include
assessment of workforce and training, supplier network,
research and innovation, infrastructure or site development,
trade and international investment, operational improvements,
and capital access components needed for manufacturing
activities in such region;
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(iv) an evidence-based plan for developing components of
such ecosystem (selected by the consortium) by making--
(I) specific investments to address gaps in such ecosystem;
and
(II) the manufacturing of the region of the consortium
uniquely competitive;
(v) a description of the investments the consortium
proposes and the implementation strategy the consortium
intends to use to address gaps in such ecosystem;
(vi) a description of the outcome-based metrics,
benchmarks, and milestones that the consortium will track and
the evaluation methods the consortium will use while
designated as a manufacturing community to gauge performance
of the strategy of the consortium to improve the
manufacturing in the region of the consortium; and
(vii) such other matters as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(6) Evaluation of applications.--The Secretary shall
evaluate each application received under paragraph (5) to
determine--
(A) whether the applicant demonstrates a significant level
of regional cooperation in their proposal; and
(B) how the manufacturing concentration of the applicant
competitively ranks nationally according to measures
described in paragraph (5)(B)(ii).
(7) Certain communities previously recognized.--Each
consortium that was designated as a manufacturing community
by the Secretary in carrying out the Investing in
Manufacturing Communities Partnership initiative of the
Department of Commerce before the date of the enactment of
this Act shall be deemed a manufacturing community designated
under this subsection if such consortium is still designated
as a manufacturing community by the Secretary as part of such
initiative.
(f) Receipt of Transferred Funds.--The Secretary may accept
amounts transferred to the Secretary from the head of another
participating agency to carry out this section.
TITLE VI--INNOVATION, COMMERCIALIZATION, AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
SEC. 601. INNOVATION CORPS.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The National Science Foundation Innovation Corps
(referred to in this section as the ``I-Corps'') was
established to foster a national innovation ecosystem by
encouraging institutions, scientists, engineers, and
entrepreneurs to identify and explore the innovation and
commercial potential of National Science Foundation-funded
research well beyond the laboratory.
(2) Through I-Corps, the Foundation invests in
entrepreneurship and commercialization education, training,
and mentoring that can ultimately lead to the practical
deployment of technologies, products, processes, and services
that improve the Nation's competitiveness, promote economic
growth, and benefit society.
(3) By building networks of entrepreneurs, educators,
mentors, institutions, and collaborations, and supporting
specialized education and training, I-Corps is at the leading
edge of a strong, lasting foundation for an American
innovation ecosystem.
(4) By translating federally funded research to a
commercial stage more quickly and efficiently, programs like
the I-Corps create new jobs and companies, help solve
societal problems, and provide taxpayers with a greater
return on their investment in research.
(5) The I-Corps program model has a strong record of
success that should be replicated at all Federal science
agencies.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) commercialization of federally-funded research can
improve the Nation's competitiveness, grow the economy, and
benefit society;
(2) I-Corps is a useful tool in promoting the
commercialization of federally-funded research by training
researchers funded by the Foundation in entrepreneurship and
commercialization;
(3) I-Corps should continue to build a network of
entrepreneurs, educators, mentors, and institutions and
support specialized education and training; and
(4) researchers other than those funded by the Foundation
may also benefit from the education and training described in
paragraph (3).
(c) I-Corps Program.--
(1) In general.--In order to promote a strong, lasting
foundation for the national innovation ecosystem and increase
the positive economic and social impact of federally-funded
research, the Director of the Foundation shall set forth
eligibility requirements and carry out a program to award
grants for entrepreneurship and commercialization education,
training, and mentoring.
(2) Expansion of i-corps.--
(A) In general.--The Director--
(i) shall encourage the development and expansion of I-
Corps and other training programs that focus on professional
development, including education in entrepreneurship and
commercialization; and
(ii) may establish an agreement with another Federal
science agency--
(I) to make researchers, students, and institutions funded
by that agency eligible to participate in the I-Corps
program; or
(II) to assist that agency with the design and
implementation of its own program that is similar to the I-
Corps program.
(B) Partnership funding.--In negotiating an agreement with
another Federal science agency under subparagraph (A)(ii),
the Director shall require that Federal science agency to
provide funding for--
(i) the training for researchers, students, and
institutions selected for the I-Corps program; and
(ii) the locations that Federal science agency designates
as regional and national infrastructure for science and
engineering entrepreneurship.
(3) Follow-on commercialization grants.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Director,
in consultation with the Director of the Small Business
Innovation Research Program, shall make funds available for
competitive grants, including to I-Corps participants, to
help support--
(i) prototype or proof-of-concept development; and
(ii) such activities as the Director considers necessary to
build local, regional, and national infrastructure for
science and engineering entrepreneurship.
(B) Limitation.--Grants under subparagraph (A) shall be
limited to participants with innovations that because of the
early stage of development are not eligible to participate in
a Small Business Innovation Research Program or a Small
Business Technology Transfer Program.
(4) State and local partnerships.--The Director may engage
in partnerships with State and local governments, economic
development organizations, and nonprofit organizations to
provide access to the I-Corps program to support
entrepreneurship and commercialization education and training
for researchers, students, and institutions under this
subsection.
(5) Reports.--The Director shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a biennial report on I-Corps program
efficacy, including metrics on the effectiveness of the
program. Each Federal science agency participating in the I-
Corps program or that implements a similar program under
paragraph (2)(A) shall contribute to the report.
(6) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms ``Small
Business Innovation Research Program'' and ``Small Business
Technology Transfer Program'' have the meanings given those
terms in section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).
SEC. 602. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH GRANTS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) commercialization of federally-funded research may
benefit society and the economy; and
(2) not-for-profit organizations support the
commercialization of federally-funded research by providing
useful business and technical expertise to researchers.
(b) Commercialization Grants Program.--The Director of the
Foundation shall continue to award grants on a competitive,
merit-reviewed basis to eligible entities to promote the
commercialization of federally-funded research results.
(c) Use of Funds.--Activities supported by grants under
this section may include--
(1) identifying Foundation-sponsored research and
technologies that have the potential for accelerated
commercialization;
(2) supporting prior or current Foundation-sponsored
investigators in undertaking proof-of-concept work, including
development of prototypes of technologies that are derived
from Foundation-sponsored research and have potential market
value;
(3) promoting sustainable partnerships between Foundation-
funded institutions, industry, and other organizations within
academia and the private sector with the purpose of
accelerating the transfer of technology;
(4) developing multi-disciplinary innovation ecosystems
which involve and are responsive to specific needs of
academia and industry;
(5) funding the establishment of proof-of-concept and
prototype development in partnership with academia to advance
technologies; and
(6) providing professional development, mentoring, and
advice in entrepreneurship, project management, and
technology and business development to innovators.
(d) Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--The following organizations may be
eligible for grants under this section:
(A) Institutions of higher education.
(B) Public or nonprofit technology transfer organizations.
(C) A nonprofit organization that partners with an
institution of higher education.
(D) A consortia of 2 or more of the organizations described
under subparagraphs (A) through (C).
(2) Lead organizations.--Any eligible organization under
paragraph (1) may apply as a lead organization.
(e) Applications.--An eligible entity seeking 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.
SEC. 603. OPTICS AND PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The 1998 National Research Council Report, ``Harnessing
Light'' presented a comprehensive overview on the importance
of optics and photonics to various sectors of the United
States economy.
(2) In 2012, in response to increased coordination and
investment by other nations, the National Research Council
released a follow up study recommending a national photonics
initiative to increase collaboration and coordination among
United States industry, Federal and State government, and
academia to identify and further advance areas of photonics
critical to regaining United States competitiveness and
maintaining national security.
(3) Publicly-traded companies focused on optics and
photonics in the United States enable more than $3 trillion
in revenue annually.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) optics and photonics research and technologies promote
United States global competitiveness in industry sectors,
including telecommunications and information technology,
energy, healthcare and medicine, manufacturing, and defense;
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(2) Federal science agencies, industry, and academia should
seek partnerships with each other to develop basic research
in optics and photonics into more mature technologies and
capabilities; and
(3) each Federal science agency, as appropriate, should--
(A) survey and identify optics and photonics-related
programs within that Federal science agency and share results
with other Federal science agencies for the purpose of
generating multiple applications and uses;
(B) partner with the private sector and academia to
leverage knowledge and resources to maximize opportunities
for innovation in optics and photonics;
(C) explore research and development opportunities,
including Federal and private sector-sponsored internships,
to ensure a highly trained optics and photonics workforce in
the United States;
(D) encourage partnerships between academia and industry to
promote improvement in the education of optics and photonics
technicians at the secondary school level, undergraduate
level, and 2-year college level, including through the
Foundation's Advanced Technological Education program; and
(E) assess existing programs and explore alternatives to
modernize photonics laboratory equipment in undergraduate
institutions in the United States to facilitate critical
hands-on learning.
SEC. 604. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE REGIONAL
INNOVATION PROGRAM.
Section 27(g)(2) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3722(g)(2)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(2) Authorization levels.--From amounts appropriated for
economic development assistance programs, the Secretary may
use $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2017 and 2018
for grants under this section.''.
Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
committee-reported substitute amendment be withdrawn, the Gardner
substitute amendment be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be considered
read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be
considered made and laid upon the table.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The committee-reported amendment in the nature of a substitute was
withdrawn.
The amendment (No. 5186) in the nature of a substitute was agreed to.
(The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of
Amendments.'')
The bill (S. 3084), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading, was read the third time, and passed.
____________________