[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 117 (Thursday, June 25, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3533-S3541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 2102. Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and Mr. Young) submitted an
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4049, to
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2021 for military activities
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the end of division A, insert the following:
TITLE XVII--ENDLESS FRONTIER ACT
SEC. 1701. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Endless Frontier Act''.
SEC. 1702. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
[[Page S3534]]
(1) For over 70 years, the United States has been the
unequivocal global leader in scientific and technological
innovation, and as a result the people of the United States
have benefitted through good-paying jobs, economic
prosperity, and a higher quality of life. Today, however,
this leadership position is being eroded and challenged by
foreign competitors, some of whom are stealing intellectual
property and trade secrets of the United States and
aggressively investing in fundamental research and
commercialization to dominate the key technology fields of
the future. While the United States once led the world in the
share of our economy invested in research, our Nation now
ranks 9th globally in total research and development and 12th
in publicly financed research and development.
(2) Without a significant increase in investment in
research, education, technology transfer, and the core
strengths of the United States innovation ecosystem, it is
only a matter of time before the global competitors of the
United States overtake the United States in terms of
technological primacy. The country that wins the race in key
technologies--such as artificial intelligence, quantum
computing, advanced communications, and advanced
manufacturing--will be the superpower of the future.
(3) The Federal Government must catalyze United States
innovation by boosting fundamental research investments
focused on discovering, creating, commercializing, and
producing new technologies to ensure the leadership of the
United States in the industries of the future.
(4) The distribution of innovation jobs and investment in
the United States has become largely concentrated in just a
few locations, while much of the Nation has been left out of
growth in the innovation sector. More than 90 percent of the
Nation's innovation sector employment growth in the last 15
years was generated in just 5 major cities. The Federal
Government must address this imbalance in opportunity by
partnering with the private sector to build new technology
hubs across the country, spreading innovation sector jobs
more broadly, and tapping the talent and potential of the
entire Nation to ensure the United States leads the
industries of the future.
(5) Since its inception, the National Science Foundation
has carried out vital work supporting basic research and
people to create knowledge that is a primary driver of the
economy of the United States and enhances the Nation's
security.
SEC. 1703. NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION.
(a) Redesignation of National Science Foundation as
National Science and Technology Foundation.--
(1) In general.--Section 2 of the Act of May 10, 1950 (64
Stat. 149, chapter 171; 42 U.S.C. 1861) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and technology''
after ``science''; and
(B) by striking ``the National Science Foundation'' and
inserting ``the National Science and Technology Foundation''.
(2) References.--Any reference in any law, rule,
regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other
official paper in force on the date of enactment of this Act
to the National Science Foundation shall be considered to
refer and apply to the National Science and Technology
Foundation.
(b) Establishment of Deputy Director for Technology.--
Section 6 of the Act of May 10, 1950 (64 Stat. 149, chapter
171; 42 U.S.C. 1864a) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``deputy director''
and inserting ``deputy directors'';
(2) in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``a Deputy Director'' and inserting ``2
Deputy Directors''; and
(B) by inserting ``and in accordance with the expedited
procedures established under S. Res. 116 (112th Congress)''
after ``the Senate'';
(3) in the third sentence, by striking ``The Deputy
Director shall receive'' and inserting ``Each Deputy Director
shall receive'';
(4) by inserting after the third sentence the following:
``The Deputy Director for Technology shall oversee, and
perform duties relating to, the Directorate for Technology of
the Foundation, as established under section 8A, and the
Deputy Director for Science shall oversee, and perform duties
relating to, the other activities and directorates supported
by the Foundation.'';
(5) in the last sentence, by striking ``The Deputy Director
shall act'' and inserting ``The Deputy Director for Science
shall act''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following: ``The Deputy
Director for Science shall not act as the acting Deputy
Director for Technology.''.
(c) Establishment of Directorate for Technology.--The Act
of May 10, 1950 (64 Stat. 149, chapter 171; 42 U.S.C. 1861 et
seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 8 (42 U.S.C. 1866), by inserting at the end
the following: ``Such divisions shall include the Directorate
for Technology established under section 8A.''; and
(2) by inserting after section 8 the following:
``SEC. 8A. DIRECTORATE FOR TECHNOLOGY.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Deputy director.--The term `Deputy Director' means
the Deputy Director for Technology.
``(2) Designated country.--The term `designated country'
means a country that has been approved and designated in
writing by the President for purposes of this section, after
providing--
``(A) not less than 30 days of advance notification and
explanation to the relevant congressional committees before
the designation; and
``(B) in-person briefings to such committees, if requested
during the 30-day advance notification period described in
subparagraph (A).
``(3) Directorate.--The term `Directorate' means the
Directorate for Technology established under subsection (b).
``(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
(20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
``(5) Key technology focus areas.--The term `key technology
focus areas' means the areas included on the most recent list
under subsection (c)(2).
``(6) Relevant congressional committees.--The term
`relevant congressional committees' means--
``(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on
Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the
Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
``(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology, the Committee on
Appropriations, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of
Representatives.
``(b) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Endless Frontier Act, the Director shall
establish in the Foundation a Directorate for Technology. The
Directorate shall carry out the duties and responsibilities
described in this section, in order to further the following
goals:
``(A) Strengthening the leadership of the United States in
critical technologies through fundamental research in the key
technology focus areas.
``(B) Enhancing the competitiveness of the United States in
the key technology focus areas by improving education in the
key technology focus areas and attracting more students to
such areas.
``(C) Consistent with the operations of the Foundation,
fostering the economic and societal impact of federally
funded research and development through an accelerated
translation of fundamental advances in the key technology
focus areas into processes and products that can help achieve
national goals related to economic competitiveness, domestic
manufacturing, national security, shared prosperity, energy
and the environment, health, education and workforce
development, and transportation.
``(2) Deputy director.--The Directorate shall be headed by
the Deputy Director.
``(3) Organization and administrative matters.--
``(A) Hiring authority.--
``(i) Experts in science and engineering.--The Director
shall have the authority to carry out a program of personnel
management authority for the Directorate in the same manner,
and subject to the same requirements, as the program of
personnel management authority authorized for the Director of
the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under section
1599h of title 10, United States Code, for the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency.
``(ii) Highly qualified experts in needed occupations.--In
addition to the authority provided under clause (i), the
Director shall have the authority to carry out a program of
personnel management authority for the Directorate in the
same manner, and subject to the same requirements, as the
program to attract highly qualified experts carried out by
the Secretary of Defense under section 9903 of title 5,
United States Code.
``(iii) Additional hiring authority.--To the extent needed
to carry out the duties in paragraph (1), the Director shall
utilize hiring authorities under section 3372 of title 5,
United States Code, to staff the Directorate with employees
from other Federal agencies, State and local governments,
Indian tribes and tribal organizations, institutions of
higher education, and other organizations, as described in
that section, in the same manner and subject to the same
conditions, that apply to such individuals utilized to
accomplish other missions of the Foundation.
``(B) Program managers.--The employees of the Directorate
may include program managers for the key technology focus
areas, who shall perform a role similar to programs managers
employed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for
the oversight and selection of programs supported by the
Directorate.
``(C) Selection of recipients.--Recipients of support under
the programs and activities of the Directorate shall be
selected by program managers or other employees of the
Directorate. The Directorate may use a peer review process or
the authorities provided under subparagraphs (A) and (B), or
some combination of such process and authorities, to inform
the selection of award recipients.
``(D) Applicability.--Subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) shall
apply solely to the Technology Directorate and not to any
other directorate of the Foundation.
``(E) Assistant directors.--The Director may appoint 1 or
more Assistant Directors for the Directorate as the Director
determines necessary, in the same manner as
[[Page S3535]]
other Assistant Directors of the Foundation are appointed.
``(4) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of the Endless Frontier Act, the Director shall
prepare and submit a report to the relevant congressional
committees regarding the establishment of the Directorate.
``(c) Duties and Functions of the Directorate.--
``(1) Development of technology focus of the directorate.--
The Director, acting through the Deputy Director, shall--
``(A) advance innovation in the key technology focus areas
through fundamental research and other activities described
in this section; and
``(B) develop and implement strategies to ensure that the
activities of the Directorate are directed toward the key
technology focus areas in order to accomplish the goals
described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection
(b)(1) consistent with the most recent report conducted under
section 1705(b) of the Endless Frontier Act.
``(2) Key technology focus areas.--
``(A) Initial list.--The initial key technology focus areas
are--
``(i) artificial intelligence and machine learning;
``(ii) high performance computing, semiconductors, and
advanced computer hardware;
``(iii) quantum computing and information systems;
``(iv) robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing;
``(v) natural or anthropogenic disaster prevention;
``(vi) advanced communications technology;
``(vii) biotechnology, genomics, and synthetic biology;
``(viii) cybersecurity, data storage, and data management
technologies;
``(ix) advanced energy; and
``(x) materials science, engineering, and exploration
relevant to the other key technology focus areas described in
this subparagraph.
``(B) Review of key technology focus areas and subsequent
lists.--
``(i) Adding or deleting key technology focus areas.--
Beginning on the date that is 4 years after the date of
enactment of the Endless Frontier Act, and every 4 years
thereafter, the Director, acting through the Deputy
Director--
``(I) shall, in consultation with the Board of Advisors,
review the list of key technology focus areas; and
``(II) as part of that review, may add or delete key
technology focus areas if the competitive threats to the
United States have shifted (whether because the United States
or other nations have advanced or fallen behind in a
technological area), subject to clause (ii).
``(ii) Limit on key technology focus areas.--Not more than
10 key technology focus areas shall be included on the list
of key technology focus areas at any time.
``(iii) Updating focus areas and distribution.--Upon the
completion of each review under this subparagraph, the
Director shall make the list of key technology focus areas
readily available to the public, including by publishing the
list in the Federal Register, even if no changes have been
made to the prior list.
``(3) Activities.--
``(A) In general.--In carrying out the duties and functions
of the Directorate, the Director, acting through the Deputy
Director, may--
``(i) award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts
to--
``(I) individual institutions of higher education for work
at centers or by individual researchers or teams of
researchers;
``(II) not-for-profit entities;
``(III) National Laboratories, as defined in section 2 of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801); and
``(IV) consortia that--
``(aa) shall include and be led by an institution of higher
education, and may include 1 or more additional institutions
of higher education;
``(bb) may include 1 or more entities described in
subclauses (I), (II), or (III) and, if appropriate, for-
profit entities, including small businesses; and
``(cc) may include 1 or more entities described in
subclause (I) or (II) from treaty allies and security
partners of the United States;
``(ii) provide funds to other divisions of the Foundation,
including--
``(I) to the other directorates of the Foundation to pursue
basic questions about natural and physical phenomena that
could enable advances in the key technology focus areas;
``(II) to the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and
Economic Sciences or other relevant directorates of the
Foundation to study questions that could affect the design
(including human interfaces), operation, deployment, or the
social and ethical consequences of technologies in the key
technology focus areas; and
``(III) to the Directorate for Education and Human
Resources to further the creation of a domestic workforce
capable of advancing the key technology focus areas;
``(iii) provide funds to other Federal research agencies,
including the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
for intramural or extramural work in the key technology focus
areas through research, manufacturing, or other means;
``(iv) make awards under the SBIR and STTR programs (as
defined in section 9(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
638(e)) in the same manner as awards under such programs are
made by the Director of the Foundation;
``(v) administer prize challenges under section 24 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3719) in the key technology focus areas, in order to expand
public-private partnerships beyond direct research funding;
and
``(vi) enter into and perform such contracts or other
arrangements, or modifications thereof, as may be necessary
in the conduct of the work of the Directorate and on such
terms as the Deputy Director considers appropriate, in
furtherance of the purposes of this Act.
``(B) Reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of the Endless Frontier Act, the Director shall
prepare and submit to the relevant congressional committees a
spending plan for the next 5 years for each of the activities
described in subparagraph (A), including--
``(i) a plan to seek out additional investments from--
``(I) certain designated countries; and
``(II) if appropriate, private sector entities; and
``(ii) the planned activities of the Directorate to secure
federally funded science and technology pursuant to section
1746 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92).
``(C) Annual briefing.--Each year, the Director shall
formally request a briefing from the Director of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and the Director of the National
Counterintelligence and Security Center regarding their
efforts to preserve the United States' advantages generated
by the activity of the Directorate.
``(4) Interagency cooperation.--In carrying out this
section, the Director and other Federal research agencies
shall work cooperatively with each other to further the goals
of this section in the key technology focus areas. Each year,
the Director shall prepare and submit a report to Congress,
and shall simultaneously submit the report to the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy, describing the
interagency cooperation that occurred during the preceding
year pursuant to this paragraph, including a list of--
``(A) any funds provided under paragraph (3)(A)(ii) to
other divisions of the Foundation; and
``(B) any funds provided under paragraph (3)(A)(iii) to
other Federal research agencies.
``(5) Providing scholarships, fellowships, and other
student support.--
``(A) In general.--The Director, acting through the
Directorate, shall fund undergraduate scholarships, graduate
fellowships and traineeships, and postdoctoral student awards
in the key technology focus areas.
``(B) Implementation.--The Director may carry out
subparagraph (A) by providing funds--
``(i) to the Directorate for Education and Human Resources
of the Foundation for--
``(I) awards directly to students; and
``(II) grants or cooperative agreements to institutions of
higher education, including those institutions involved in
operating university technology centers established under
paragraph (6); and
``(ii) to programs in Federal research agencies that have
experience awarding such scholarships, fellowships,
traineeships, or postdoctoral awards.
``(C) Broadening participation.--In carrying out this
paragraph, the Director, acting through the Deputy Director,
shall work to increase the participation of underrepresented
minorities in fields related to the key technology focus
areas. For that purpose, the Director may take such steps as
establishing or augmenting programs targeted at
underrepresented minorities, and supporting traineeships or
other relevant programs at institutions of higher education
with high enrollments of underrepresented minorities.
``(D) Supplement, not supplant.--The Director shall ensure
that funds made available under this paragraph shall be used
to create additional support for postsecondary students and
shall not displace funding for any other available support.
``(6) University technology centers.--
``(A) In general.--From amounts made available to the
Directorate, the Director shall, through a competitive
application and selection process, award grants to or enter
into cooperative agreements with institutions of higher
education or consortia described in paragraph (3)(A)(i)(III)
to establish university technology centers.
``(B) Uses of funds.--
``(i) In general.--A center established under a grant or
cooperative agreement under subparagraph (A)--
``(I) shall use support provided under such subparagraph--
``(aa) to carry out fundamental research to advance
innovation in the key technology focus areas; and
``(bb) to further the development of innovations in the key
technology focus areas, including--
``(AA) innovations derived from research carried out under
item (aa), through such activities as proof-of-concept
development and prototyping, in order to reduce the cost,
time, and risk of commercializing new technologies; and
[[Page S3536]]
``(BB) through the use of public-private partnerships; and
``(II) may use support provided under such subparagraph--
``(aa) for the costs of equipment, including mid-tier
infrastructure, and the purchase of cyberinfrastructure
resources, including computer time; or
``(bb) for other activities or costs necessary to
accomplish the purposes of this section.
``(ii) Support of regional technology hubs.--Each center
established under subparagraph (A) may support and
participate in, as appropriate, the activities of any
regional technology hub designated under section 27(d) of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3722(d)).
``(C) Selection process.--In selecting recipients under
this paragraph, the Director, acting through the Deputy
Director, shall consider--
``(i) the capacity of the applicant to pursue and advance
fundamental research, particularly research on questions not
being widely pursued elsewhere in academia or in industry;
``(ii) the extent to which the applicant's proposed
research would be likely to advance progress in 1 or more key
technology focus areas;
``(iii) the capacity of the applicant to engage industry in
building on any advances; and
``(iv) in the case of a consortium, the range of
institutions of higher education participating in the
consortium, including whether the consortium includes
historically Black colleges or universities, minority-serving
institutions, or other institutions capable of involving
underrepresented minorities in the proposed project.
``(D) Requirements.--The Director shall ensure that any
institution of higher education or consortium receiving a
grant or cooperative agreement under subparagraph (A) has
demonstrated an ability to advance the goals described in
subsection (b)(1).
``(7) Moving technology from laboratory to market.--
``(A) Program authorized.--The Director shall establish a
program in the Directorate to award grants, on a competitive
basis, to institutions of higher education or consortia
described in paragraph (3)(A)(i)(III)--
``(i) to build capacity at an institution of higher
education and in its surrounding region to increase the
likelihood that new technologies in the key technology focus
areas will succeed in the commercial market; and
``(ii) with the goal of promoting experiments with a range
of models that institutions of higher education could use
to--
``(I) enable new technologies to mature to the point where
the technologies are more likely to succeed in the commercial
market; and
``(II) reduce the risks to commercial success for new
technologies earlier in their development.
A grant awarded under this subparagraph for a purpose
described in clause (i) or (ii) may also enable the
institution of higher education or consortium to provide
training and support to scientists and engineers who are
interested in research and commercialization, if the use is
included in the proposal submitted under subparagraph (B).
``(B) Proposals.--An institution of higher education or
consortium desiring a grant under this paragraph shall submit
a proposal to the Director at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Director may require. The
proposal shall include a description of--
``(i) the steps the applicant will take to reduce the risks
for commercialization for new technologies;
``(ii) why such steps are likely to be effective; and
``(iii) how such steps differ from previous efforts to
reduce the risks for commercialization for new technologies.
``(C) Use of funds.--A recipient of a grant under this
paragraph shall use grant funds to reduce the risks for
commercialization for new technologies developed on campus,
which may include--
``(i) creating and funding competitions to allow
entrepreneurial ideas from institutions of higher education
to illustrate their commercialization potential;
``(ii) facilitating mentorships between local and national
business leaders and potential entrepreneurs to encourage
successful commercialization;
``(iii) creating and funding for-profit or not-for-profit
entities that could enable researchers at institutions of
higher education to further develop new technology prior to
seeking commercial financing, through patient funding,
advice, staff support, or other means;
``(iv) providing off-campus facilities for start-up
companies where technology maturation could occur; and
``(v) revising institution policies to accomplish the goals
of this paragraph.
``(8) Test beds.--
``(A) Program authorized.--The Director, acting through the
Deputy Director, shall establish a program in the Directorate
to award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions of
higher education or consortia described in paragraph
(3)(A)(i)(III) to establish test beds and fabrication
facilities to advance the operation, integration and, as
appropriate, manufacturing of new, innovative technologies in
the key technology focus areas, which may include hardware or
software. The goal of such test beds and facilities shall be
to accelerate the movement of innovative technologies into
the commercial market through existing and new companies.
``(B) Proposals.--A proposal submitted under this paragraph
shall, at a minimum, describe--
``(i)(I) the 1 or more technologies that will be the focus
of the test bed or fabrication facility;
``(II) the goals of the work to be done at the test bed or
facility; and
``(III) the expected schedule for completing that work;
``(ii) how the applicant will assemble a workforce with the
skills needed to operate the test bed or facility;
``(iii) how the applicant will ensure that work in the test
bed or facility will contribute to the commercial viability
of any technologies, which may include collaboration and
funding from industry partners;
``(iv) how the applicant will encourage the participation
of entrepreneurs and the development of new businesses; and
``(v) how the test bed or facility will operate after
Federal funding has ended.
``(C) Awards.--Grants made under this paragraph--
``(i) shall be for 5 years, with the possibility of one 3-
year extension; and
``(ii) may be used for the purchase of equipment, the
support of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers,
and the salaries of staff.
``(D) Requirements.--As a condition of receiving a grant
under this paragraph, an institution of higher education or
consortium shall publish and share with the public the
results of the work conducted under this paragraph.
``(9) Inapplicability.--Section 5(e)(1) shall not apply to
grants, contracts, or other arrangements made under this
section.
``(d) Board of Advisors.--
``(1) In general.--There is established in the Foundation a
Board of Advisors for the Directorate (referred to in this
section as the `Board of Advisors'), which shall provide
advice to the Deputy Director pursuant to this subsection.
The Board of Advisors shall not have any decision-making
authority.
``(2) Membership.--
``(A) Composition.--The Board of Advisors shall be
comprised of 12 members representing scientific leaders and
experts from industry and academia, of whom--
``(i) 2 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the
Senate;
``(ii) 2 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the
Senate;
``(iii) 2 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives;
``(iv) 2 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the
House of Representatives; and
``(v) 4 shall be appointed by the Director.
``(B) Opportunity for input.--Before appointing any member
under subparagraph (A), the appointing authority shall
provide an opportunity for the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and other entities to
provide advice regarding potential appointees.
``(C) Qualifications.--
``(i) In general.--Each member appointed under subparagraph
(A) shall--
``(I) have extensive experience in a field related to the
work of the Directorate or other expertise relevant to
developing technology roadmaps; and
``(II) have, or be able to obtain within a reasonable
period of time, a security clearance appropriate for the work
of the Board of Advisors.
``(ii) Expedited security clearances.--The process of
obtaining a security clearance under clause (i)(II) may be
expedited by the head of the appropriate Federal agency to
enable the Board to receive classified briefings on the
current and future technological capacity of other nations,
and on the military implications of civilian technologies.
``(D) Date.--The appointments of the members of the Board
of Advisors shall be made not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of the Endless Frontier Act.
``(3) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
``(A) In general.--A member of the Board of Advisors shall
be appointed for a 3-year term, except that the Deputy
Director shall adjust the terms for the first members of the
Board of Advisors so that, within each appointment category
described in clauses (i) through (v) of paragraph (2)(A), the
terms expire on a staggered basis.
``(B) Term limits.--A member of the Board of Advisors shall
not serve for more than 2 full consecutive terms.
``(C) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Board of Advisors--
``(i) shall not affect the powers of the Board of Advisors;
and
``(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment.
``(4) Chairperson.--The members of the Board of Advisors
shall elect 1 member to serve as the chairperson of the Board
of Advisors.
``(5) Meetings.--
``(A) Initial meeting.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of the Endless Frontier Act, the Board of
Advisors shall hold the first meeting of the Board of
Advisors.
``(B) Additional meetings.--After the first meeting of the
Board of Advisors, the Board of Advisors shall meet upon the
call of the chairperson or of the Director, and at least
[[Page S3537]]
once every 180 days for the duration of the Board of
Advisors.
``(C) Meeting with the national science board.--The Board
of Advisors shall hold a joint meeting with the National
Science Board on at least an annual basis, on a date mutually
selected by the chairperson of the Board of Advisors and the
Chairman of the National Science Board.
``(D) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Board of
Advisors shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of
members may hold hearings.
``(6) Duties of board of advisors.--
``(A) In general.--The Board of Advisors shall provide
advice--
``(i) to the Deputy Director on programs that could best be
carried out to accomplish the purposes of this section;
``(ii) to the Deputy Director to inform the reviews of key
technology focus areas required under subsection (c)(2)(B);
and
``(iii) on other issues relating to the purposes and
responsibilities of the Directorate, as requested by the
Deputy Director.
``(B) No role in awarding grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements.--The Board of Advisors shall not provide advice
on or otherwise help determine what entities shall receive
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under this Act.
``(7) Powers of board of advisors.--
``(A) Hearings.--The Board of Advisors may hold public or
private hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take
such testimony and receive such evidence (including
classified testimony and evidence), and administer such oaths
as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Board
of Advisors under paragraph (6).
``(B) Information from federal agencies.--
``(i) In general.--Each Federal department or agency shall,
in accordance with applicable procedures for the handling of
classified information, provide reasonable access to
documents, statistical data, and other such information that
the Deputy Director, in consultation with the chairperson of
the Board of Advisors, determines necessary to carry out its
functions under paragraph (6).
``(ii) Obtaining classified information.--If the Board of
Advisors, acting through the chairperson, seeks classified
information from a Federal department or agency, the Deputy
Director shall submit a written request to the head of the
Federal department or agency for access to classified
documents and statistical data, and other classified
information described in clause (i), that is under the
control of such agency.
``(C) Financial disclosure reports.--Each member of the
Board of Advisors shall be required to file a financial
disclosure report under title I of the Ethics in Government
Act of 1978, except that such reports shall be held
confidential and exempt from any law otherwise requiring
their public disclosure.
``(8) Board of advisors personnel and operational
matters.--
``(A) Compensation of members.--
``(i) In general.--A member of the Board of Advisors shall
be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the
annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code, for each day (including travel time) during
which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties
of the Board of Advisors.
``(ii) No federal employee members.--No member of the Board
of Advisors may be an officer or employee of the United
States during the member's term on the Board of Advisors.
``(B) Travel expenses.--A member of the Board of Advisors
shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu
of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies
under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
Code, while away from their home or regular places of
business in the performance of services for the Board of
Advisors.
``(C) Staff.--The Deputy Director, in consultation with the
chairperson of the Board of Advisors, shall assign an
employee of the Foundation to serve as an executive director
for the Board of Advisors.
``(D) Government employees.--
``(i) In general.--Any Federal Government employee may be
detailed to the Board of Advisors without reimbursement, and
such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil
service status or privilege.
``(ii) Employees of the legislative branch.--The Deputy
Director shall establish procedures and policies to enable an
employee of an office, agency, or other entity in the
legislative branch of the Government to support the
activities of the Board of Advisors.
``(E) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services.--
The chairperson of the Board of Advisors, with approval from
the Deputy Director, may procure temporary and intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States
Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for
level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of that
title.
``(F) Assistance from federal agencies.--A Federal
department or agency may provide to the Board of Advisors
such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support
services as the department or agency may determine advisable
and as may be authorized by law.
``(9) Permanent board.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Board of
Advisors.
``(e) Areas of Funding Support.--Subject to the
availability of funds under subsection (f), the Director
shall, for each fiscal year, use--
``(1) not less than 35 percent of funds provided to the
Directorate for such year to carry out subsection (c)(6);
``(2) not less than 15 percent of such funds to carry out
subsection (c)(5) with the goal of awarding, across the key
technology focus areas--
``(A) not fewer than 1,000 post-doctorate fellowships;
``(B) not fewer than 2,000 graduate fellowships and
traineeships;
``(C) not fewer than 1,000 undergraduate scholarships; and
``(D) if funds remain after carrying out subparagraphs (A)
through (C), grants to institutions of higher education to
enable the institutions to fund the development and
establishment of new or specialized courses of education for
graduate, undergraduate, or technical college students;
``(3) not less than 5 percent of such funds to carry out
subsection (c)(7);
``(4) not less than 10 percent of such funds to carry out
subsection (c)(8) by establishing and equipping test beds and
fabrication facilities;
``(5) not less than 15 percent of such funds to carry out
research and related activities pursuant to subclauses (I)
and (II) of subsection (c)(3)(A)(ii); and
``(6) not less than 12 percent of such funds to support
research in the key technology focus areas through the
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research under
section 113 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g).
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
for the Directorate, in addition to any other funds made
available to the Directorate, a total of $100,000,000,000 for
fiscal years 2021 through 2025, of which--
``(A) $2,000,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2021;
``(B) $8,000,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2022;
``(C) $20,000,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2023;
``(D) $35,000,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2024;
and
``(E) $35,000,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2025.
``(2) Appropriations limitations.--
``(A) Hold harmless.--No funds shall be appropriated to the
Directorate or to carry out this section for any fiscal year
in which the total amount appropriated to the Foundation (not
including amounts appropriated for the Directorate) is less
than the total amount appropriated to the Foundation (not
including such amounts), adjusted by the rate of inflation,
for the previous fiscal year.
``(B) No transfer of funds.--The Director shall not
transfer any funds appropriated to any other directorate or
office of the Foundation to the Directorate.
``(g) Rules of Construction.--
``(1) No classified research.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to permit the Foundation to fund classified
research.
``(2) No alterations of other missions or selection
processes of the foundation.--Nothing in this section or any
other amendments made to this Act by the Endless Frontier Act
shall be construed to alter the mission of any directorate of
the Foundation existing prior to the date of enactment of
such Act, or to alter the award selection methods or criteria
used by such directorates.''.
(d) Annual Report on Unfunded Priorities.--
(1) Annual report.--Not later than 10 days after the date
on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is
submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31,
United States Code, the Director shall submit to the
President and to Congress a report on the unfunded priorities
of the National Science and Technology Foundation.
(2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall provide--
(A) for each directorate of the National Science Foundation
for the most recent, fully completed fiscal year--
(i) the proposal success rate;
(ii) the percentage of proposals that were not funded and
that met the criteria for funding; and
(iii) the most promising research areas covered by
proposals described in clause (ii); and
(B) a list, in order of priority, of the next activities
that should be undertaken in the Major Research Equipment and
Facilities Construction account.
SEC. 1704. REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY HUB PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--
(1) Key technology focus areas.--Subsection (a) of section
27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980
(15 U.S.C. 3722) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as
paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Key technology focus areas.--The term `key technology
focus areas' means the areas included on the most recent list
under section 8A(c)(2) of the Act of May 10, 1950 (64 Stat.
149, chapter 171; 42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.).''.
(2) Venture development organizations.--Paragraph (5) of
such subsection, as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this
subsection, is amended by striking ``purposes
[[Page S3538]]
of'' and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting the following: ``purposes of--
``(A) accelerating the commercialization of research;
``(B) strengthening the competitive position of industry
through the development, commercial adoption, or deployment
of technology; and
``(C) providing financial grants, loans, direct financial
investment, or in-kind services to commercialize
technology.''.
(b) Designation of and Support for Regional Technology Hubs
as Part of Regional Innovation Program of Department of
Commerce.--
(1) In general.--Such section is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as
subsections (e) through (i), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Designation of and Grants in Support of Regional
Technology Hubs.--
``(1) Program required.--
``(A) In general.--As part of the program established under
subsection (b), the Secretary shall carry out a program--
``(i) to designate eligible consortia as regional
technology hubs that create the conditions, within a region,
to facilitate activities that--
``(I) enable United States leadership in a key technology
focus area, complementing the Federal research and
development investments under section 8A of the Act of May
10, 1950 (64 Stat. 149, chapter 171; 42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.);
and
``(II) support regional economic development that diffuses
innovation capacity around the United States, enabling better
broad-based growth and competitiveness in key technology
focus areas; and
``(ii) to support regional technology hubs designated under
clause (i).
``(B) Eligible consortia.--For purposes of this section, an
eligible consortium is a consortium that--
``(i) includes--
``(I) an institution of higher education;
``(II) a local or Tribal government or other political
subdivision of a State;
``(III) a representative appointed by the governor of the
State or States that is representative of the geographic
coverage of the regional technology hub; and
``(IV) an economic development organization or similar
entity that is focused primarily on improving science,
technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship; and
``(ii) may include 1 or more--
``(I) nonprofit economic development entities with relevant
expertise, including a district organization (as defined in
section 300.3 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or
successor regulation);
``(II) venture development organizations;
``(III) financial institutions;
``(IV) primary and secondary educational institutions,
including career and technical education schools;
``(V) workforce training organizations, including State
workforce development boards as established under section 101
of the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3111);
``(VI) industry associations;
``(VII) labor organizations;
``(VIII) firms in the key technology focus areas;
``(IX) National Laboratories (as defined in section 2 of
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801));
``(X) Federal laboratories;
``(XI) Centers (as defined in section 25(a) of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278k(a));
``(XII) Manufacturing USA institutes (as described in
section 34(d) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278s(d))); and
``(XIII) institutions receiving an award under paragraph
(6) or (7) of section 8A(c) of the Act of May 10, 1950 (64
Stat. 149, chapter 171; 42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.).
``(C) Administration.--The Secretary shall carry out this
subsection through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Economic Development and the Under Secretary of Commerce for
Standards and Technology, jointly.
``(2) Designation of regional technology hubs.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall use a competitive
process for the designation of regional technology hubs under
paragraph (1)(A)(i).
``(B) Number of regional technology hubs.--During the 5-
year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the
Endless Frontier Act, the Secretary shall designate not fewer
than 10 and not more than 15 eligible consortia as regional
technology hubs under paragraph (1)(A)(i), if the Secretary
has received a sufficient number of qualified applications
and appropriations to carry out this subsection.
``(C) Geographic distribution.--In conducting the
competitive process under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall ensure geographic distribution in the designation of
regional technology hubs--
``(i) aiming to designate regional technology hubs in as
many regions of the United States as possible;
``(ii) focusing on localities that have clear potential and
relevant assets for developing a key technology focus area
but have not yet become leading technology centers; and
``(iii) by including at least 2 States eligible to receive
funding from the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research of the National Science Foundation in each regional
technology hub.
``(3) Grants and cooperative agreements.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out clause
(ii) of paragraph (1)(A) through the award of grants or
cooperative agreements to eligible consortia designated under
clause (i) of such paragraph.
``(B) Term.--Each grant or cooperative agreement awarded
under subparagraph (A) shall be for a period of 5 years, but
may be renewed once for an additional period of 5 years.
``(C) Matching required.--The total Federal financial
assistance awarded in a given year to an eligible consortium
in support of the eligible consortium's operation as a
regional technology hub under this subsection shall not
exceed amounts as follows:
``(i) In first year of the grant or cooperative agreement,
90 percent of the total funding of the regional technology
hub in that fiscal year.
``(ii) In second year of the grant or cooperative
agreement, 85 percent of the total funding of the regional
technology hub in that fiscal year.
``(iii) In third year of the grant or cooperative
agreement, 80 percent of the total funding of the regional
technology hub in that fiscal year.
``(iv) In fourth year of the grant or cooperative agreement
and each year thereafter, 75 percent of the total funding of
the regional technology hub in that fiscal year.
``(D) Use of grant and cooperative agreement funds.--The
recipient of a grant or cooperative awarded under
subparagraph (A) shall use the grant or cooperative agreement
for multiple activities determined appropriate by the
Secretary, including--
``(i) the permissible activities set forth under subsection
(c)(2); and
``(ii) activities in support of key technology focus
areas--
``(I) to develop the region's skilled workforce through the
training and retraining of workers and alignment of career
technical training and educational programs in the region's
elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher
education;
``(II) to develop regional strategies for infrastructure
improvements and site development in support of the regional
technology hub's plans and programs;
``(III) to support business activity that develops the
domestic supply chain and encourages the creation of new
business entities;
``(IV) to attract new private, public, and philanthropic
investment in the region for developing innovation capacity,
including establishing regional venture and loan funds for
financing technology commercialization, new business
formation, and business expansions;
``(V) to further the development of innovations in the key
technology focus areas, including innovations derived from
research conducted at institutions of higher education or
other research entities, including research conducted by 1 or
more university technology centers established under section
8A(c)(6) of the Act of May 10, 1950 (64 Stat. 149, chapter
171; 42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.), through activities that may
include--
``(aa) proof-of-concept development and prototyping;
``(bb) public-private partnerships in order to reduce the
cost, time, and risk of commercializing new technologies;
``(cc) creating and funding competitions to allow
entrepreneurial ideas from institutions of higher education
to illustrate their commercialization potential;
``(dd) facilitating mentorships between local and national
business leaders and potential entrepreneurs to encourage
successful commercialization;
``(ee) creating and funding for-profit or not-for-profit
entities that could enable researchers at institutions of
higher education and other research entities to further
develop new technology prior to seeking commercial financing,
through patient funding, advice, staff support, or other
means; and
``(ff) providing facilities for start-up companies where
technology maturation could occur; and
``(VI) to carry out such other activities as the Secretary
considers appropriate to improve United States
competitiveness and regional economic development to support
a key technology focus area and that would further the
purposes of the Endless Frontiers Act.
``(4) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible consortium seeking
designation as a regional technology hub under clause (i) of
paragraph (1)(A) and support under clause (ii) of such
paragraph shall submit to the Secretary an application
therefor at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may specify.
``(B) Consultation with national science foundation
university technology centers.--In preparing an application
for submittal under subparagraph (A), an applicant shall, to
the extent practicable, consult with one or more university
technology centers established under section 8A(c)(6) of the
Act of May 10, 1950 (64 Stat. 149, chapter 171; 42 U.S.C.
1861 et seq.) that are either geographically relevant or are
conducting research on relevant key technology focus areas.
``(5) Considerations for designation and grant awards.--In
selecting an eligible consortium that submitted an
application under paragraph (4)(A) for designation and
support
[[Page S3539]]
under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall consider, at a
minimum, the following:
``(A) The potential of the eligible consortium to advance
the development of new technologies in a key technology focus
area.
``(B) The likelihood of positive regional economic effect,
including increasing the number of high wage jobs, and
creating new economic opportunities for economically
disadvantaged populations.
``(C) How the eligible consortium plans to integrate with
and leverage the resources of one or more university
technology centers established under section 8A(c)(6) of the
Act of May 10, 1950 (64 Stat. 149, chapter 171; 42 U.S.C.
1861 et seq.) in a related key technology focus area.
``(D) How the eligible consortium will engage with the
private sector, including small- and medium-sized enterprises
to commercialize new technologies and develop new supply
chains in the United States in a key technology focus area.
``(E) How the eligible consortium will carry out workforce
development and skills acquisition programming, including
through the use of apprenticeships, mentorships, and other
related activities authorized by the Secretary, to support
the development of a key technology focus area.
``(F) How the eligible consortium will improve science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics education programs
in the identified region in elementary and secondary school
and higher education institutions located in the identified
region to support the development of a key technology focus
area.
``(G) How the eligible consortium plans to develop
partnerships with venture development organizations and
sources of private investment in support of private sector
activity, including launching new or expanding existing
companies, in a key technology focus area.
``(H) How the eligible consortium plans to organize the
activities of regional partners in the public, private, and
philanthropic sectors in support of the proposed regional
technology hub, including the development of necessary
infrastructure improvements and site preparation.
``(I) How the eligible consortium plans to address economic
inclusion, including ensuring that skill development,
entrepreneurial assistance, and other activities focus on
economically disadvantaged populations.
``(6) Coordination with national institute of standards and
technology programs.--
``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Manufacturing extension center.--The term
`manufacturing extension center' has the meaning given the
term `Center' in section 25(a) of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(a).
``(ii) Manufacturing usa institute.--The term
`Manufacturing USA institute' means a Manufacturing USA
institute described in section 34(d) of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278s(d)).
``(B) Coordination required.--The Secretary shall
coordinate the activities of regional technology hubs
designated under this subsection, the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership, and the Manufacturing USA Program with
each other to the degree that doing so does not diminish the
effectiveness of the ongoing activities of a manufacturing
extension center or a Manufacturing USA institute.
``(C) Elements.--Coordination by the Secretary under
subparagraph (B) may include the following:
``(i) The alignment of activities of the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership with the activities of
regional technology hubs designated under this subsection, if
applicable.
``(ii) The alignment of activities of the Manufacturing USA
Program and the Manufacturing USA institutes with the
activities of regional technology hubs designated under this
subsection, if applicable.
``(7) Interagency collaboration.--In assisting regional
technology hubs designated under paragraph (1)(A)(i), the
Secretary--
``(A) shall collaborate with Federal departments and
agencies whose missions contribute to the goals of the
regional technology hub;
``(B) may accept funds from other Federal agencies to
support grants and activities under this subsection; and
``(C) may establish interagency agreements with other
Federal departments or agencies to provide preferential
consideration for financial or technical assistance to a
regional technology hub designated under this subsection if
all applicable requirements for the financial or technical
assistance are met.
``(8) Performance measurement, transparency, and
accountability.--
``(A) Metrics, standards, and assessment.--For each grant
awarded under paragraph (3) for a regional technology hub,
the Secretary shall--
``(i) develop metrics to assess the effectiveness of the
activities funded in making progress toward the purposes set
forth under paragraph (1)(A), which may include:
``(I) research supported in a key technology focus area;
``(II) commercialization activities undertaken by each
regional technology hub that is designated and supported
under paragraph (1)(A);
``(III) educational and workforce development improvements
undertaken by each regional technology hub that is designated
and supported under paragraph (1)(A);
``(IV) sources of matching funds for each regional
technology hub that is designated and supported under
paragraph (1)(A); and
``(V) job creation, patent awards, and business formation
and expansion relating to the activities of the regional tech
hub that is designated and supported under paragraph (1)(A);
``(ii) establish standards for the performance of the
regional technology hub that are based on the metrics
developed under clause (i); and
``(iii) 2 years after the initial award under paragraph (3)
and each year thereafter until Federal financial assistance
under this subsection for the regional technology hub is
discontinued, conduct an assessment of the regional
technology hub to confirm whether the performance of the
regional technology hub is meeting the standards for
performance established under clause (ii).
``(B) Annual report.--Not less frequently than once each
year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives an annual report on the results of
the assessments conducted by the Secretary under subparagraph
(A)(iii) during the period covered by the report.''.
(2) Initial designations and awards.--
(A) Competition required.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Commerce shall commence a competition under paragraph (2)(A)
of section 27(d) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980, as added by paragraph (1).
(B) Designation and award.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary has
received at least 1 application under paragraph (4) of such
section from an eligible consortium whom the Secretary
considers suitable for designation under paragraph (1)(A)(i)
of such section, the Secretary shall--
(i) designate at least 1 regional technology hub under
paragraph (1)(A)(i) of such section; and
(ii) award a grant under paragraph (3)(A) of such section
to each regional technology hub designated under clause (i)
of this subparagraph.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Subsection (i) of
such section, as redesignated by subsection (c)(1)(A) of this
section, is amended--
(1) by striking ``From amounts'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--From amounts'';
(2) in paragraph (1), as redesignated by paragraph (1) of
this subsection, by striking ``this section'' and inserting
``the provisions of this section other than subsection (d)'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Regional technology hubs.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out subsection (d)
$10,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal year 2021 through
2025.''.
(d) Technology Commercialization Review.--Not later than
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, in consultation with the Director of the National
Science and Technology Foundation, shall review the structure
of current technology research and commercialization
arrangements with regard to public-private partnerships and
provide a recommendation to the Secretary of Commerce and
relevant congressional committees on what changes, if any,
are necessary to further incentivize industry participation
in public-private partnerships for the purposes of
accelerating technology research and commercialization in key
technology areas.
SEC. 1705. STRATEGY AND REPORT ON ECONOMIC SECURITY, SCIENCE,
RESEARCH, AND INNOVATION TO SUPPORT THE
NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed
Services, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources, the Committee on Finance, the Committee on Foreign
Relations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the
Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed
Services, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Committee
on Financial Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the
Committee on Ways and Means, and the Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.
(2) Key technology focus area.--The term ``key technology
focus area'' means an area included on the most recent list
under section 8A(c)(2) of the Act of May 10, 1950 (64 Stat.
149, chapter 171; 42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.).
(3) National security strategy.--The term ``national
security strategy'' means the national security strategy
required by section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947
(50 U.S.C. 3043).
(b) Strategy and Report.--
(1) In general.--In 2021 and in each year thereafter before
the applicable date set forth under paragraph (2), the
Director of the
[[Page S3540]]
Office of Science and Technology Policy, in coordination with
the Director of the National Economic Council, the Director
of the National Science Foundation, the Secretary of
Commerce, the National Security Council, and the heads of
other relevant Federal agencies, shall--
(A) review such strategy, programs, and resources as the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
determines pertain to United States national competitiveness
in science, research, and innovation to support the national
security strategy;
(B) develop a strategy for the Federal Government to
improve the national competitiveness of the United States in
science, research, and innovation to support the national
security strategy; and
(C) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress--
(i) a report on the findings of the Director with respect
to the review conducted under paragraph (1); and
(ii) the strategy developed or revised under paragraph (2).
(2) Applicable dates.--In each year, the applicable date
set forth under this paragraph is as follows:
(A) In 2021, December 31, 2021.
(B) In 2022 and every year thereafter--
(i) in any year in which a new President is inaugurated,
October 1 of that year; and
(ii) in any other year, the date that is 90 days after the
date of the transmission to Congress in that year of the
national security strategy.
(c) Elements.--
(1) Report.--Each report submitted under subsection
(b)(1)(C)(i) shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of public and private investment in
civilian and military science and technology and its
implications for the geostrategic position and national
security of the United States.
(B) A description of the prioritized economic security
interests and objectives of the United States relating to
science, research, and innovation and an assessment of how
investment in civilian and military science and technology
can advance those objectives.
(C) An assessment of how regional efforts are contributing
and could contribute to the innovation capacity of the United
States, including--
(i) programs run by State and local governments; and
(ii) regional factors that are contributing or could
contribute positively to innovation.
(D) An assessment of barriers to competitiveness in key
technology focus areas and barriers to the development and
evolution of start-ups, small and mid-sized business
entities, and industries in key technology focus areas.
(E) An assessment of the effectiveness of the Federal
Government, federally funded research and development
centers, and national labs in supporting and promoting
technology commercialization and technology transfer,
including an assessment of the adequacy of Federal research
and development funding in promoting competitiveness and the
development of new technologies.
(F) An assessment of manufacturing capacity, logistics, and
supply chain dynamics of major export sectors, including
access to a skilled workforce, physical infrastructure, and
broadband network infrastructure.
(2) Strategy.--Each strategy submitted under subsection
(b)(1)(C)(ii) shall include the following:
(A) A plan to utilize available tools to address or
minimize the leading threats and challenges and to take
advantage of the leading opportunities, including the
following:
(i) Specific objectives, tasks, metrics, and milestones for
each relevant Federal agency.
(ii) Specific plans to support public and private sector
investment in research, technology development, and domestic
manufacturing in key technology focus areas supportive of the
national economic competitiveness of the United States and to
foster the prudent use of public-private partnerships.
(iii) Specific plans to promote environmental stewardship
and fair competition for United States workers.
(iv) A description of--
(I) how the strategy submitted under subsection (b)(3)(B)
supports the national security strategy; and
(II) how the strategy submitted under such subsection is
integrated and coordinated with the most recent national
defense strategy under section 113(g) of title 10, United
States Code.
(v) A plan to encourage the governments of countries that
are allies or partners of the United States to cooperate with
the execution of the strategy submitted under subsection
(b)(3)(B), where appropriate.
(vi) A plan to encourage certain international and
multilateral organizations to support the implementation of
such strategy.
(vii) A plan for how the United States should develop local
and regional capacity for building innovation ecosystems
across the nation by providing Federal support.
(viii) A plan for strengthening the industrial base of the
United States.
(B) An identification of additional resources,
administrative action, or legislative action recommended to
assist with the implementation of such strategy.
(d) Form of Reports and Strategies.--Each report and
strategy submitted under subsection (b) shall be submitted in
unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
SEC. 1706. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992.--The
Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C.
1862h et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2(a)(5) (42 U.S.C. 1862h(a)(5)), by striking
``National Science Foundation'' and inserting ``National
Science and Technology Foundation''; and
(2) in section 3 (42 U.S.C. 1862i), by striking ``National
Science Foundation'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation''.
(b) National Science Foundation Authorization Act of
1998.--The National Science Foundation Authorization Act of
1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862k et seq.) is amended--
(1) in each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 2 (112
Stat. 869), by striking ``National Science Foundation
established'' and inserting ``National Science and Technology
Foundation established''; and
(2) in section 101(a)(6) (42 U.S.C. 1862k(a)(6)), by
striking ``National Science Foundation'' each place the term
appears and inserting ``National Science and Technology
Foundation''.
(c) National Science Foundation Authorization Act of
2002.--The National Science Foundation Authorization Act of
2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2 (42 U.S.C. 1862n note), by striking
``National Science Foundation'' each place the term appears
and inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation'';
(2) in each of paragraphs (4) and (7) of section 4 (42
U.S.C. 1862n note), by striking ``National Science Foundation
established'' and inserting ``National Science and Technology
Foundation established''; and
(3) in section 10A (42 U.S.C. 1862n-1a)--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and technology''
after ``national science'';
(B) in the subsection heading of subsection (e), by
inserting ``and Technology'' after ``National Science''; and
(C) by striking ``National Science Foundation'' each place
the term appears and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Foundation''.
(d) America COMPETES Act.--The America COMPETES Act (Public
Law 110-69; 121 Stat. 572) is amended--
(1) in each of sections 1006(c)(1)(K) (15 U.S.C.
3718(c)(1)(K)), 4001 (33 U.S.C. 893), and 5003(b)(1), by
striking ``National Science Foundation'' and inserting
``National Science and Technology Foundation'';
(2) in section 7001(5) (42 U.S.C. 1862o note), by striking
``National Science Foundation'' and inserting ``National
Science and Technology Foundation''; and
(3) in the title heading for title VII, by inserting ``AND
TECHNOLOGY'' after ``NATIONAL SCIENCE''.
(e) National Science and Technology Policy, Organization,
and Priorities Act of 1976.--The National Science and
Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976
(42 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 205(b)(2) (42 U.S.C. 6614(b)(2)), by
striking ``National Science Foundation'' and inserting
``National Science and Technology Foundation''; and
(2) in section 206 (42 U.S.C. 6615), by striking ``National
Science Foundation'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation''.
(f) America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010.--The
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-
358; 124 Stat. 3982) is amended--
(1) in the subtitle heading of subtitle A of title V, by
inserting ``and Technology'' after ``National Science'';
(2) in section 502 (42 U.S.C. 1862p note)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``National Science
Foundation'' and inserting ``National Science and Technology
Foundation''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``National Science
Foundation established'' and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Foundation established'';
(3) in the section heading of section 506 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-
1), by inserting ``and technology'' after ``national
science'';
(4) in section 517 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-9)--
(A) in paragraph (2) of subsection (a), by striking
``National Science Foundation'' each place the term appears
and inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation'';
and
(B) in each of subsections (a)(4), (b), and (c)(2), by
striking ``National Science Foundation'' and inserting
``National Science and Technology Foundation'';
(5) in section 518 (124 Stat. 4015), by striking
``Foundation.'' and inserting ``and Technology Foundation.'';
(6) in section 519 (124 Stat. 4015)--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and technology''
after ``national science''; and
(B) by striking ``National Science Foundation'' each place
the term appears and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Foundation'';
(7) in section 520 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-10)--
(A) by striking ``National Science Foundation'' each place
the term appears and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Foundation''; and
(B) in the subsection heading of subsection (b), by
striking ``NSF'' and inserting ``NSTF'';
(8) in section 522 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-11)--
[[Page S3541]]
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``nsf'' and
inserting ``nstf''; and
(B) by striking ``National Science Foundation'' and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation'';
(9) in section 524 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-12), by striking
``National Science Foundation'' each place the term appears
and inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation'';
and
(10) in section 555(5) (20 U.S.C. 9905(5)), by inserting
``and Technology'' after ``National Science''.
(g) STEM Education Act of 2015.--Each of sections 2 and 3
of the STEM Education Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note;
1862q) are amended by striking ``National Science
Foundation'' and inserting ``National Science and Technology
Foundation''.
(h) Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia
Act.--The Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia
Act (Public Law 114-124; 130 Stat. 120) is amended by
striking ``National Science'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology''.
(i) American Innovation and Competitiveness Act.--The
American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C. 1862s
et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2 (42 U.S.C. 1862 note), by inserting ``and
Technology'' after ``National Science''; and
(2) in section 601(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 1862s-8(a)(1)), by
striking ``National Science'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology''.
(j) National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976.--
The National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976
(Public Law 94-86) is amended--
(1) in section 2(b) (42 U.S.C. 1869a), by striking
``National Science Foundation'' each place the term appears
and inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation'';
and
(2) in section 6(a) (42 U.S.C. 1881a(a)), by striking
``National Science Foundation'' and inserting ``National
Science and Technology Foundation''.
(k) National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1977.--
Section 8 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act, 1977 (42 U.S.C. 1883) is amended by striking ``National
Science Foundation'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation''.
(l) National Science Foundation Authorization Act, Fiscal
Year 1978.--Section 8 of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1978 (42 U.S.C. 1869b) is
amended by inserting ``and Technology'' after ``National
Science''.
(m) Act of August 25, 1959.--The first section of the Act
of August 25, 1959 (42 U.S.C. 1880) is amended by inserting
``and Technology'' after ``National Science''.
(n) National Science Foundation Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1980.--Section 9 of the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1980 (42 U.S.C.
1882) is amended by striking ``National Science Foundation''
each place the term appears and inserting ``National Science
and Technology Foundation''.
(o) National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2005.--Section 721 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 1886a) is amended by striking ``The National
Science Foundation'' and inserting ``The National Science and
Technology Foundation''.
(p) National Science Foundation Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1986.--Section 108 of the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 (42 U.S.C.
1886) is amended by inserting ``and Technology'' after
``National Science''.
(q) National Quantum Initiative Act.--The National Quantum
Initiative Act (Public Law 115-368) is amended--
(1) in the table of contents in section 2, by striking the
item relating to title III and inserting the following:
``TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION QUANTUM
ACTIVITIES'';
(2) in section 102(a)(2)(A) (15 U.S.C. 8812(a)(2)(A)), by
inserting ``and Technology'' after ``National Science'';
(3) in section 103 (15 U.S.C. 8813), by striking ``National
Science Foundation'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation'';
(4) in the title heading for title III, by inserting ``AND
TECHNOLOGY'' after ``NATIONAL SCIENCE''; and
(5) in each of sections 301 and 302 (15 U.S.C. 8841, 8842),
by striking ``National Science Foundation'' each place the
term appears and inserting ``National Science and Technology
Foundation''.
(r) Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014.--The
Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 (15 U.S.C. 7421 et
seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 201 (15 U.S.C. 7431), by striking ``National
Science Foundation'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation''; and
(2) in each of sections 301 and 302 (15 U.S.C. 7441, 7442),
by striking ``National Science Foundation'' each place the
term appears and inserting ``National Science and Technology
Foundation''.
(s) 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 101(a)(3)(C)(xi) 15 U.S.C.
5511(a)(3)(C)(xi)), by inserting ``and Technology'' after
``National Science''; and
(2) in section 201 (15 U.S.C. 5521)--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and technology''
after ``national science''; and
(B) by striking ``National Science Foundation'' each place
the term appears and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Foundation''.
(t) Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984.--The Arctic
Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) in each of sections 102(b)(3) and 103(b)(1) (15 U.S.C.
4101(b)(3), 4102(b)(1)), by inserting ``and Technology''
after ``National Science''; and
(2) in section 107 (15 U.S.C. 4106)--
(A) in the subsection heading of subsection (a), by
inserting ``and Technology'' after ``National Science''; and
(B) by striking ``National Science Foundation'' each place
the term appears and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Foundation''.
(u) Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.--
The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3701 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in each of sections 4(5), 5(a)(2)(A), 20, and 21(d) (15
U.S.C. 3703(5), 3704(a)(2)(A), 3712, and 3713(d)), by
inserting ``and Technology'' after ``National Science'';
(2) in section 9 (15 U.S.C. 3707)--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and technology''
after ``national science'';
(B) in each of subsections (a) and (b), by striking
``National Science Foundation'' and inserting ``National
Science and Technology Foundation''; and
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking ``National Science Foundation in'' and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation in'';
and
(ii) by striking ``National Science Foundation under'' and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation
under''; and
(3) in section 10 (15 U.S.C. 3708), by striking ``National
Science Foundation'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation''.
(v) Cyber Security Research and Development Act.--The Cyber
Security Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7401 et
seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 3(1) (15 U.S.C. 7402(1)), by inserting ``and
Technology'' after ``National Science'';
(2) in section 5 (15 U.S.C. 7404)--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and technology''
after ``national science'';
(B) in subsection (c)(4), by inserting ``and Technology''
after ``National Science''; and
(C) in subsection (d), by striking ``National Science
Foundation's'' and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Foundation's''; and
(3) in section 13 (15 U.S.C. 7409), by striking ``National
Science Foundation'' each place the term appears and
inserting ``National Science and Technology Foundation''.
(w) National Superconductivity and Competitiveness Act of
1988.--Section 6 of the National Superconductivity and
Competitiveness Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 5205) is amended by
inserting ``and Technology'' after ``National Science''.
(x) Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017.--Each of sections 105 and 402(a)(1) of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C.
8515, 8542(a)(1)) are amended by inserting ``and Technology''
after ``National Science''.
______