[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16785-16805]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              AMERICAN INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS ACT

  Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the 
Speaker's table the bill (S. 3084) to invest in innovation through 
research and development, and to improve the competitiveness of the 
United States, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

       Strike all after the enacting clause and insert 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.

                   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. Physical sciences coordination.
Sec. 107. Laboratory program improvements.
Sec. 108. Standard Reference Data Act update.
Sec. 109. NSF mid-scale project investments.
Sec. 110. Oversight of NSF major multi-user research facility projects.
Sec. 111. Personnel oversight.
Sec. 112. Management of the U.S. Antarctic Program.
Sec. 113. NIST campus security.
Sec. 114. Coordination of sustainable chemistry research and 
              development.
Sec. 115. Misrepresentation of research results.
Sec. 116. Research reproducibility and replication.
Sec. 117. Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies 
              Initiative.

        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.
Sec. 208. Coordination of international science and technology 
              partnerships.

    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. Programs to expand STEM opportunities.
Sec. 306. NIST education and outreach.
Sec. 307. Presidential awards for excellence in STEM mentoring.
Sec. 308. Working group on inclusion in STEM fields.
Sec. 309. Improving undergraduate STEM experiences.
Sec. 310. Computer science education research.
Sec. 311. Informal STEM education.
Sec. 312. Developing STEM apprenticeships.
Sec. 313. NSF report on broadening participation.
Sec. 314. NOAA science education programs.
Sec. 315. Hispanic-serving institutions undergraduate program update.

                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 director functions update.
Sec. 405. NIST Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology update.

                         TITLE V--MANUFACTURING

Sec. 501. Hollings manufacturing extension partnership improvements.

              TITLE VI--INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Sec. 601. Innovation corps.
Sec. 602. Translational research grants.
Sec. 603. Optics and photonics technology innovations.
Sec. 604. United States chief technology officer.
Sec. 605. National research council study on technology for emergency 
              notifications on campuses.

     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 
     (20 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).

                   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) sustained, predictable Federal funding of basic 
     research is essential to United States leadership in science 
     and technology;
       (2) the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts 
     criteria are appropriate for evaluating grant proposals, as 
     concluded by the 2011 National Science Board Task Force on 
     Merit Review;
       (3) evaluating proposals on the basis of the Foundation's 
     intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria should be 
     used to assure that the Foundation's activities are in the 
     national interest as these reviews can affirm that--
       (A) the proposals funded by the Foundation are of high 
     quality and advance scientific knowledge; and
       (B) the Foundation's grants address societal needs through 
     basic research findings or through related activities; and
       (4) as evidenced by the Foundation's contributions to 
     scientific advancement, economic growth, human health, and 
     national security, its peer review and merit review processes 
     have identified and funded scientifically and societally 
     relevant basic 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.--
       (1) building the understanding of and confidence in 
     investments in basic research is essential to public support 
     for sustained, predictable Federal funding;
       (2) the Foundation has improved transparency and 
     accountability of the outcomes made through the merit review 
     process, but additional transparency into individual grants 
     is valuable in communicating and assuring the public value of 
     federally funded research; and
       (3) the Foundation should commit to transparency and 
     accountability and to clear, consistent public communication 
     regarding the national interest for each Foundation-awarded 
     grant and cooperative agreement.
       (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 on the importance of transparency and 
     accountability to the outcomes made through the merit review 
     process.
       (2) Requirements.--The guidance under paragraph (1) shall 
     require that each public notice of a Foundation-funded 
     research project justify the expenditure of Federal funds 
     by--
       (A) describing how the project--
       (i) reflects the statutory mission of the Foundation, as 
     established in the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 
     (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.); and
       (ii) addresses the Foundation's intellectual merit and 
     broader impacts criteria; and
       (B) clearly identifying the research goals of the project 
     in a manner that can be easily

[[Page 16786]]

     understood by both technical and non-technical audiences.
       (c) Broader Impacts Review Criterion Update.--Section 
     526(a) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 
     (42 U.S.C. 1862p-14(a)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(a) Goals.--The Foundation shall apply a broader impacts 
     review criterion to identify and demonstrate project support 
     of the following goals:
       ``(1) Increasing the economic competitiveness of the United 
     States.
       ``(2) Advancing of the health and welfare of the American 
     public.
       ``(5) Developing an American STEM workforce that is 
     globally competitive through improved pre-kindergarten 
     through grade 12 STEM education and teacher development, and 
     improved undergraduate STEM education and instruction.
       ``(6) Improving public scientific literacy and engagement 
     with science and technology in the United States.
       ``(4) Enhancing partnerships between academia and industry 
     in the United States.
       ``(3) Supporting the national defense of the United States.
       ``(7) Expanding participation of women and individuals from 
     underrepresented groups in STEM.''.

     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 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--

[[Page 16787]]

       (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 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 consistent with the National 
     Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (Public Law 
     104-113; 110 Stat. 775), for a secure and smooth transition 
     to the standards under clause (i).
       (3) Federal information systems research and development.--
     Section 20(d)(3) of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-3(d)(3)) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(3) conduct research and analysis--
       ``(A) to determine the nature and extent of information 
     security vulnerabilities and techniques for providing cost-
     effective information security;
       ``(B) to review and determine prevalent information 
     security challenges and deficiencies identified by agencies 
     or the Institute, including any challenges or deficiencies 
     described in any of the annual reports under section 3553 or 
     3554 of title 44, United States Code, and in any of the 
     reports and the independent evaluations under section 3555 of 
     that title, that may undermine the effectiveness of agency 
     information security programs and practices; and
       ``(C) to evaluate the effectiveness and sufficiency of, and 
     challenges to, Federal agencies' implementation of standards 
     and guidelines developed under this section and policies and 
     standards promulgated under section 11331 of title 40, United 
     States Code;''.
       (4) 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 election systems 
     to ensure voters can vote securely and privately.''.

     SEC. 105. NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND 
                   DEVELOPMENT UPDATE.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development Modernization Act of 2016''.
       (b) Findings.--Section 2 of the High-Performance Computing 
     Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5501) is amended--
       (1) in paragraphs (2) and (5), by striking ``high-
     performance computing'' and inserting ``networking and 
     information technology, including high-performance 
     computing,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing'' and inserting ``networking and information 
     technology, including high-performance computing'';
       (c) Purposes.--Section 3 of the High-Performance Computing 
     Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5502) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``high-performance computing'' and inserting ``networking and 
     information technology'';
       (2) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``expanding Federal support for research, development, and 
     application of high-performance computing'' and inserting 
     ``supporting Federal research, development, and application 
     of networking and information technology'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing'' both places it appears and inserting ``networking 
     and information technology'';
       (C) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D);
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) stimulate research on and promote more rapid 
     development of high-end computing systems software and 
     applications software;'';
       (E) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (H) as 
     subparagraphs (D) through (G), respectively;
       (F) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, by inserting 
     ``high-end'' after ``the development of'';
       (G) in subparagraphs (E) and (F), as redesignated, by 
     striking ``high-performance computing'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``networking and information technology''; and
       (H) in subparagraph (G), as redesignated, by striking 
     ``high-performance'' and inserting ``high-end''; and
       (3) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``high-performance computing and'' and 
     inserting ``networking and information technology and''; and
       (B) by striking ``high-performance computing network'' and 
     inserting ``networking and information technology''.
       (d) Definitions.--Section 4 of the High-Performance 
     Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5503) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5);
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (6), and (7) 
     as paragraphs (2), (3), (5), (8), and (9), respectively;
       (3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the 
     following:
       ``(1) `cyber-physical systems' means physical or engineered 
     systems whose networking and information technology functions 
     and physical elements are deeply integrated and are actively 
     connected to the physical world through sensors, actuators, 
     or other means to enable safe and effective, real-time 
     performance in safety-critical and other applications;'';
       (4) in paragraph (3), as redesignated, by striking ``high-
     performance computing'' and inserting ``networking and 
     information technology'';
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (3), as redesignated, the 
     following:
       ``(4) `high-end computing' means the most advanced and 
     capable computing systems, including their hardware, storage, 
     networking and software, encompassing both massive 
     computational capability and large-scale data analytics to 
     solve computational problems of national importance that are 
     beyond the capability of small- to medium-scale systems, 
     including computing formerly known as high-performance 
     computing;'';
       (6) by inserting after paragraph (5), as redesignated, the 
     following:
       ``(6) `networking and information technology' means high-
     end computing, communications, and information technologies, 
     high-capacity and high-speed networks, special purpose and 
     experimental systems, high-end computing systems software and 
     applications software, and the management of large data sets;
       ``(7) `participating agency' means an agency described in 
     section 101(a)(3)(C);''; and
       (7) in paragraph (8), as redesignated, by striking 
     ``National High-Performance Computing Program'' and inserting 
     ``Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development Program''.
       (e) Title I Heading.--The heading of title I of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is 
     amended by striking ``HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING'' and 
     inserting ``NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY''.
       (f) Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development Program.--Section 101 of the High-Performance 
     Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``national high-
     performance computing program'' and inserting ``networking 
     and information technology research and development 
     program'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``National High-
     Performance Computing Program'' and inserting ``Networking 
     and Information Technology Research and Development'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``National High-Performance Computing Program'' and inserting 
     ``Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development Program'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing, including networking'' and inserting ``networking 
     and information technology'';
       (iii) in subparagraphs (B) and (G), by striking ``high-
     performance'' each place it appears and inserting ``high-
     end'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing and networking'' and inserting ``high-end 
     computing, distributed, and networking'';
       (v) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
       ``(D) provide for efforts to increase software security and 
     reliability;'';
       (vi) in subparagraph (H)--

       (I) by inserting ``support and guidance'' after 
     ``provide''; and
       (II) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;

       (vii) in subparagraph (I)--

       (I) by striking ``improving the security'' and inserting 
     ``improving the security, reliability, and resilience''; and

[[Page 16788]]

       (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting a 
     semicolon; and

       (viii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(J) provide for increased understanding of the scientific 
     principles of cyber-physical systems and improve the methods 
     available for the design, development, and operation of 
     cyber-physical systems that are characterized by high 
     reliability, safety, and security;
       ``(K) provide for research and development on human-
     computer interactions, visualization, and big data;
       ``(L) provide for research and development on the 
     enhancement of cybersecurity, including the human facets of 
     cyber threats and secure cyber systems;
       ``(M) provide for the understanding of the science, 
     engineering, policy, and privacy protection related to 
     networking and information technology;
       ``(N) provide for the transition of high-end computing 
     hardware, system software, development tools, and 
     applications into development and operations; and
       ``(O) foster public-private collaboration among government, 
     industry research laboratories, academia, and nonprofit 
     organizations to maximize research and development efforts 
     and the benefits of networking and information technology, 
     including high-end computing.'';
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) establish the goals and priorities for Federal 
     networking and information technology research, development, 
     education, and other activities;'';
       (ii) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
       ``(C) provide for interagency coordination of Federal 
     networking and information technology research, development, 
     education, and other activities undertaken pursuant to the 
     Program--
       ``(i) among the participating agencies; and
       ``(ii) to the extent practicable, with other Federal 
     agencies not described in paragraph (3)(C), other Federal and 
     private research laboratories, industry, research entities, 
     institutions of higher education, relevant nonprofit 
     organizations, and international partners of the United 
     States;'';
       (iii) by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows:
       ``(E) encourage and monitor the efforts of the agencies 
     participating in the Program to allocate the level of 
     resources and management attention necessary to ensure that 
     the strategic plans under subsection (e) are developed and 
     executed effectively and that the objectives of the Program 
     are met; and''; and
       (iv) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``high-performance'' 
     and inserting ``high-end''; and
       (D) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) 
     as subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), and (G), respectively;
       (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) provide a detailed description of the nature and 
     scope of research infrastructure designated as such under the 
     Program;'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated--

       (I) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:

       ``(i) the Department of Justice;'';

       (II) by redesignating clauses (vii) through (xi) as clauses 
     (viii) through (xii), respectively;
       (III) by inserting after clause (vi) the following:

       ``(vii) the Department of Homeland Security;''; and

       (IV) by amending clause (viii), as redesignated, to read as 
     follows:

       ``(viii) the National Archives and Records 
     Administration;'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated--

       (I) by striking ``is submitted,'' and inserting ``is 
     submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal year,''; and
       (II) by striking ``each Program Component Area;'' and 
     inserting ``each Program Component Area and research area 
     supported in accordance with section 102;'';

       (v) by amending subparagraph (E), as redesignated, to read 
     as follows:
       ``(E) describe the levels of Federal funding for each 
     participating agency, and for each Program Component Area, 
     for the fiscal year during which such report is submitted, 
     the levels for the previous fiscal year, and the levels 
     proposed for the fiscal year with respect to which the budget 
     submission applies;''; and
       (vi) by inserting after subparagraph (E), as redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(F) 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 plans 
     required under subsection (e); and'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A)--
       (i) by striking ``high-performance computing'' both places 
     it appears and inserting ``networking and information 
     technology''; and
       (ii) after the first sentence, by inserting the following: 
     ``Each chair of the advisory committee shall meet the 
     qualifications of committee membership and may be a member of 
     the President's Council of Advisors on Science and 
     Technology.'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing, networking technology, and related software'' and 
     inserting ``networking and information technology''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the second sentence, by striking ``2'' and inserting 
     ``3'';
       (ii) by striking ``Committee on Science and Technology'' 
     and inserting ``Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology''; and
       (iii) by striking ``The first report shall be due within 1 
     year after the date of enactment of the America COMPETES 
     Act.'';
       (4) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing'' and inserting ``networking and information 
     technology''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Periodic Reviews.--The heads of the participating 
     agencies, working through the National Science and Technology 
     Council and the Program, shall--
       ``(1) periodically assess and update, as appropriate, the 
     structure of the Program, including the Program Component 
     Areas and associated contents, scope, and funding levels, 
     taking into consideration any relevant recommendations of the 
     advisory committee established under subsection (b); and
       ``(2) ensure that such agency's implementation of the 
     Program includes foundational, large-scale, long-term, and 
     interdisciplinary information technology research and 
     development activities, including activities described in 
     section 102.
       ``(e) Strategic Plans.--
       ``(1) In general.--The heads of the participating agencies, 
     working through the National Science and Technology Council 
     and the Program, shall develop and implement strategic plans 
     to guide--
       ``(A) emerging activities of Federal networking and 
     information technology research and development; and
       ``(B) the activities described in subsection (a)(1).
       ``(2) Updates.--The heads of the participating agencies 
     shall update the strategic plans as appropriate.
       ``(3) Contents.--Each strategic plan shall--
       ``(A) specify near-term and long-term objectives for the 
     portions of the Program relevant to the strategic plan, 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 are actively engaged;
       ``(C) describe how the heads of the participating agencies 
     will support mechanisms for foundational, large-scale, long-
     term, and interdisciplinary information technology research 
     and development and for Grand Challenges, including through 
     collaborations--
       ``(i) across Federal agencies;
       ``(ii) across Program Component Areas; and
       ``(iii) with industry, Federal and private research 
     laboratories, research entities, institutions of higher 
     education, relevant nonprofit organizations, and 
     international partners of the United States;
       ``(D) describe how the heads of the participating agencies 
     will foster the rapid transfer of research and development 
     results into new technologies and applications in the 
     national interest, including through cooperation and 
     collaborations with networking and information technology 
     research, development, and technology transition initiatives 
     supported by the States; and
       ``(E) describe how the portions of the Program relevant to 
     the strategic plan will address long-term challenges for 
     which solutions require foundational, large-scale, long-term, 
     and interdisciplinary information technology research and 
     development.
       ``(4) Private sector efforts.--In developing, implementing, 
     and updating strategic plans, the heads of the participating 
     agencies, working through the National Science and Technology 
     Council and the 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 participating agencies 
     shall solicit recommendations and advice from--
       ``(A) the advisory committee under subsection (b);
       ``(B) the Committee on Science and relevant subcommittees 
     of the National Science and Technology Council; and
       ``(C) a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, 
     academia, National Laboratories, and other relevant 
     organizations and institutions.
       ``(f) Reports.--The heads of the participating agencies, 
     working through the National Science and Technology Council 
     and the 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--

[[Page 16789]]

       ``(1) the strategic plans developed under subsection 
     (e)(1); and
       ``(2) each update under subsection (e)(2).''.
       (g) National Research and Education Network.--Section 102 
     of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 
     5512) is repealed.
       (h) Next Generation Internet.--Section 103 of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5513) is 
     repealed.
       (i) Grand Challenges in Areas of National Importance.--
     Title I of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 
     U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 102. GRAND CHALLENGES IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.

       ``(a) In General.--The Program shall encourage the 
     participating agencies to support foundational, large-scale, 
     long-term, interdisciplinary, and interagency information 
     technology research and development activities in networking 
     and information technology directed toward agency mission 
     areas that have the potential for significant contributions 
     to national economic competitiveness and for other 
     significant societal benefits. Such activities, ranging from 
     basic research to the demonstration of technical solutions, 
     shall be designed to advance the development of fundamental 
     discoveries. The advisory committee established under section 
     101(b) shall make recommendations to the Program for 
     candidate research and development areas for support under 
     this section.
       ``(b) Characteristics.--
       ``(1) In general.--Research and development activities 
     under this section shall--
       ``(A) include projects selected on the basis of 
     applications for support through a competitive, merit-based 
     process;
       ``(B) to the extent practicable, involve collaborations 
     among researchers in institutions of higher education and 
     industry, and may involve nonprofit research institutions and 
     Federal laboratories, as appropriate;
       ``(C) to the extent practicable, leverage Federal 
     investments through collaboration with related State and 
     private sector initiatives; and
       ``(D) include a plan for fostering the transfer of research 
     discoveries and the results of technology demonstration 
     activities, including from institutions of higher education 
     and Federal laboratories, to industry for commercial 
     development.
       ``(2) Cost-sharing.--In selecting applications for support, 
     the agencies may give special consideration to projects that 
     include cost sharing from non-Federal sources.''.
       (j) National Science Foundation Activities.--Section 201 of 
     the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``(a) General Responsibilities.--'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``high-end'' after ``National Science 
     Foundation shall provide''; and
       (ii) by striking ``high-performance computing'' and all 
     that follows through ``networking;'' and inserting 
     ``networking and information technology; and'';
       (C) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4); and
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) the National Science Foundation shall use its 
     existing programs, in collaboration with other agencies, as 
     appropriate, to improve the teaching and learning of 
     networking and information technology at all levels of 
     education and to increase participation in networking and 
     information technology fields, including by individuals 
     identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and 
     Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a and 
     1885b).''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b).
       (k) National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     Activities.--Section 202 of the High-Performance Computing 
     Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5522) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(a) General Responsibilities.--'';
       (2) by striking ``high-performance computing'' and 
     inserting ``networking and information technology''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (b).
       (l) Department of Energy Activities.--Section 203 of the 
     High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5523) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``(a) General Responsibilities.--'';
       (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing and networking'' and inserting ``networking and 
     information technology'';
       (3) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``high-performance'' 
     and inserting ``high-end''; and
       (4) by striking subsection (b).
       (m) Department of Commerce Activities.--Section 204 of the 
     High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing systems and networks'' and inserting ``networking 
     and information technology systems and capabilities'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``interoperability of 
     high-performance computing systems in networks and for common 
     user interfaces to systems'' and inserting ``interoperability 
     and usability of networking and information technology 
     systems''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing'' and inserting ``networking and information 
     technology'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``High-Performance 
     Computing and Network'' and inserting ``Networking and 
     Information Technology'';
       (B) by striking ``Pursuant to the Computer Security Act of 
     1987 (Public Law 100-235; 101 Stat. 1724), the'' and 
     inserting ``The''; and
       (C) by striking ``sensitive information in Federal computer 
     systems'' and inserting ``Federal agency information and 
     information systems''; and
       (3) by striking subsections (c) and (d).
       (n) Environmental Protection Agency Activities.--Section 
     205 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 
     5525) is repealed.
       (o) Role of the Department of Education.--Section 206 of 
     the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5526) 
     is repealed.
       (p) Miscellaneous Provisions.--Section 207 of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5527) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``paragraphs (1) 
     through (5) of section 2315(a) of title 10'' and inserting 
     ``section 3552(b)(6)(A)(i) of title 44''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing'' and inserting ``networking and information 
     technology''.
       (q) Repeal.--Section 208 of the High-Performance Computing 
     Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5528) is repealed.
       (r) 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''.
       (s) National Information Technology Research and 
     Development Program.--Section 13202(b) of the America 
     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''.
       (t) 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--
       (1) by striking ``clauses (i) through (x)'' and inserting 
     ``clauses (i) through (xi)''; and
       (2) by striking ``under clause (xi)'' and inserting ``under 
     clause (xii)''.
       (u) Additional Repeal.--Section 4 of the Department of 
     Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 (15 
     U.S.C. 5543) is repealed.

     SEC. 106. PHYSICAL SCIENCES COORDINATION.

       (a) High-energy Physics.--
       (1) In general.--The Physical Science Subcommittee of the 
     National Science and Technology Council (referred to in this 
     section as ``Subcommittee'') shall continue to coordinate 
     Federal efforts related to high-energy physics research to 
     maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United States 
     investment in high-energy physics.
       (2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Subcommittee include--
       (A) 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
       (B) to identify emerging opportunities, stimulate 
     international cooperation, and foster the development of the 
     physical sciences in the United States, including--
       (i) in high-energy physics research, including related 
     underground science and engineering research;
       (ii) in physical infrastructure and facilities;
       (iii) in information and analysis; and
       (iv) in coordination activities.
       (3) Responsibilities.--In regard to coordinating Federal 
     efforts related to high-energy physics research, the 
     Subcommittee shall, taking into account the findings and 
     recommendations of relevant advisory committees--
       (A) provide recommendations on planning for construction 
     and stewardship of large facilities participating in high-
     energy physics;
       (B) provide recommendations on research coordination and 
     collaboration among the programs and activities of Federal 
     agencies related to underground science, neutrino research, 
     dark energy, and dark matter research;
       (C) 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;
       (D) 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
       (E) develop, and update as necessary, a strategic plan to 
     guide Federal programs and

[[Page 16790]]

     activities in support of high-energy physics research, 
     including--
       (i) the efforts taken in support of paragraph (2) since the 
     last strategic plan;
       (ii) an evaluation of the current research needs for 
     maintaining United States leadership in high-energy physics; 
     and
       (iii) an identification of future priorities in the area of 
     high-energy physics.
       (b) Radiation Biology.--
       (1) In general.--The Subcommittee shall continue to 
     coordinate Federal efforts related to radiation biology 
     research to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of 
     United States investment in radiation biology.
       (2) Responsibilities for radiation biology.--In regard to 
     coordinating Federal efforts related to radiation biology 
     research, the Subcommittee shall--
       (A) advise and assist the National Science and Technology 
     Council on policies and initiatives in radiation biology, 
     including enhancing scientific knowledge of the effects of 
     low dose radiation on biological systems to improve radiation 
     risk management methods;
       (B) identify opportunities to stimulate international 
     cooperation and leverage research and knowledge from sources 
     outside of the United States;
       (C) ensure coordination between the Department of Energy 
     Office of Science, Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, National Institutes of Health, Environmental 
     Protection Agency, Department of Defense, Nuclear Regulatory 
     Commission, and Department of Homeland Security;
       (D) identify ongoing scientific challenges for 
     understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on 
     biological systems; and
       (E) formulate overall scientific goals for the future of 
     low-dose radiation research in the United States.
       (c) Fusion Energy Sciences.--
       (1) In general.--The Subcommittee shall continue to 
     coordinate Federal efforts related to fusion energy research 
     to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United States 
     investment in fusion energy sciences.
       (2) Responsibilities for fusion energy sciences.--In regard 
     to coordinating Federal efforts related to fusion energy 
     sciences, the Subcommittee shall--
       (A) advise and assist the National Science and Technology 
     Council on policies and initiatives in fusion energy 
     sciences, including enhancing scientific knowledge of fusion 
     energy science, plasma physics, and related materials 
     sciences;
       (B) identify opportunities to stimulate international 
     cooperation and leverage research and knowledge from sources 
     outside of the United States, including the ITER project;
       (C) ensure coordination between the Department of Energy 
     Office of Science, National Nuclear Security Administration, 
     Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration, Foundation, and 
     Department of Defense regarding fusion energy sciences and 
     plasma physics; and
       (D) formulate overall scientific goals for the future of 
     fusion energy sciences and plasma 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 interested parties described in 
     paragraph (1);
       (3) clarify the current approach to the technology transfer 
     activities of NIST; and
       (4) consider recommendations from the National Academy of 
     Sciences.

     SEC. 108. 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, or biological 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. 109. 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 facilities, 
     infrastructure, and instrumentation are critical to 
     maintaining United States leadership in science and 
     engineering.
       (3) The costs of some proposed research instrumentation, 
     equipment, and upgrades to major research facilities fall 
     between programs currently funded by the Foundation, creating 
     a gap between the established parameters of the Major 
     Research Instrumentation and Major Research Equipment and 
     Facilities Construction programs, 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 mid-scale innovations program.
       (b) 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 address 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, equipment, and upgrades to major research 
     facilities or other research infrastructure investments that 
     exceed the maximum award funded by the major research 
     instrumentation program and are below the minimum award 
     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. 110. OVERSIGHT OF NSF MAJOR MULTI-USER 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 each major multi-user research facility project, 
     including planning, development, procurement, construction, 
     operations, and support, and shut-down of the facility, in 
     order to maximize research investment.
       (2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Director shall--
       (A) prioritize the scientific outcomes of a major multi-
     user research facility project and the internal management 
     and financial oversight of the major multi-user research 
     facility project;
       (B) clarify the roles and responsibilities of all 
     organizations, including offices, panels, committees, and 
     directorates, involved in supporting a major multi-user 
     research facility project, including the role of the Major 
     Research Equipment and Facilities Construction Panel;
       (C) establish policies and procedures for the planning, 
     management, and oversight of a major multi-user research 
     facility project at each phase of the life-cycle of the major 
     multi-user research facility 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 each major multi-user research facility project 
     effectively, including by improving project management 
     training and certification;
       (F) coordinate the sharing of the best management practices 
     and lessons learned from each major multi-user research 
     facility project;
       (G) continue to maintain a Large Facilities Office to 
     support the research directorates in the development, 
     implementation, and oversight of each major multi-user 
     research facility project, including by--
       (i) serving as the Foundation's primary resource for all 
     policy or process issues related to the development, 
     implementation, and oversight of a major multi-user research 
     facility project;
       (ii) serving as a Foundation-wide resource on project 
     management, including providing

[[Page 16791]]

     expert assistance on nonscientific and nontechnical aspects 
     of project planning, budgeting, implementation, management, 
     and oversight;
       (iii) coordinating and collaborating with research 
     directorates to share best management practices and lessons 
     learned from prior major multi-user research facility 
     projects; and
       (iv) assessing each major multi-user research facility 
     project for cost and schedule risk; and
       (H) appoint a senior agency official whose responsibility 
     is oversight of the development, construction, and operations 
     of major multi-user research facilities across the 
     Foundation.
       (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 major multi-user research facility project 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 of the Foundation 
     shall include projected operational costs within the 
     Foundation's out-years as part of the President's annual 
     budget submission to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, 
     United States Code.
       (c) Cost Oversight.--
       (1) Pre-award analysis.--
       (A) In general.--The Director of the Foundation and the 
     National Science Board may not approve or execute any 
     agreement to start construction on any proposed major multi-
     user research facility project unless--
       (i) an external 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 have 
     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.--An external analysis under subparagraph (A)(i) 
     may include an audit.
       (C) Exception.--The Director of the Foundation, 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 of the Foundation 
     shall require for each major multi-user 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 major multi-user research 
     facility project in accordance with Government Accountability 
     Office Government Auditing Standards--
       (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 analysis.--The Director of the 
     Foundation shall require an independent cost analysis of the 
     operational proposal for each major multi-user research 
     facility project.
       (d) Contingency.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the Foundation shall 
     strengthen internal controls to improve oversight of 
     contingency on a major multi-user research facility project.
       (2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Director of the Foundation shall--
       (A) only include contingency amounts in an award in 
     accordance with section 200.433 of title 2, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (relating to contingency provisions), or any 
     successor regulation;
       (B) retain control over funds budgeted for contingency, 
     except that the Director may disburse budgeted contingency 
     funds incrementally to the awardee to ensure project 
     stability and continuity;
       (C) track contingency use; and
       (D) ensure that contingency amounts allocated to the 
     performance baseline are reasonable and allowable.
       (e) Use of Fees.--
       (1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (A) the use of taxpayer-funded award fees should be 
     transparent and explicable; and
       (B) the Foundation should implement an award fee policy 
     that ensures more transparency and accountability in the 
     funding of necessary and appropriate expenses directly 
     related to the construction and operation of major multi-user 
     research facilities.
       (2) Reporting and recordkeeping.--The Director of the 
     Foundation shall establish guidelines for awardees regarding 
     inappropriate expenditures associated with all fee types used 
     in cooperative agreements, including for alcoholic beverages, 
     lobbying, meals or entertainment for non-business purposes, 
     non-business travel, and any other purpose the Director 
     determines is inappropriate.
       (f) 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 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.
       (g) 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) Major multi-user research facility project.--The term 
     ```major multi-user research facility project''' means a 
     science and engineering facility project that--
       (A) exceeds the lesser of--
       (i) 10 percent of a Directorate's annual budget; or
       (ii) $100,000,000 in total project costs; or
       (B) is funded by the major research equipment and 
     facilities construction account, or any successor account.

     SEC. 111. PERSONNEL OVERSIGHT.

       (a) 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.).
       (b) Justifications.--The Deputy Director of the Foundation 
     shall submit annually to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress written justification for each rotator employed 
     under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 
     4701 et seq.), or other rotator employed, by the Foundation 
     that year that is paid at a rate that exceeds the maximum 
     rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service, including, if 
     applicable, the level of adjustment for the certified Senior 
     Executive Service Performance Appraisal System.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the Foundation shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
     the Foundation's efforts to control costs associated with 
     employing rotators, including the results of and 
     participation in the Foundation's cost-sharing pilot program 
     and the Foundation's progress in responding to the findings 
     and implementing the recommendations of the Office of 
     Inspector General of the Foundation related to the employment 
     of rotators.

     SEC. 112. MANAGEMENT OF THE U.S. 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.

[[Page 16792]]

       (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. 113. NIST CAMPUS SECURITY.

       (a) Supervisory Authority.--The Department of Commerce 
     Office of Security shall directly manage the law enforcement 
     and site security programs of NIST through an assigned 
     Director of Security for NIST without increasing the number 
     of full-time equivalent employees of the Department of 
     Commerce, including 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 and the appropriate 
     committees of Congress.

     SEC. 114. 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 risks to human health 
     and the environment, reduce waste, 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 to a significant number of challenges;
       (3) sustainable chemistry can stimulate innovation, 
     encourage new and creative approaches to problems, create 
     jobs, and save money; and
       (4) a coordinated effort on sustainable chemistry will 
     allow for a greater return on research investment in this 
     area.
       (b) Sustainable Chemistry Basic Research.--Subject to the 
     availability of appropriated funds, the Director of the 
     Foundation may 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).

     SEC. 115. MISREPRESENTATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS.

       (a) Prohibition.--The Director of the Foundation may revise 
     the regulations under part 689 of title 45, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (relating to research misconduct) to ensure that 
     the findings and conclusions of any article authored by a 
     principal investigator, using the results of research 
     conducted under a Foundation grant, that is published in a 
     peer-reviewed publication, made publicly available, or 
     incorporated in an application for a research grant or grant 
     extension from the Foundation, does not contain any 
     falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism.
       (b) Interagency Communication.--Upon a finding that 
     research misconduct has occurred, the Foundation shall, in 
     addition to any possible final action under section 689.3 of 
     title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, notify other Federal 
     science agencies of the finding.

     SEC. 116. RESEARCH REPRODUCIBILITY AND REPLICATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the gold standard of good science is the ability of a 
     researcher or research laboratory to reproduce a published 
     research finding, including methods;
       (2) there is growing concern that some published research 
     findings cannot be reproduced or replicated, which can 
     negatively affect the public's trust in science;
       (3) there are a complex set of factors affecting 
     reproducibility and replication; and
       (4) the increasing interdisciplinary nature and complexity 
     of scientific research may be a contributing factor to issues 
     with research reproducibility and replication.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 45 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the Foundation shall 
     enter into an agreement with the National Research Council--
       (A) to assess research and data reproducibility and 
     replicability issues in interdisciplinary research;
       (B) to make recommendations for improving rigor and 
     transparency in scientific research; and
       (C) to submit to the Director of the Foundation a report on 
     the assessment, including its findings and recommendations, 
     not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (2) Submission to congress.--Not later than 60 days after 
     the date the Director of the Foundation receives the report 
     under paragraph (1)(C), the Director shall submit the report 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress, including a 
     response from the Director of the Foundation and the Chair of 
     the National Science Board as to whether they agree with each 
     of the findings and recommendations in the report.

     SEC. 117. BRAIN RESEARCH THROUGH ADVANCING INNOVATIVE 
                   NEUROTECHNOLOGIES INITIATIVE.

       (a) In General.--The Foundation shall support research 
     activities related to the interagency Brain Research through 
     Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Foundation should work in conjunction with the 
     Interagency Working Group on Neuroscience established by the 
     National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Science 
     to determine how to use the data infrastructure of the 
     Foundation and other applicable Federal science agencies to 
     help neuroscientists collect, standardize, manage, and 
     analyze the large amounts of data that result from research 
     attempting to understand how the brain functions.

        TITLE II--ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY BURDEN REDUCTION

     SEC. 201. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON RESEARCH REGULATION.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Research and Development Efficiency Act''.
       (b) 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) Substantial and increasing administrative burdens and 
     costs in Federal research administration, particularly in the 
     higher education sector where most federally funded research 
     is performed, are eroding funds available to carry out basic 
     scientific research.
       (3) Federally funded grants are increasingly competitive, 
     with the Foundation funding only approximately 1 in every 5 
     grant proposals.
       (4) Progress has been made over the last decade in 
     streamlining the pre-award grant application process through 
     the Federal Government's Grants.gov website.
       (5) Post-award administrative costs have increased as 
     Federal research agencies have continued to impose agency-
     unique compliance and reporting requirements on researchers 
     and research institutions.
       (6) 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.
       (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) administrative burdens faced by researchers may be 
     reducing the return on investment of federally funded 
     research and development; and
       (2) it is a matter of critical importance to United States 
     competitiveness that administrative costs of federally funded 
     research be streamlined so that a higher proportion of 
     federal funding is applied to direct research activities.
       (d) 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'') for the purpose of reducing administrative burdens 
     on federally funded researchers while protecting the public 
     interest through the transparency of and accountability for 
     federally funded activities.
       (e) Responsibilities.--
       (1) In general.--The Working Group shall--
       (A) regularly review relevant, administration-related 
     regulations imposed on federally funded researchers;
       (B) recommend those regulations or processes that may be 
     eliminated, streamlined, or otherwise improved for the 
     purpose described in subsection (d);
       (C) recommend ways to minimize the regulatory burden on 
     United States institutions of higher education performing 
     federally funded research while maintaining accountability 
     for federal funding; and
       (D) recommend ways to identify and update specific 
     regulations to refocus on performance-based goals rather than 
     on process while achieving the outcome described in 
     subparagraph (C).
       (2) Grant review.--
       (A) In general.--The Working Group 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;

[[Page 16793]]

       (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, lists 
     of publications, and other documents considered relevant by 
     the Working Group.
       (B) Considerations.--In establishing the centralized 
     profile 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 investigator 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 institutions of higher education 
     and Federal science agencies on the use of the centralized 
     assurances repository.
       (5) Comprehensive review.--
       (A) In general.--The Working Group 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.
       (f) Consultation.--In carrying out its responsibilities 
     under subsection (e)(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.
       (g) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 3 years, 
     the Working Group shall submit to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress a report on its responsibilities under this 
     section, including a discussion of the considerations 
     described in paragraphs (2)(B), (3)(B), and (5)(B) of 
     subsection (e) and recommendations made under subsection 
     (e)(1).

     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) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States should encourage broad dissemination 
     of Federal research findings and engagement of Federal 
     researchers with the scientific and technical community; and
       (2) laboratory, test center, and field center directors and 
     other similar heads of offices should approve scientific and 
     technical workshop attendance if--
       (A) that attendance would meet the mission of the 
     laboratory or test center; and
       (B) sufficient laboratory or test center funds are 
     available for that purpose.
       (c) Attendance Policies.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the heads of the Federal 
     science agencies shall each develop an action plan for the 
     implementation of revisions and updates to their policies on 
     attendance at scientific and technical workshops.
       (d) 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.

[[Page 16794]]

       ``(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.

       (a) In General.--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.
       (b) Contents.--The audit shall include the following:
       (1) Information regarding the Foundation's process to 
     oversee--
       (A) the compliance of pass-through entities under 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 that title 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) Recommendations, if necessary, to increase transparency 
     and oversight 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 
     Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, or the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology to institutions of higher education, 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 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.

     SEC. 208. COORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND 
                   TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 
     2016''.
       (b) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy shall establish a body under the 
     National Science and Technology Council with the 
     responsibility to identify and coordinate international 
     science and technology cooperation that can strengthen the 
     United States science and technology enterprise, improve 
     economic and national security, and support United States 
     foreign policy goals.
       (c) NSTC Body Leadership.--The body established under 
     subsection (b) shall be co-chaired by senior level officials 
     from the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the 
     Department of State.
       (d) Responsibilities.--The body established under 
     subsection (b) shall--
       (1) plan and coordinate interagency international science 
     and technology cooperative research and training activities 
     and partnerships supported or managed by Federal agencies;
       (2) work with other National Science and Technology Council 
     committees to help plan and coordinate the international 
     component of national science and technology priorities;
       (3) establish Federal priorities and policies for aligning, 
     as appropriate, international science and technology 
     cooperative research and training activities and partnerships 
     supported or managed by Federal agencies with the foreign 
     policy goals of the United States;
       (4) identify opportunities for new international science 
     and technology cooperative research and training partnerships 
     that advance both the science and technology and the foreign 
     policy priorities of the United States;
       (5) in carrying out paragraph (4), solicit input and 
     recommendations from non-Federal science and technology 
     stakeholders, including institutions of higher education, 
     scientific and professional societies, industry, and other 
     relevant organizations and institutions; and
       (6) identify broad issues that influence the ability of 
     United States scientists and engineers to collaborate with 
     foreign counterparts, including barriers to collaboration and 
     access to scientific information.
       (e) Report to Congress.--The Director of the Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy shall submit to the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
     Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of 
     the House of Representatives a biennial report on the 
     requirements of this section.
       (f) Website.--The Director shall make each report available 
     to the public on the Office of Science and Technology Policy 
     website.
       (g) Termination.--The body established under subsection (b) 
     shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act.
       (h) Additional Reports to Congress.--The Director of the 
     Office of Science and Technology Policy shall submit, not 
     later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act 
     and annually thereafter, to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign 
     Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, 
     and Technology and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the 
     House of Representatives a report that lists and describes 
     the details of all foreign travel by Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy staff and detailees.

    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

[[Page 16795]]

     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 who are 
     individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science 
     and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 
     1885b); 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, the Director of the Foundation, 
     Secretary of Education, Administrator of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration, and 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 individuals identified in section 33 or section 
     34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b), 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) In general.--The STEM Education Advisory Panel shall--
       (A) advise CoSTEM;
       (B) periodically assess CoSTEM's progress in carrying out 
     its responsibilities under section 101(b) of the America 
     COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621(b)); and
       (C) help identify any need or opportunity to update the 
     strategic plan under section 101(b) of that Act.
       (2) Considerations.--In its advisory role, the STEM 
     Education Advisory Panel shall consider--
       (A) the management, coordination, and implementation of 
     STEM education programs and activities across the Federal 
     Government;
       (B) the appropriateness of criteria used by Federal 
     agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of Federal STEM 
     education programs and activities;
       (C) whether societal and workforce concerns are adequately 
     addressed by current Federal STEM education programs and 
     activities;
       (D) how Federal agencies can incentivize institutions of 
     higher education to improve retention of STEM students;
       (E) ways to leverage private and nonprofit STEM investments 
     and encourage public-private partnerships to strengthen STEM 
     education and help build the STEM workforce pipeline;
       (F) ways to incorporate workforce needs into Federal STEM 
     education programs and activities, particularly for specific 
     employment fields of national interest and employment fields 
     experiencing high unemployment rates;
       (G) ways to better vertically and horizontally integrate 
     Federal STEM education programs and activities from pre-
     kindergarten through graduate study and the workforce, and 
     from in-school to out-of-school in order to improve 
     transitions for students moving through the STEM education 
     and workforce pipelines;
       (H) the extent to which Federal STEM education programs and 
     activities are contributing to recruitment and retention of 
     individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science 
     and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 
     1885b) in the STEM education and workforce pipelines; and
       (I) ways to encourage geographic diversity in the STEM 
     education and the workforce pipelines.
       (3) Recommendations.--The STEM Education Advisory Panel 
     shall make recommendations to improve Federal STEM education 
     programs and activities based on each assessment under 
     paragraph (1)(B).
       (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 after each assessment under 
     subsection (c)(1)(B), the STEM Education Advisory Panel shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and CoSTEM a 
     report on its assessment under that subsection and its 
     recommendations under subsection (c)(3).
       (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.
       (g) Termination.--The STEM Education Advisory Panel 
     established under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date 
     that is 5 years after the date that it is established.

     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

[[Page 16796]]

       (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. 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 2,400,000 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 underrepresented populations leave the STEM fields 
     at higher rates than their counterparts.
       (5) The representation of women in STEM drops significantly 
     at the faculty level. Overall, 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 
     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 the United States 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) historically, underrepresented populations 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 
     from underrepresented populations in STEM fields.
       (c) Reaffirmation.--The Director of the Foundation shall 
     continue to support programs designed to broaden 
     participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields.
       (d) Grants to Broaden Participation.--
       (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 underrepresented 
     populations in STEM fields, including individuals identified 
     in section 33 or section 34 of the Science and Engineering 
     Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b).
       (2) Center of excellence.--
       (A) In general.--Grants awarded under this subsection may 
     include grants for the establishment of a Center of 
     Excellence to collect, maintain, and disseminate information 
     to increase participation of underrepresented populations in 
     STEM fields.
       (B) Purpose.--The purpose of a Center of Excellence under 
     this subsection 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.
       (e) Accountability and Dissemination.--
       (1) Evaluation.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the Foundation 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 of the Foundation 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.
       (f) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Director of the Foundation shall consult and cooperate with 
     the programs and policies of other relevant Federal agencies 
     to avoid duplication with and enhance the effectiveness of 
     the program under this section.

     SEC. 306. NIST EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.

       (a) Repeal.--The National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is amended by striking 
     section 18 (15 U.S.C. 278g-1).
       (b) Education and Outreach.--The National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Act (15 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 workshops for STEM kindergarten 
     through grade 12 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

[[Page 16797]]

     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 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 individuals identified in sections 33 
     and 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b) 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) 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. 307. 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. 308. 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 individuals identified in 
     sections 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b) 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.--The interagency working group established 
     under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 10 
     years after the date that it is established.

     SEC. 309. 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 
     students' 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).

     SEC. 310. 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 
     as an integral part of STEM education.
       (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;
       (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 
     historically underrepresented in computer science and STEM 
     fields; and
       (D) 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. 311. INFORMAL STEM EDUCATION.

       (a) National STEM Partnership Grants.--Section 3(a) of the 
     STEM Education Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 1862q(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) a national partnership of institutions involved in 
     informal STEM learning.''.
       (b) Use of Funds.--Section 3(b) of the STEM Education Act 
     of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 1862q(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) fostering on-going partnerships between institutions 
     involved in informal STEM learning, institutions of higher 
     education, and education research centers; and
       ``(4) developing, and making available informal STEM 
     education activities and educational materials.''.

     SEC. 312. 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

[[Page 16798]]

       (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) New Apprenticeship Program Study.--The Secretary of 
     Commerce may collaborate with the Secretary of Labor 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.
       (e) 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. 313. NSF REPORT ON BROADENING PARTICIPATION.

       Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation 
     Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1885c(e)) is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(e) Biennial Report.--Every 2 years, the Committee shall 
     prepare and submit to the Director a report on its activities 
     during the previous 2 years and proposed activities for the 
     next 2 years. The Director shall submit to Congress the 
     report, unaltered, together with such comments as the 
     Director considers appropriate, including--
       ``(1) review data on the participation in Foundation 
     activities of institutions serving populations that are 
     underrepresented in STEM disciplines, including poor, rural, 
     and tribal populations; and
       ``(2) recommendations regarding how the Foundation could 
     improve outreach and inclusion of these populations in 
     Foundation activities.''.

     SEC. 314. NOAA SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4002(a) of the America COMPETES 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 893a(a)) is amended by striking ``agency, with 
     consideration given to the goal of promoting the 
     participation of individuals from underrepresented groups'' 
     and inserting ``the agency, with consideration given to the 
     goal of promoting the participation of individuals identified 
     in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 
     Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b)''.
       (b) Educational Program Goals.--Section 4002(b)(4) of the 
     America COMPETES Act (33 U.S.C. 893a(b)(4)) 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 groups, translating such materials and other 
     resources;''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) are promoted widely, especially among individuals 
     identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and 
     Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b); 
     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.''.

     SEC. 315. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM 
                   UPDATE.

       (a) In General.--Section 7033(a) of the America COMPETES 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o-12(a)) is amended as follows:
       ``(a) In General.--The Director shall award grants on a 
     competitive, merit-reviewed basis to Hispanic-serving 
     institutions (as defined in section 502 of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a)) to enhance the 
     quality of undergraduate STEM education at such institutions 
     and to increase the retention and graduation rates of 
     students pursuing associate's or baccalaureate degrees in 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.''.
       (b) Savings Provision.--The amendment made by subsection 
     (a) of this section shall not affect any award of a grant or 
     other form of financial assistance made under section 7033 of 
     the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o-12) 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.

                TITLE IV--LEVERAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR

     SEC. 401. PRIZE COMPETITION AUTHORITY UPDATE.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Science Prize Competition Act''.
       (b) In General.--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
       (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.'';

[[Page 16799]]

       (6) in subsection (j)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``prize'' before 
     ``competition''; and
       (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 negotiate a 
     license for the use of intellectual property developed by a 
     registered participant in a 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''; and

       (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) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act''.
       (b) 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 science agency 
     missions and to each other; and
       (3) granting Federal science agencies the direct, explicit 
     authority to use crowdsourcing and citizen science will 
     encourage its appropriate use to advance Federal science 
     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.
       (c) 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.
       (d) Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science.--
       (1) In general.--The head of each Federal science agency, 
     or the heads of multiple Federal science agencies working 
     cooperatively, may utilize crowdsourcing and citizen science 
     to conduct projects designed to advance the mission of the 
     respective Federal science agency or the joint mission of 
     Federal science agencies, as applicable.
       (2) Voluntary services.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of 
     title 31, United States Code, the head of a Federal science 
     agency may accept, subject to regulations issued by the 
     Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in 
     coordination with the Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy, 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 science 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 science agency shall 
     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 science 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 science 
     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 science agency shall, where 
     appropriate and to the extent practicable, make data 
     collected through a crowdsourcing or 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 
     science agency shall notify all participants--
       (i) of the expected uses of the data compiled through the 
     project;
       (ii) if the Federal science agency will retain ownership of 
     such data;

[[Page 16800]]

       (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 science 
     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) Research misconduct.--Federal science agencies 
     coordinating crowdsourcing or citizen science projects under 
     this section shall make all practicable efforts to ensure 
     that participants adhere to all relevant Federal research 
     misconduct policies and other applicable ethics policies.
       (10) Multi-sector partnerships.--The head of each Federal 
     science agency engaged in crowdsourcing or citizen science 
     under this section, or the heads of multiple Federal science 
     agencies working cooperatively, may enter into a contract or 
     other agreement to share administrative duties for such 
     projects 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 
     science agency, or the heads of multiple Federal science 
     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 projects, to be available to the 
     extent provided by appropriations Acts, 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 (B) 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 and the Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy, shall, at no cost to Federal science 
     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 science agencies to carry out the projects under this 
     section.
       (B) Additional guidance.--The head of each Federal science 
     agency engaged in crowdsourcing or citizen science under this 
     section may--
       (i) consult any guidance provided by the Director of the 
     Office of Science and Technology Policy, including the 
     Federal Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Toolkit;
       (ii) designate a coordinator for that Federal science 
     agency's crowdsourcing and citizen science projects; and
       (iii) share best practices with other Federal agencies, 
     including participation of staff in the Federal Community of 
     Practice for Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science.
       (e) 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 an annual 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 projects and 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 science agency during the most 
     recently completed 2 fiscal years, including a description of 
     the proposed goals of each crowdsourcing and citizen science 
     project;
       (B) an analysis of why the utilization of a crowdsourcing 
     or citizen science project summarized in subparagraph (A) was 
     the preferable method of achieving the goals described in 
     subparagraph (A) as opposed to other authorities available to 
     the Federal science agency, such as contracts, grants, 
     cooperative agreements, and prize competitions;
       (C) the participation rates, submission levels, number of 
     consents, and any other statistic that might be considered 
     relevant in each crowdsourcing and citizen science project;
       (D) a detailed description of--
       (i) the resources, including personnel and funding, that 
     were used in the execution of each crowdsourcing and citizen 
     science project;
       (ii) the project 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 science agency, including a description of the amount 
     and source of all funds, private, public, and in-kind, 
     contributed to each crowdsourcing and citizen science 
     project;
       (E) a summary of the use of crowdsourcing and citizen 
     science by all Federal science agencies, including 
     interagency and multi-sector partnerships;
       (F) a description of how each crowdsourcing and citizen 
     science project advanced the mission of each participating 
     Federal science agency;
       (G) an identification of each crowdsourcing or citizen 
     science project where data collected through such project was 
     not made available to the public, including the reasons for 
     such action; and
       (H) any other information that the Director of the Office 
     of Science and Technology Policy considers relevant.
       (f) 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 science agencies that use crowdsourcing or 
     citizen science authorized under this section to carry out a 
     project.

     SEC. 403. NIST DIRECTOR FUNCTIONS UPDATE.

       Section 2(b) of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b)), as amended by section 403 
     of this Act, is further amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``authorized to take'' and inserting ``authorized to serve as 
     the President's principal adviser on standards policy 
     pertaining to the Nation's technological competitiveness and 
     innovation ability and to take'';
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``compare standards'' and 
     all that follows through ``Federal Government'' and inserting 
     ``facilitate standards-related information sharing and 
     cooperation between Federal agencies''; and
       (3) in paragraph (13), by striking ``Federal, State, and 
     local'' and all that follows through ``private sector'' and 
     inserting ``technical standards activities and conformity 
     assessment activities of Federal, State, and local 
     governments with private sector''.

     SEC. 404. NIST VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 
                   UPDATE.

       Section 10 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) 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
       (B) in the third sentence, by striking ``National Bureau of 
     Standards'' and inserting ``National Institute of Standards 
     and Technology''; and
       (2) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``, including the 
     Program established under section 28,''.

                         TITLE V--MANUFACTURING

     SEC. 501. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP 
                   IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act''.
       (b) 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.

[[Page 16801]]

       ``(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 
     offered through industry, associations, and local colleges 
     when appropriate, including efforts such as facilitating 
     training, supporting new or existing apprenticeships, and 
     providing access to information and experts, to address 
     workforce needs and skills gaps in order to assist small- and 
     medium-sized manufacturing businesses; and
       ``(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).
       ``(4) Regulations.--The Secretary may revise or promulgate 
     such regulations as necessary to carry out this subsection.
       ``(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, institutions 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 and in-kind 
     commitment 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).

[[Page 16802]]

       ``(C) Continued support during period of probation.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary may continue to provide 
     financial assistance under subsection (e) for a Center during 
     the probation period.
       ``(ii) Post probation.--After the period of probation, the 
     Secretary shall not provide any financial assistance unless 
     the Center has received a positive evaluation under 
     subparagraph (B)(iii).
       ``(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--
       ``(i) membership;
       ``(ii) composition;
       ``(iii) term limits;
       ``(iv) conflicts of interest; and
       ``(v) such other requirements as the Director considers 
     necessary.
       ``(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 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;
       ``(II) at least 5 members shall be from United States small 
     businesses in the manufacturing sector; and
       ``(III) at least 1 member shall represent a community 
     college.

       ``(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 under 
     section 1105 of title 31, United States Code.
       ``(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.''.
       (c) 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.

[[Page 16803]]

       ``(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 underrepresented populations, including 
     individuals identified in section 33 or section 34 of the 
     Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1885a, 1885b).
       ``(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).''.
       (d) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--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 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report analyzing--
       (A) 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);
       (B) the engagement in services and the characteristics of 
     services provided by 2 types of Centers, including volume and 
     type of service; and
       (C) whether the cost-sharing ratio has any effect on the 
     services provided by either type of Center.
       (2) Independent assessment.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     submission of the report under paragraph (1), the Director of 
     NIST shall contract with an independent organization to 
     perform an assessment of the implementation of the 
     reapplication competition process.
       (B) Consultation.--The independent organization performing 
     the assessment under subparagraph (A) may consult with the 
     MEP Advisory Board (as defined in section 25 of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k)).
       (3) Comparison of centers.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report providing 
     information on the first and second years of operations for 
     Centers (as defined in section 25 of the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k)) operating 
     from new competitions or recompetition as compared to 
     longstanding Centers.
       (B) Contents.--The report shall provide detail on the 
     engagement in services provided by Centers and the 
     characteristics of services provided, including volume and 
     type of services, so that the appropriate committees of 
     Congress can evaluate whether the cost-sharing ratio has an 
     effect on the services provided at Centers.
       (e) 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''.
       (f) 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.
       (g) Patent Rights.--The provisions of chapter 18 of title 
     35, United States Code, shall apply, to the extent not 
     inconsistent with section 25 of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) and section 25 
     of that Act, to the promotion of technology from research by 
     Centers under those sections, except for contracts for such 
     specific technology extension or transfer services as may be 
     specified by the Director of NIST or under other law.

              TITLE VI--INNOVATION 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;
       (4) researchers other than those funded by the Foundation 
     may also benefit from the education and training described in 
     paragraph (3); and
       (5) I-Corps should continue to promote a strong innovation 
     system by investing in and supporting female entrepreneurs 
     through mentorship, education, and training because they are 
     historically underrepresented in entrepreneurial fields.
       (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

[[Page 16804]]

       (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 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 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 Promotion.--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, institutions of higher education, and non-
     profit organizations that partner with an institution of 
     higher education 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; and
       (5) 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;
       (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. UNITED STATES CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``United 
     States Chief Technology Officer Act''.
       (b) In General.--Section 203 the National Science and 
     Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 
     (42 U.S.C. 6612) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(b) Associate Directors.--'' before 
     ``The President is authorized'' and indenting appropriately;
       (2) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``There shall 
     be'' and indenting appropriately; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Chief Technology Officer.--Subject to subsection (b), 
     the President is authorized to designate 1 of the Associate 
     Directors under that subsection as a United States Chief 
     Technology Officer.''.

     SEC. 605. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL STUDY ON TECHNOLOGY FOR 
                   EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS ON CAMPUSES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science 
     and Technology Policy shall enter into an arrangement with 
     the National Research Council to conduct and complete a study 
     to identify and review technologies employed at institutions 
     of higher education to provide notifications to students, 
     faculty, and other personnel during emergency situations in 
     accordance with law.
       (b) Contents.--The study shall address--
       (1) the timeliness of notifications provided by the 
     technologies during emergency situations;
       (2) the durability of the technologies in delivering the 
     notifications to students, faculty, and other personnel; and
       (3) the limitations exhibited by the technologies to 
     successfully deliver the notifications not more than 30 
     seconds after the institution of higher education transmits 
     the notifications.
       (c) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     that the National Research Council enters into the 
     arrangement under subsection (a), the Director of the Office 
     of Science and Technology Policy shall submit to Congress a 
     report on the study, including recommendations for addressing 
     any limitations identified under subsection (b)(3).

  The bill was ordered to be read a third time, was read the third 
time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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