[House Report 114-120]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
114th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session } { 114-120
======================================================================
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 1806) TO PROVIDE FOR
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION THROUGH THE PRIORITIZATION OF FEDERAL
INVESTMENT IN BASIC RESEARCH, FUNDAMENTAL SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, AND
DEVELOPMENT TO IMPROVE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE UNITED STATES, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 2250)
MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2016, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; AND PROVIDING FOR
CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 2353) TO PROVIDE AN EXTENSION OF
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY, HIGHWAY SAFETY, MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY, TRANSIT, AND
OTHER PROGRAMS FUNDED OUT OF THE HIGHWAY TRUST FUND, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
_______
May 18, 2015.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Newhouse, from the Committee on Rules,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H. Res. 271]
The Committee on Rules, having had under consideration
House Resolution 271, by a record vote of 9 to 4, report the
same to the House with the recommendation that the resolution
be adopted.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS OF THE RESOLUTION
The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1806, the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015, under a
structured rule. The resolution provides one hour of general
debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology. The resolution waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The resolution makes in order as
original text for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the
nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules
Committee Print 114-15 and provides that it shall be considered
as read. The resolution waives all points of order against that
amendment in the nature of a substitute. The resolution makes
in order only those further amendments printed in part A of
this report. Each such amendment may be offered only in the
order printed in this report, may be offered only by a Member
designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall
be debatable for the time specified in this report equally
divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall
not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a
demand for division of the question in the House or in the
Committee of the Whole. The resolution waives all points of
order against the amendments printed in part A of this report.
The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions.
Section 2 of the resolution provides for consideration of
H.R. 2250, Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2016, under a
structured rule. The resolution provides one hour of general
debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The
resolution waives all points of order against consideration of
the bill and provides that the bill shall be considered as
read. The resolution waives all points of order against
provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of
rule XXI. The resolution makes in order only those amendments
printed in part B of this report. Each such amendment may be
offered only in the order printed in this report, may be
offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be
considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified
in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent
and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall
not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the
House or in the Committee of the Whole. The resolution waives
all points of order against the amendments printed in part B of
this report. The resolution provides one motion to recommit
with or without instructions.
Section 3 of the resolution provides for consideration of
H.R. 2353, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015,
under a closed rule. The resolution provides one hour of debate
equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. The resolution waives all points of order
against consideration of the bill. The resolution provides that
the bill shall be considered as read. The resolution waives all
points of order against provisions in the bill. The resolution
provides for one motion to recommit.
EXPLANATION OF WAIVERS
The waiver of all points of order against consideration of
H.R. 1806 includes a waiver of clause 3(e)(1) of rule XIII
(``Ramseyer''), requiring a committee report accompanying a
bill amending or repealing statutes to show, by typographical
device, parts of statute affected.
The waiver of all points of order against the amendment in
the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1806 made in order as
original text includes a waiver of clause 4 of rule XXI, which
prohibits reporting a bill or joint resolution carrying an
appropriation from a committee not having jurisdiction to
report an appropriation. It is important to note that the Rules
Committee made in order a manager's amendment offered by Mr.
Smith that, if adopted, will cure the violation.
Although the resolution waives all points of order against
the amendments to H.R. 1806 printed in part A of this report,
the Committee is not aware of any points of order. The waiver
is prophylactic in nature.
The waiver of all points of order against consideration of
H.R. 2250 includes a waiver of:
Clause 3(e)(1) of rule XIII (``Ramseyer''),
requiring a committee report accompanying a bill
amending or repealing statutes to show, by
typographical device, parts of statute affected; and
Section 3(d)(5) of H. Res. 5, which
prohibits the consideration of a general appropriation
bill, unless it includes a spending reduction account.
The resolution includes a waiver of points of order against
provisions in H.R. 2250 for failure to comply with clause 2 of
rule XXI, which prohibits unauthorized appropriations or
legislative provisions in an appropriations bill. This waiver
is necessary because the bill contains unauthorized
appropriations and legislative provisions.
Although the resolution waives all points of order against
the amendments to H.R. 2250 printed in part B of this report,
the Committee is not aware of any points of order. The waiver
is prophylactic in nature.
The waivers 3(e)(1) of rule XIII are provided because the
submissions provided by the committees were insufficient to
meet the standards established by the rule in its current form.
The Committee on Rules continues to work with the House Office
of Legislative Counsel and committees to determine the steps
necessary to comply with the updated rule.
Although the resolution waives all points of order against
consideration of H.R. 2353, the Committee is not aware of any
points of order. The waiver is prophylactic in nature.
Although the resolution waives all points of order against
provisions in H.R. 2353, the Committee is not aware of any
points of order. The waiver is prophylactic in nature.
COMMITTEE VOTES
The results of each record vote on an amendment or motion
to report, together with the names of those voting for and
against, are printed below:
Rules Committee record vote No. 49
Motion by Ms. Slaughter to report open rules for H.R. 1806
and H.R. 2353. Defeated: 4-8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Majority Members Vote Minority Members Vote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ms. Foxx........................................ Nay Ms. Slaughter..................... Yea
Mr. Cole........................................ Nay Mr. McGovern...................... Yea
Mr. Woodall..................................... Nay Mr. Hastings of Florida........... Yea
Mr. Burgess..................................... Nay Mr. Polis......................... Yea
Mr. Stivers..................................... Nay
Mr. Collins..................................... Nay
Mr. Byrne....................................... ............
Mr. Newhouse.................................... Nay
Mr. Sessions, Chairman.......................... Nay
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rules Committee record vote No. 50
Motion by Mr. Polis to make in order and provide the
appropriate waivers for amendment #20, offered by Rep. Polis
(CO), which prevents funds made available by this act to be
used by a food services contractor to interfere with, restrain
or coerce employees in the exercise of right guaranteed in sec.
7 of the National Labor Relations Act. Defeated: 4-8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Majority Members Vote Minority Members Vote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ms. Foxx........................................ Nay Ms. Slaughter..................... Yea
Mr. Cole........................................ Nay Mr. McGovern...................... Yea
Mr. Woodall..................................... Nay Mr. Hastings of Florida........... Yea
Mr. Burgess..................................... Nay Mr. Polis......................... Yea
Mr. Stivers..................................... Nay
Mr. Collins..................................... Nay
Mr. Byrne....................................... ............
Mr. Newhouse.................................... Nay
Mr. Sessions, Chairman.......................... Nay
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rules Committee record vote No. 51
Motion by Ms. Foxx to report the rule. Adopted: 9-4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Majority Members Vote Minority Members Vote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ms. Foxx........................................ Yea Ms. Slaughter..................... Nay
Mr. Cole........................................ Yea Mr. McGovern...................... Nay
Mr. Woodall..................................... Yea Mr. Hastings of Florida........... Nay
Mr. Burgess..................................... Yea Mr. Polis......................... Nay
Mr. Stivers..................................... Yea
Mr. Collins..................................... Yea
Mr. Byrne....................................... Yea
Mr. Newhouse.................................... Yea
Mr. Sessions, Chairman.......................... Yea
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF THE AMENDMENTS TO H.R. 1806 IN PART A MADE IN ORDER
1. Smith, Lamar (TX): MANAGER'S Makes technical
corrections. (10 minutes)
2. Foster (IL): Strikes section 106 of the underlying bill.
(10 minutes)
3. Jackson Lee (TX): Creates state and regional workshops
to train K-12 teachers in science and technology project-based
learning to provide instruction in initiating robotics and
other STEM competition team development programs. Leverages the
collaboration among higher education, businesses, and local
private as well as public education agencies to support STEM
efforts at schools located in areas with 1 percent or more
above the national unemployment rate. (10 minutes)
4. Esty (CT): Instructs NSF's I-Corps to support and invest
in female entrepreneurs. (10 minutes)
5. Crowley (NY), Serrano (NY), Lujan (NM), Hurd (TX),
Curbelo (FL): Requires the National Science Foundation to
establish a STEM grant program for Hispanic-serving
institutions as authorized in the America COMPETES Act of 2007
(42 U.S.C. 1862o-12). (10 minutes)
6. Griffith (VA): Provides for the Speaker of the House and
Senate Majority Leader to appoint members to congressionally
created advisory boards. (10 minutes)
7. Kelly (PA): Increases the authorized funding for the
Manufacturing Extension Partnership by $5 million, while
decreasing the authorized funding level for the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $5 million. (10
minutes)
8. Lowenthal (CA): Eliminates additional DOE reporting
requirements and restrictions on sound scientific processes to
independently verify scientific results. (10 minutes)
9. Grayson (FL): Authorizes the Energy Innovation Hubs
Program within the Department of Energy. (10 minutes)
10. Bonamici (OR), Smith, Adam (WA), Peters, Scott (CA):
Allows the Department of Energy to continue partnering with the
Department of Defense to produce biofuels for the military. (10
minutes)
11. DeSaulnier (CA), Beyer (VA): Remove ``reductions of
energy-related emissions, including greenhouse gases'' from
goals of ARPA-E. (10 minutes)
12. Johnson, Eddie Bernice (TX): SUBSTITUTE Provides for
sustained growth and sensible policies across the scientific
agencies, in keeping with the goals of the original Competes
legislation. (20 minutes)
SUMMARY OF THE AMENDMENTS TO H.R. 2250 IN PART B MADE IN ORDER
1. Ratcliffe (TX): Zeros out $5,700,000 in funding for the
Open World Leadership Center and applies the savings to the
spending reduction account. (10 minutes)
2. Flores (TX): Prohibits any funds for delivering printed
copies of the Congressional Pictorial Directory. (10 minutes)
3. Blackburn (TN): Provides for a one percent across the
board cut. Exempts Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol,
and the Sergeant at Arms. (10 minutes)
PART A--TEXT OF AMENDMENTS TO H.R. 1806 MADE IN ORDER
1. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Smith of Texas or His
Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 5, line 13, strike ``$834,800,000'' and insert
``$823,000,000''.
Page 5, line 15, strike ``$1,050,000,000'' and insert
``$1,038,000,000''.
Page 5, line 18, strike ``$1,034,000,000'' and insert
``$1,010,000,000''.
Page 6, line 6, strike ``$377,500,000'' and insert
``$425,300,000''.
Page 7, line 6, strike ``$834,800,000'' and insert
``$823,000,000''.
Page 7, line 8, strike ``$1,050,000,000'' and insert
``$1,038,000,000''.
Page 7, line 11, strike ``$1,034,000,000'' and insert
``$1,010,000,000''.
Page 7, line 24, strike ``$377,500,000'' and insert
``$425,300,000''.
Page 20, line 19, insert ``available'' after ``financial
resources''.
Page 21, lines 7 through 11, strike ``The Foundation shall
also require awardees to report the Foundation, within 30 days
of receipt, any sources of non-Federal funds received in excess
of $50,000 during the award period.'' and insert ``The
Foundation shall also require awardees seeking subsequent
management fees to report to the Foundation, prior to the
consideration of such a request, any sources of non-Federal
funds received in excess of $100,000. This reporting shall
apply to the period following any initial management fee award
and for the consideration of any subsequent fee.''.
Page 21, line 20, strike ``Audits'' and insert ``Review''.
Page 21, line 21, insert ``or review'' after ``may audit''.
Page 21, line 22, strike ``paragraph'' and insert
``subsection''.
Page 22, line 13, insert ``or social activities'' after
``meals''.
Page 22, line 16, insert ``or FAR 31.205-22'' after ``2
C.F.R. 200.450''.
Page 29, line 20, strike ``and''.
Page 29, line 23, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
Page 29, after line 23, insert the following:
(K) efforts to effectively expand, broaden,
or scale-up existing activities or programs.
Page 65, line 23, insert ``, to be available to the extent
provided by appropriations Acts,'' after ``nonprofit
entities,''.
Page 76, line 9, insert ``government,'' after ``industry,''.
Page 91, line 16, insert ``, to be available to the extent
provided by appropriations Acts,'' after ``sector,''.
Page 132, line 19, strike ``and''.
Page 132, line 23, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
Page 132, after line 23, insert the following:
``(7) detailed proposals for innovation hubs,
institutes, and research centers prior to establishment
or renewal by the Department, including--
``(A) certification that all hubs,
institutes, and research centers will advance
the mission of the Department, and prioritize
research, development, and demonstration;
``(B) certification that the establishment or
renewal of hubs, institutes, or research
centers will not diminish funds available for
basic research and development within the
Office of Science; and
``(C) certification that all hubs,
institutes, and research centers established or
renewed within the Office of Science are
consistent with the mission of the Office of
Science as described in section 209(c) of the
Department of Energy Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7139(c)).''.
Page 136, line 14, strike ``and'' the end of paragraph (9).
Page 136, line 15, redesignate paragraph (10) as paragraph
(11).
Page 136, after line 14, insert the following:
``(10) technologies to enhance security for
electrical transmission and distributions systems; and
Page 151, lines 9 through 14, strike section 629.
Page 180, line 20, through page 182, line 3, strike section
711.
----------
2. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Foster of Illinois or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 15, line 13, through page 17, line 9, strike section
106.
----------
3. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Jackson Lee of Texas or
Her Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 29, line 20, strike ``and''.
Page 29, line 23, strike the period and insert a semicolon.
Page 29, after line 23, insert the following:
(K) creating State and regional workshops to
train K-12 teachers in science and technology
project-based learning to provide instruction
in how to initiate robotics and other STEM
competition team development programs; and
(L) encouraging and supporting efforts led by
institutions of higher education, businesses,
and local public and private educational
agencies to establish collaborative efforts to
provide K-12 students residing in areas with
unemployment rates that exceed the national
average by 1 percent or more.
----------
4. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Esty of Connecticut or
Her Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 41, line 7, strike ``and'' after ``society;''.
Page 41, line 12, strike the period at the end and insert ``;
and''.
Page 41, after line 12, insert the following new paragraph:
(4) I-Corps should continue to promote a strong
innovation system by investing in and supporting female
entrepreneurs, who are historically underrepresented in
entrepreneurial fields, through mentorship, education,
and training.
----------
5. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Crowley of New York or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 45, after line 14, insert the following:
SEC. 127. HISPANIC OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM IN EDUCATION AND SCIENCE.
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall
establish the program described in section 7033 of the America
COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o-12) for Hispanic-serving
institutions (as defined in section 502 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a)).
----------
6. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Griffith of Virginia or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 49, line 2, insert ``The Advisory Panel shall consist of
15 members, with 3 members appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives and 2 members appointed by the
Majority Leader of the Senate.'' after ``other appropriate
organizations.''.
Page 171, line 2, insert ``, except that 3 members shall be
appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and 2
members shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the
Senate. The total number of members of the advisory committee
shall be 15.'' after ``by the Secretary''.
----------
7. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Kelly of Pennsylvania
or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 71, line 21, strike ``$933,700,000'' and insert
``$938,700,000''.
Page 72, line 6, strike ``$130,000,000'' and insert
``$135,000,000''.
Page 72, line 8, strike ``$125,000,000'' and insert
``$130,000,000''.
Page 72, line 19, strike ``$933,700,000'' and insert
``$938,700,000''.
Page 73, line 3, strike ``$130,000,000'' and insert
``$135,000,000''.
Page 73, line 5, strike ``$125,000,000'' and insert
``$130,000,000''.
Page 178, line 4, strike ``$1,198,500,000'' and insert
``$1,193,500,000''.
----------
8. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Lowenthal of California
or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 114, line 23, through page 115, line 18, strike
subsections (b) through (d).
----------
9. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Grayson of Florida or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 133, before line 19, insert the following new section:
SEC. 604. ENERGY INNOVATION HUBS.
(a) Authorization of Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry
out a program to enhance the Nation's economic,
environmental, and energy security by making awards to
consortia for establishing and operating Energy
Innovation Hubs to conduct and support, whenever
practicable at one centralized location,
multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development,
and demonstration of advanced energy technologies.
(2) Technology development focus.--The Secretary
shall designate for each Hub a unique advanced energy
technology focus.
(3) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure the
coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of,
the activities of Hubs with those of other Department
of Energy research entities, including the National
Laboratories, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-
Energy, Energy Frontier Research Centers, and within
industry.
(b) Consortia.--
(1) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an award
under this section for the establishment and operation
of a Hub, a consortium shall--
(A) be composed of no fewer than 2 qualifying
entities; and
(B) operate subject to an agreement entered
into by its members that documents--
(i) the proposed partnership
agreement, including the governance and
management structure of the Hub;
(ii) measures to enable cost-
effective implementation of the program
under this section;
(iii) a proposed budget, including
financial contributions from non-
Federal sources;
(iv) a plan for managing intellectual
property rights; and
(v) an accounting structure that
enables the Secretary to ensure that
the consortium has complied with the
requirements of this section.
(2) Application.--A consortium seeking to establish
and operate a Hub under this section, acting through a
prime applicant, shall transmit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such form, and accompanied
by such information as the Secretary shall require,
including a detailed description of the elements of the
consortium agreement required under paragraph (1)(B).
If the consortium members will not be located at one
centralized location, such application shall include a
communications plan that ensures close coordination and
integration of the Hub's activities.
(c) Selection and Schedule.--The Secretary shall select
consortia for awards for the establishment and operation of
Hubs through competitive selection processes. In selecting
consortia, the Secretary shall consider the information a
consortium must disclose according to subsection (b), as well
as any existing facilities a consortium will provide for Hub
activities. Awards made to a Hub shall be for a period not to
exceed 5 years, subject to the availability of appropriations,
after which the award may be renewed, subject to a rigorous
merit review. A Hub already in existence on the date of
enactment of this Act may continue to receive support for a
period of 5 years, subject to the availability of
appropriations, beginning on the date of establishment of that
Hub.
(d) Hub Operations.--
(1) In general.--Each Hub shall conduct or provide
for multidisciplinary, collaborative research,
development, and demonstration of advanced energy
technologies within the technology development focus
designated under subsection (a)(2). Each Hub shall--
(A) encourage collaboration and communication
among the member qualifying entities of the
consortium and awardees by conducting
activities whenever practicable at one
centralized location;
(B) develop and publish on the Department of
Energy's website proposed plans and programs;
(C) submit an annual report to the Secretary
summarizing the Hub's activities, including
detailing organizational expenditures, and
describing each project undertaken by the Hub;
and
(D) monitor project implementation and
coordination.
(2) Conflicts of interest.--
(A) Procedures.--Hubs shall maintain conflict
of interest procedures, consistent with those
of the Department of Energy, to ensure that
employees and consortia designees for Hub
activities who are in decisionmaking capacities
disclose all material conflicts of interest,
and avoid such conflicts.
(B) Disqualification and revocation.--The
Secretary may disqualify an application or
revoke funds distributed to a Hub if the
Secretary discovers a failure to comply with
conflict of interest procedures established
under subparagraph (A).
(3) Prohibition on construction.--
(A) In general.--No funds provided pursuant
to this section may be used for construction of
new buildings or facilities for Hubs.
Construction of new buildings or facilities
shall not be considered as part of the non-
Federal share of a Hub cost-sharing agreement.
(B) Test bed and renovation exception.--
Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the
use of funds provided pursuant to this section,
or non-Federal cost share funds, for research
or for the construction of a test bed or
renovations to existing buildings or facilities
for the purposes of research if the Secretary
determines that the test bed or renovations are
limited to a scope and scale necessary for the
research to be conducted.
(e) Termination.--Consistent with the existing authorities of
the Department, the Secretary may terminate an underperforming
Hub for cause during the performance period.
(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Advanced energy technology.--The term ``advanced
energy technology'' means--
(A) an innovative technology--
(i) that produces energy from solar,
wind, geothermal, biomass, tidal, wave,
ocean, or other renewable energy
resources;
(ii) that produces nuclear energy;
(iii) for carbon capture and
sequestration;
(iv) that enables advanced vehicles,
vehicle components, and related
technologies that result in significant
energy savings;
(v) that generates, transmits,
distributes, utilizes, or stores energy
more efficiently than conventional
technologies, including through Smart
Grid technologies; or
(vi) that enhances the energy
independence and security of the United
States by enabling improved or expanded
supply and production of domestic
energy resources, including coal, oil,
and natural gas;
(B) research, development, and demonstration
activities necessary to ensure the long-term,
secure, and sustainable supply of energy
critical elements; or
(C) another innovative energy technology area
identified by the Secretary.
(2) Hub.--The term ``Hub'' means an Energy Innovation
Hub established or operating in accordance with this
section, including any Energy Innovation Hub existing
as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Qualifying entity.--The term ``qualifying
entity'' means--
(A) an institution of higher education;
(B) an appropriate State or Federal entity,
including the Department of Energy Federally
Funded Research and Development Centers;
(C) a nongovernmental organization with
expertise in advanced energy technology
research, development, demonstration, or
commercial application; or
(D) any other relevant entity the Secretary
considers appropriate.
----------
10. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Bonamici of Oregon or
Her Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 162, lines 3 through 5, strike subsection (d).
----------
11. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative DeSaulnier of
California or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 174, lines 18 through 24, strike paragraph (1).
----------
12. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Johnson of Texas or
Her Designee, Debatable for 20 Minutes
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 ``America
Competes Reauthorization Act of 2015''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is
as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--OSTP; GOVERNMENTWIDE SCIENCE
Subtitle A--General Provisions
Sec. 101. Federal research and development funding.
Sec. 102. National Science and Technology Council amendments.
Sec. 103. Review of Federal regulations and reporting requirements.
Sec. 104. Amendments to prize competitions.
Sec. 105. Coordination of international science and technology
partnerships.
Sec. 106. Scientific and technical conferences.
Subtitle B--Reauthorization of the National Nanotechnology Initiative
Sec. 111. Short title.
Sec. 112. National Nanotechnology Program amendments.
Sec. 113. Societal dimensions of nanotechnology.
Sec. 114. Nanotechnology education.
Sec. 115. Technology transfer.
Sec. 116. Signature initiatives in areas of national importance.
Sec. 117. Nanomanufacturing research.
Sec. 118. Definitions.
Subtitle C--Engineering Biology
Sec. 121. Short title.
Sec. 122. Findings.
Sec. 123. Definitions.
Sec. 124. National Engineering Biology Research and Development Program.
Sec. 125. Advisory Committee.
Sec. 126. External review of ethical, legal, environmental, and societal
issues.
Sec. 127. Agency activities.
TITLE II--STEM EDUCATION AND DIVERSITY
Subtitle A--STEM Education and Workforce
Sec. 201. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 202. Coordination of Federal STEM education.
Sec. 203. Grand challenges in education research.
Sec. 204. National Research Council report on STEAM education.
Sec. 205. Engaging Federal scientists and engineers in STEM education.
Subtitle B--Broadening Participation in STEM
Sec. 211. Short title.
Sec. 212. Purpose.
Sec. 213. Federal science agency policies for caregivers.
Sec. 214. Collection and reporting of data on Federal research grants.
Sec. 215. Policies for review of Federal research grants.
Sec. 216. Collection of data on demographics of faculty.
Sec. 217. Cultural and institutional barriers to expanding the academic
and Federal STEM workforce.
Sec. 218. Research and dissemination at the National Science Foundation.
Sec. 219. Report to Congress.
Sec. 220. National Science Foundation support for increasing diversity
among STEM faculty at institutions of higher education.
Sec. 221. National Science Foundation support for broadening
participation in undergraduate STEM education.
Sec. 222. Definitions.
TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Subtitle A--General Provisions
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 302. Findings and sense of Congress on support for all fields of
science and engineering.
Sec. 303. National Science Foundation merit review.
Sec. 304. Management and oversight of large facilities.
Sec. 305. Support for potentially transformative research.
Sec. 306. Strengthening institutional research partnerships.
Sec. 307. Innovation Corps.
Sec. 308. Definitions.
Subtitle B--STEM Education
Sec. 321. National Science Board report on consolidation of STEM
education activities at the Foundation.
Sec. 322. Models for graduate student support.
Sec. 323. Undergraduate STEM education reform.
Sec. 324. Advanced manufacturing education.
Sec. 325. STEM education partnerships.
Sec. 326. Noyce scholarship program amendments.
Sec. 327. Informal STEM education.
Sec. 328. Research and development to support improved K-12 learning.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 403. Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Sec. 404. National Academies review.
Sec. 405. Improving NIST collaboration with other agencies.
Sec. 406. Miscellaneous provisions.
TITLE V--INNOVATION
Sec. 501. Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Sec. 502. Federal loan guarantees for innovative technologies in
manufacturing.
Sec. 503. Innovation voucher pilot program.
Sec. 504. Federal Acceleration of State Technology Commercialization
Pilot Program.
TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Subtitle A--Office of Science
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Definitions.
Sec. 603. Mission of the Office of Science.
Sec. 604. Basic energy sciences program.
Sec. 605. Biological and environmental research.
Sec. 606. Advanced scientific computing research program.
Sec. 607. Fusion energy research.
Sec. 608. High energy physics program.
Sec. 609. Nuclear physics program.
Sec. 610. Science laboratories infrastructure program.
Sec. 611. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B--ARPA-E
Sec. 621. Short title.
Sec. 622. ARPA-E amendments.
Subtitle C--Energy Innovation
Sec. 641. Energy Innovation Hubs.
Sec. 642. Participation in the Innovation Corps program.
Sec. 643. Technology transfer.
Sec. 644. Funding competitiveness for institutions of higher education
and other nonprofit institutions.
Sec. 645. Under Secretary for Science and Energy.
Sec. 646. Special hiring authority for scientific, engineering, and
project management personnel.
TITLE I--OSTP; GOVERNMENTWIDE SCIENCE
Subtitle A--General Provisions
SEC. 101. FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDING.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The predominant driver of gross domestic product
growth over the past half century has been scientific
and technological advancement.
(2) Investments in research and development have also
delivered significant benefits for national security,
health, energy security, education, and the personal
well-being of all Americans.
(3) Virtually every new technological product is
traceable to a research discovery, often one pursued
with no application in mind.
(4) Nondefense Federal research and development
accounts for only 1.7 percent of the Federal budget.
Federal basic research accounts for only 1 percent of
the budget.
(5) There is a deficit between what America is
investing and what it should be investing to remain
competitive, not only in research but in technology
transfer, innovation, and job creation, thereby causing
America's highly successful science and technology
enterprise to atrophy.
(6) Many research and development initiatives, due to
the long time periods required to achieve completion,
have benefited from stable and predictable investments
and from multiyear financial planning.
(7) The Federal science agencies should receive
sustained and steady growth in funding for research and
development activities, including basic research,
across a wide range of disciplines, including physical,
geological, and life sciences, mathematics,
engineering, and social, behavioral, and economic
sciences.
SEC. 102. NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL AMENDMENTS.
Section 401 of the National Science and Technology Policy,
Organization, and Priorities Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C. 6651) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Federal
Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and
Technology'' and inserting ``National Science and
Technology Council'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``and Energy
Research and Development Administration'' and inserting
``Department of Energy, and any other agency designated
by the President''; and
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``engineering, and
technology'' and inserting ``engineering,
technology, innovation, and STEM education'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking
``engineering, and technological'' and
inserting ``engineering, technological,
innovation, and STEM education'';
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4)
as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the
following new paragraph:
``(3) address research needs identified under
paragraph (2) through appropriate funding mechanisms,
which may include solicitations involving 2 or more
agencies and public-private partnerships;''.
SEC. 103. REVIEW OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall establish or designate a working group
under the National Science and Technology Council with the
responsibility of reviewing Federal regulatory and reporting
requirements across Federal agencies that affect the conduct of
United States research in an effort to reduce regulatory
burdens and to eliminate and harmonize duplicative regulatory
and reporting requirements.
(b) Responsibilities.--The working group established or
designated under subsection (a) shall--
(1) periodically review all Federal regulations and
reporting requirements that affect the conduct of
United States research to--
(A) identify ways to harmonize overlapping or
duplicative research regulations and reporting
requirements across Federal agencies;
(B) evaluate such regulations and reporting
requirements in relationship to the risks the
requirements seek to address to determine if
the benefits of the requirements are
commensurate with the costs to the progress of
science or to the taxpayer;
(C) identify any regulations that are applied
to scientific researchers or to research-
performing institutions for which exemptions
could be reasonably applied or for which
adjustments could be made to better fit those
regulations to diverse research environments;
and
(D) identify any specific regulations which
could be refocused on performance-based goals
rather than on process while still meeting the
desired outcome;
(2) examine the extent to which agencies' guidance
documents adhere with the most recently updated version
of the Office of Management and Budget's Agency Good
Guidance Practices bulletin; and
(3) develop and update at least once every 3 years a
strategic plan for streamlining Federal regulations and
reporting requirements that affect the conduct of
United States research that contains, at a minimum--
(A) a priority list of research-related
regulations, reporting requirements, and agency
guidance to be harmonized, streamlined,
updated, or eliminated; and
(B) a plan, including a timeline, for
implementing the regulatory and reporting
reforms identified in subparagraph (A).
(c) Stakeholder Input.--In carrying out the responsibilities
under subsection (b), including the development of the
strategic plan under subsection (b)(3), the working group
established or designated under subsection (a) shall take into
account input and recommendations from non-Federal
stakeholders, including federally funded and nonfederally
funded researchers, institutions of higher education,
scientific disciplinary societies and associations, nonprofit
research institutions, industry, including small businesses,
federally funded research and development centers, and others
with a stake in ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and
accountability in the performance of scientific research.
(d) Responsibilities of OSTP.--The Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, in collaboration with the Office
of Management and Budget Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, shall encourage and monitor the efforts of the
participating agencies to ensure that the strategic plan is
developed under subsection (b)(3) and that appropriate steps
are taken by the agencies to effectively implement the
recommendations, achieve the objectives, and to adhere to the
timeline in the strategic plan.
(e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall transmit the priority list and
strategic plan developed under subsection (b)(3) to the
Congress. The Director shall further provide a report annually
to the Congress, to be submitted not later than 60 days after
the submission of the President's annual budget request, on the
progress toward implementation of the regulatory reforms
outlined in the strategic plan.
SEC. 104. AMENDMENTS TO PRIZE COMPETITIONS.
Section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act
of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by inserting ``competition'' after
``section, a prize'';
(B) by inserting ``types'' after
``following''; and
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``prizes''
and inserting ``prize competitions'';
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking ``in the Federal Register''
and inserting ``on a publicly accessible
Government website, such as
www.challenge.gov,''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``prize''
and inserting ``cash prize purse'';
(3) in subsection (g), by striking ``prize'' and
inserting ``cash prize purse'';
(4) in subsection (h), by inserting ``prize'' before
``competition'' both places 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'' both places it
appears;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as
paragraph (4); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the
following new paragraph:
``(3) Waiver.--An agency may waive the requirement
under paragraph (2). The annual report under subsection
(p) shall include a list of such waivers granted during
the preceding fiscal year, along with an explanation of
the reasons for granting the waivers.'';
(6) in subsection (j) by amending paragraph (2) to
read as follows:
``(2) Intellectual property.--
``(A) Licenses.--The Federal Government may
negotiate a license for the use of intellectual
property developed by a participant for a prize
competition.
``(B) Other conditions.--A Federal agency or
agencies in cooperation may require
participants to agree in advance to a specific
approach to intellectual property as a
condition for eligibility to participate in a
prize competition.'';
(7) in subsection (k)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting
``prize'' before ``competition''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``prize''
before ``competitions'' both places it appears;
(8) in subsection (l), by striking all after ``may
enter into'' and inserting ``a grant, contract,
cooperative agreement, or other agreement with a
private sector for-profit or nonprofit entity 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 accept funds from other Federal 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 private sector for-profit
or nonprofit entity in return for a donation.'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``prize
awards'' and inserting ``cash prize purses'';
(C) in paragraph (3)(A)--
(i) by striking ``No prize'' and
inserting ``No prize competition''; and
(ii) by striking ``the prize'' and
inserting ``the cash prize purse'';
(D) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``a
prize'' and inserting ``a cash prize purse'';
(E) in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by inserting
``competition'' after ``prize'';
(F) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``a
prize'' and inserting ``a cash prize purse'';
and
(G) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``cash
prizes'' and inserting ``cash prize purses'';
(10) in subsection (n), by inserting ``for both for-
profit and nonprofit entities,'' after ``contract
vehicle'';
(11) in subsection (o)(1), by striking ``or providing
a prize'' and insert ``a prize competition or providing
a cash prize purse''; and
(12) in subsection (p)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Annual
Report'' and inserting ``Biennial Report'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``of each year'' and
inserting ``of each odd-numbered
year''; and
(ii) by striking ``preceding fiscal
year'' and inserting ``preceding 2
fiscal years''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``cash prizes'' both places it occurs
and inserting ``cash prize purses'';
and
(ii) by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(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. 105. COORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the
``International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of
2015''.
(b) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall establish a body under the National
Science and Technology Council (NSTC) 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 and work with other
National Science and Technology Council committees to
help plan and coordinate the international component of
national science and technology priorities;
(2) 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;
(3) 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;
(4) in carrying out paragraph (3), solicit input and
recommendations from non-Federal science and technology
stakeholders, including universities, scientific and
professional societies, industry, and relevant
organizations and institutions; and
(5) 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 transmit a report, to be
updated annually, to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives, and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate. The report shall also be made available to the public
on the reporting agency's website. The report shall contain a
description of--
(1) the priorities and policies established under
subsection (d)(2);
(2) the ongoing and new partnerships established
since the last update to the report;
(3) the means by which stakeholder input was
received, as well as summary views of stakeholder
input; and
(4) the issues influencing the ability of United
States scientists and engineers to collaborate with
foreign counterparts.
SEC. 106. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CONFERENCES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Cooperative research and development activities,
including collaboration between domestic and
international government, industry, and academic
science and engineering organizations, are important to
promoting innovation and knowledge creation.
(2) Scientific and technical conferences and trade
events support the sharing of information, processes,
and data within the scientific and engineering
communities.
(3) In hosting and attending scientific and technical
conferences and trade events, Federal agencies--
(A) gain greater access to top researchers
and to new and potentially transformative
ideas;
(B) keep abreast of developments relevant to
their respective missions, as is relevant for
future program planning;
(C) help disseminate Federal research
results;
(D) provide opportunities both for employee
professional development and for recruiting new
employees;
(E) participate in scientific peer review;
and
(F) support the reputation, visibility, and
leadership both of the specific agency and of
the United States.
(4) For those Federal agencies that provide financial
support for external research and development
activities, participation in scientific and technical
conferences can help ensure that funds are directed
toward the most promising ideas, thereby maximizing the
Federal investment.
(b) Policy.--To the extent practicable given budget,
security, and other constraints, the National Science
Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
and the Department of Energy, in addition to the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, should support Federal
employee and contractor attendance at scientific and technical
conferences and trade events as relevant both to employee and
contractor duties and to the agency's mission.
(c) Oversight.--Consistent with other relevant law, the
Federal agencies, through appropriate oversight, shall aim to
minimize the costs to the Federal Government related to
conference and trade event attendance, through methods such
as--
(1) ensuring that related fees collected by the
Federal agency help offset total costs to the Federal
Government;
(2) developing or maintaining procedures for
investigating unexpected increases in related costs;
and
(3) strengthening policies and training relevant to
conference and trade event planning and participation.
Subtitle B--Reauthorization of the National Nanotechnology Initiative
SEC. 111. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``National Nanotechnology
Initiative Amendments Act of 2015''.
SEC. 112. NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AMENDMENTS.
The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act
(15 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2--
(A) in subsection (c), by amending paragraph
(4) to read as follows:
``(4) develop, and update every 3 years thereafter, a
strategic plan to guide the activities described under
subsection (b) that specifies near-term and long-term
objectives for the Program, the anticipated timeframe
for achieving the near-term objectives, and the metrics
to be used for assessing progress toward the
objectives, and that describes--
``(A) how the Program will move results out
of the laboratory and into applications for the
benefit of society, including through
cooperation and collaborations with
nanotechnology research, development, and
technology transition initiatives supported by
the States; and
``(B) proposed research in areas of national
importance in accordance with the requirements
of section 116 of the National Nanotechnology
Initiative Amendments Act of 2015;'';
(B) in subsection (d)--
(i) by redesignating paragraphs (1)
through (5) as paragraphs (2) through
(6), respectively;
(ii) by inserting before paragraph
(2), as redesignated by clause (i), the
following:
``(1) the Program budget, for the previous fiscal
year, for each agency that participates in the Program,
and for each program component area;''; and
(iii) by amending paragraph (6), as
redesignated by clause (i), to read as
follows:
``(6) an assessment of how Federal agencies are
implementing the plan described in subsection (c)(7)
and a description of the amount of Small Business
Innovative Research and Small Business Technology
Transfer Research funds supporting the plan.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(e) Standards Setting.--The agencies participating in the
Program shall support the activities of committees involved in
the development of standards for nanotechnology and may
reimburse the travel costs of scientists and engineers who
participate in activities of such committees.'';
(2) in section 3--
(A) by amending subsection (b)(1) to read as
follows:
``(b) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--The operation of the National
Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall be supported
by funds from each agency participating in the Program.
``(2) Proportion.--The portion of such Office's total
budget provided by each agency for each fiscal year
shall be in the same proportion as the agency's share
of the total budget for the Program for the previous
fiscal year, as specified in the report required under
section 2(d)(1).
``(3) Exception.--The Director of the National
Nanotechnology Coordination Office may establish a
minimum contribution or other exception to the
requirement in paragraph (2) for participating agencies
whose share of the total budget for the Program is
below a threshold level, to be set by the Director.'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(d) Public Information.--
``(1) Database.--
``(A) In general.--The National
Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall
develop and maintain a database accessible by
the public of projects funded under at least
the Environmental, Health, and Safety program
component area, or any successor program
component area, including, to the extent
practicable, a description of each project, its
source of funding by agency, and its funding
history.
``(B) Organization.--Projects shall be
grouped by major objective as defined by the
research plan required under section 113(b) of
the National Nanotechnology Initiative
Amendments Act of 2015.
``(2) Accessible facilities.--
``(A) In general.--The National
Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall
develop, maintain, and publicize information on
nanotechnology facilities supported under the
Program, and may include information on
nanotechnology facilities supported by the
States, that are accessible for use by
individuals from academic institutions and from
industry.
``(B) Websites.--The National Nanotechnology
Coordination Office shall maintain active web
links to the websites for each of these
facilities and shall work with each facility
supported under the Program to ensure that each
facility publishes on its respective website
updated information on the terms and conditions
for the use of the facility, a description of
the capabilities of the instruments and
equipment available for use at the facility,
and a description of the technical support
available to assist users of the facility.'';
(3) in section 4--
(A) in subsection (a), by adding at the end
the following: ``The co-chairs of the Advisory
Panel shall meet the qualifications of Panel
membership required in subsection (b) and may
be members of the President's Council of
Advisors on Science and Technology. The
Advisory Panel shall include members having
specific qualifications tailored to enable it
to carry out the requirements of subsection
(c)(6).'';
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking paragraph (1); and
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (2)
through (7) as paragraphs (1) through
(6), respectively; and
(C) by amending subsection (d) to read as
follows:
``(d) Reports.--The Advisory Panel shall report not less
frequently than every 3 years, and, to the extent practicable,
1 year following each of the National Research Council
triennial reviews required under section 5, to the President on
its assessments under subsection (c) and its recommendations
for ways to improve the Program. The Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall transmit a copy of each
report under this subsection to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives,
and other appropriate committees of the Congress.'';
(4) by amending section 5 to read as follows:
``SEC. 5. TRIENNIAL EXTERNAL REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Director of the National
Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall enter into an
arrangement with the National Research Council of the National
Academy of Sciences to conduct a triennial review of the
Program. The Director shall ensure that the arrangement with
the National Research Council is concluded in order to allow
sufficient time for the reporting requirements of subsection
(b) to be satisfied. Each triennial review shall include an
evaluation of the--
``(1) research priorities and technical content of
the Program, including whether the balance of funding
among program component areas, as designated according
to section 2(c)(2), is appropriate;
``(2) Program's scientific and technological
accomplishments and its success in transferring
technology to the private sector; and
``(3) adequacy of the Program's activities addressing
ethical, legal, environmental, and other appropriate
societal concerns, including human health concerns.
``(b) Priority Reports.--If the Director of the National
Nanotechnology Coordination Office, working with the National
Research Council and with input from the Advisory Panel,
determines that a more narrowly focused review of the Program
is in the best interests of the Program, the Director may enter
into such an arrangement with the National Research Council in
lieu of a full review as required under subsection (a), but not
more often than every second triennial review.
``(c) Evaluation To Be Transmitted to Congress.--The National
Research Council shall document the results of each triennial
review carried out in accordance with this section in a report
that includes any recommendations for changes to the Program's
objectives, technical content, or other policy or Program
changes. Each report shall be submitted to the Director of the
National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, who shall transmit
it to the Advisory Panel, the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.''; and
(5) in section 10--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as
follows:
``(2) Nanotechnology.--The term `nanotechnology'
means the science and technology that will enable one
to understand, measure, model, image, manipulate, and
manufacture at the nanoscale, aimed at creating
materials, devices, and systems with fundamentally new
properties or functions.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(7) Nanoscale.--The term `nanoscale' means one or
more dimensions of between approximately 1 and 100
nanometers.''.
SEC. 113. SOCIETAL DIMENSIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY.
(a) Coordinator for Environmental, Health, and Safety
Research.--The Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall designate an associate director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy or other appropriate senior
government official as the Coordinator for Environmental,
Health, and Safety Research. The Coordinator shall be
responsible for oversight of the coordination, planning, and
budget prioritization of research and other activities related
to environmental, health, safety, and other appropriate
societal concerns related to nanotechnology. The
responsibilities of the Coordinator shall include--
(1) ensuring that a research plan for the
environmental, health, and safety research activities
required under subsection (b) is developed, updated,
and implemented and that the plan is responsive to the
recommendations of the Advisory Panel established under
section 4(a) of the 21st Century Nanotechnology
Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7503(a)); and
(2) encouraging and monitoring the efforts of the
agencies participating in the Program to allocate the
level of resources and management attention necessary
to ensure that the environmental, health, safety, and
other appropriate societal concerns related to
nanotechnology are addressed under the Program.
(b) Research Plan.--
(1) In general.--The Coordinator for Environmental,
Health, and Safety Research shall convene and chair a
panel comprised of representatives from the agencies
funding research activities under the Environmental,
Health, and Safety program component area of the
Program, or any successor program component area, and
from such other agencies as the Coordinator considers
necessary to develop, periodically update, and
coordinate the implementation of a research plan for
this program component area. Such panel may be a
subgroup of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and
Technology Subcommittee of the National Science and
Technology Council. In developing and updating the
plan, the panel convened by the Coordinator shall
solicit and be responsive to recommendations and advice
from--
(A) the Advisory Panel established under
section 4(a) of the 21st Century Nanotechnology
Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C.
7503(a)); and
(B) the agencies responsible for
environmental, health, and safety regulations
associated with the production, use, and
disposal of nanoscale materials and products.
(2) Development of standards.--The plan required
under paragraph (1) shall include a description of how
the Program will help to ensure the development of--
(A) standards related to nomenclature
associated with engineered nanoscale materials;
(B) engineered nanoscale standard reference
materials for environmental, health, and safety
testing; and
(C) standards related to methods and
procedures for detecting, measuring,
monitoring, sampling, and testing engineered
nanoscale materials for environmental, health,
and safety impacts.
(3) Components of plan.--The plan required under
paragraph (1) shall, with respect to activities
described in paragraphs (1) and (2)--
(A) specify near-term research objectives and
long-term research objectives;
(B) specify milestones associated with each
near-term objective and the estimated time and
resources required to reach each milestone;
(C) with respect to subparagraphs (A) and
(B), describe the role of each agency carrying
out or sponsoring research in order to meet the
objectives specified under subparagraph (A) and
to achieve the milestones specified under
subparagraph (B); and
(D) specify the funding allocated to each
major objective of the plan and the source of
funding by agency for the current fiscal year.
(4) Transmittal to congress.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the plan
required under paragraph (1) shall be transmitted to
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives.
(5) Updating and appending to report.--The plan
required under paragraph (1) shall be updated at least
every 3 years and may be submitted as part of the
report required under section 2(c)(4) of the 21st
Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15
U.S.C. 7501(c)(4)).
SEC. 114. NANOTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION.
(a) Undergraduate Education Programs.--The Program shall
support efforts to introduce nanoscale science, engineering,
and technology into undergraduate science and engineering
education through a variety of interdisciplinary approaches.
Activities supported may include--
(1) development of courses of instruction or modules
to existing courses;
(2) faculty professional development; and
(3) acquisition of equipment and instrumentation
suitable for undergraduate education and research in
nanotechnology.
(b) Interagency Coordination of Education.--The Committee
established under section 2(c) of the 21st Century
Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7501(c))
shall coordinate, as appropriate, with the Committee
established under section 101 of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621) to prioritize,
plan, and assess the educational activities supported under the
Program.
(c) Societal Dimensions in Nanotechnology Education
Activities.--Activities supported under the Education and
Societal Dimensions program component area, or any successor
program component area, that involve informal, precollege, or
undergraduate nanotechnology education shall include education
regarding the environmental, health and safety, and other
societal aspects of nanotechnology.
(d) Remote Access to Nanotechnology Facilities.--
(1) In general.--Agencies supporting nanotechnology
research facilities as part of the Program shall
require the entities that operate such facilities to
allow access via the Internet, and support the costs
associated with the provision of such access, by
secondary school students and teachers, to instruments
and equipment within such facilities for educational
purposes. The agencies may waive this requirement for
cases when particular facilities would be inappropriate
for educational purposes or the costs for providing
such access would be prohibitive.
(2) Procedures.--The agencies identified in paragraph
(1) shall require the entities that operate such
nanotechnology research facilities to establish and
publish procedures, guidelines, and conditions for the
submission and approval of applications for the use of
the facilities for the purpose identified in paragraph
(1) and shall authorize personnel who operate the
facilities to provide necessary technical support to
students and teachers.
SEC. 115. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
(a) Prototyping.--
(1) Access to facilities.--In accordance with section
2(b)(7) of 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and
Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7501(b)(7)), the agencies
supporting nanotechnology research facilities as part
of the Program shall provide access to such facilities
to companies for the purpose of assisting the companies
in the development of prototypes of nanoscale products,
devices, or processes (or products, devices, or
processes enabled by nanotechnology) for determining
proof of concept. The agencies shall publicize the
availability of these facilities and encourage their
use by companies as provided for in this section. The
agencies may waive this requirement for academic
facilities for which the costs of providing such access
would be prohibitive.
(2) Procedures.--The agencies identified in paragraph
(1)--
(A) shall establish and publish procedures,
guidelines, and conditions for the submission
and approval of applications for use of
nanotechnology facilities;
(B) shall publish descriptions of the
capabilities of facilities available for use
under this subsection, including the
availability of technical support; and
(C) may waive recovery, require full
recovery, or require partial recovery of the
costs associated with use of the facilities for
projects under this subsection.
(3) Selection and criteria.--
(A) In general.--In cases when less than full
cost recovery is required pursuant to paragraph
(2)(C), projects provided access to
nanotechnology facilities in accordance with
this subsection shall be selected through a
competitive, merit-based process, and the
criteria for the selection of such projects
shall include at a minimum the readiness of the
project for technology demonstration.
(B) Special consideration.--The agencies may
give special consideration in selecting
projects to applications that are relevant to
important national needs or requirements.
(b) Collaboration With Industry.--The Program shall
coordinate with industry from all industrial sectors that would
benefit from applications of nanotechnology by--
(1) enhancing communication of information related to
nanotechnology innovation, including information about
research, education and training, manufacturing issues,
and market-driven needs;
(2) advancing and accelerating the creation of new
products and manufacturing processes derived from
discovery at the nanoscale by working with industry,
including small and medium-sized manufacturers;
(3) developing innovative methods for transferring
nanotechnology products and processes from Federal
agencies to industry; and
(4) facilitating industry-led partnerships between
the Program and industry sectors, including regional
partnerships.
(c) Coordination With State, Regional, and Local
Initiatives.--Section 2(b)(5) of the 21st Century
Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C.
7501(b)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
``(5) ensuring United States global leadership in the
development and application of nanotechnology,
including through the coordination and leveraging of
Federal investments with nanotechnology research,
development, and technology transition initiatives
supported by the States and regions across the
country;''.
SEC. 116. SIGNATURE INITIATIVES IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.
(a) In General.--The Program shall include support for
nanotechnology research and development activities directed
toward topical and application areas that have the potential
for significant contributions to national economic
competitiveness and for other significant societal benefits.
The activities supported shall be designed to advance the
development of research discoveries by demonstrating technical
solutions to important national challenges. The Advisory Panel
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) involve collaborations among researchers
in academic institutions and industry, and may
involve nonprofit research institutions and
Federal laboratories, as appropriate;
(C) when possible, leverage Federal
investments through collaboration with related
State initiatives; and
(D) include a plan for fostering the transfer
of research discoveries and the results of
technology demonstration activities to industry
for commercial development.
(2) Joint solicitations.--Projects supported under
this section shall include projects for which
determination of the requirements for applications,
review and selection of applications for support, and
subsequent funding of projects shall be carried out by
a collaboration of no fewer than 2 agencies
participating in the Program. In selecting applications
for support, agencies may, as appropriate, give special
consideration to projects that include cost sharing
from non-Federal sources.
(3) Interdisciplinary research centers.--Research and
development activities under this section may be
supported through interdisciplinary nanotechnology
research centers, as authorized by section 2(b)(4) of
the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and
Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7501(b)(4)), that are
organized to investigate basic research questions and
carry out technology demonstration activities in areas
such as those identified in subsection (a).
(c) Report.--Reports required under section 2(d) of the 21st
Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C.
7501(d)) shall include a description of research and
development areas supported in accordance with this section.
SEC. 117. NANOMANUFACTURING RESEARCH.
(a) Research Areas.--The Program shall include research on--
(1) the development of instrumentation and tools
required for the rapid characterization of nanoscale
materials and for monitoring of nanoscale manufacturing
processes; and
(2) approaches and techniques for scaling the
synthesis of new nanoscale materials to achieve
industrial-level production rates.
(b) Green Nanotechnology.--Interdisciplinary research centers
supported under the Program in accordance with section 2(b)(4)
of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act
(15 U.S.C. 7501(b)(4)) that are focused on nanomanufacturing
research shall include as part of the activities of such
centers--
(1) research on methods and approaches to develop
environmentally benign nanoscale products and nanoscale
manufacturing processes, taking into consideration
relevant findings and results of research supported
under the Environmental, Health, and Safety program
component area, or any successor program component
area;
(2) fostering the transfer of the results of such
research to industry; and
(3) providing for the education of scientists and
engineers through interdisciplinary studies in the
principles and techniques for the design and
development of environmentally benign nanoscale
products and processes.
SEC. 118. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle, terms that are defined in section 10 of the
21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15
U.S.C. 7509) have the meaning given those terms in that
section.
Subtitle C--Engineering Biology
SEC. 121. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Engineering Biology
Research and Development Act of 2015''.
SEC. 122. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Cellular and molecular processes may be used,
mimicked, or redesigned to develop new products,
processes, and systems that improve societal well-
being, strengthen national security, and contribute to
the economy.
(2) Engineering biology relies on scientists and
engineers with a diverse and unique set of skills
combining the biological, physical, and information
sciences and engineering.
(3) Long-term research and development is necessary
to create breakthroughs in engineering biology. Such
research and development requires government investment
as the benefits are too distant or uncertain for
industry to support alone.
(4) The Federal Government can play an important role
by facilitating the development of tools and
technologies to further advance engineering biology,
including multiple user facilities that the Federal
Government is uniquely able to support.
(5) Since other countries are investing significant
resources in engineering biology, the United States is
at risk of losing its competitive lead in this emerging
area if it does not invest the necessary resources and
have a national strategy.
(6) A National Engineering Biology Initiative can
serve to establish new research directions and
technology goals, improve interagency coordination and
planning processes, drive technology transfer, and help
ensure optimal returns on the Federal investment.
SEC. 123. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle--
(1) the term ``Advisory Committee'' means the
advisory committee designated under section 125;
(2) the term ``biomanufacturing'' means the
manufacturing of products using biological
manufacturing technologies;
(3) the term ``engineering biology'' means the
science and engineering of cellular and molecular
processes to advance fundamental understanding of
complex natural systems and to develop new and advance
existing products, processes, and systems that will
contribute significantly to societal well-being,
national security, and the economy;
(4) the term ``Interagency Committee'' means the
interagency committee designated under section 124(e);
and
(5) the term ``Program'' means the National
Engineering Biology Research and Development Program
established under section 124.
SEC. 124. NATIONAL ENGINEERING BIOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The President shall implement a National
Engineering Biology Research and Development Program to advance
societal well-being, national security, and economic
productivity and competitiveness through--
(1) advancing areas of research at the intersection
of the biological, physical, and information sciences
and engineering;
(2) supporting social science research that advances
the field of engineering biology and contributes to the
adoption of new products, processes, and technologies;
(3) expanding the number of researchers, educators,
and students with engineering biology training;
(4) accelerating the translation and
commercialization of engineering biology research and
development by the private sector; and
(5) improving the interagency planning and
coordination of Federal Government activities related
to engineering biology.
(b) Program Activities.--The activities of the Program shall
include--
(1) sustained support for engineering biology
research and development through--
(A) grants to individual investigators and
interdisciplinary teams of investigators;
(B) projects funded under joint solicitations
by a collaboration of no fewer than two
agencies participating in the Program; and
(C) interdisciplinary research centers that
are organized to investigate basic research
questions and carry out technology development
and demonstration activities;
(2) education and training of undergraduate and
graduate students in research at the intersection of
biological, physical, and information sciences and
engineering;
(3) activities to develop robust mechanisms for
tracking and quantifying the outputs and economic
benefits of engineering biology; and
(4) activities to accelerate the translation and
commercialization of new products, processes, and
technologies by--
(A) identifying precompetitive research
opportunities;
(B) facilitating public-private partnerships
in engineering biology research and
development;
(C) connecting researchers, graduate
students, and postdoctoral fellows with
entrepreneurship education and training
opportunities; and
(D) supporting proof of concept activities
and the formation of startup companies
including through programs such as the Small
Business Innovation Research Program and the
Small Business Technology Transfer Program.
(c) Expanding Participation.--The Program shall include, to
the maximum extent practicable, outreach to primarily
undergraduate and minority-serving institutions about Program
opportunities, and shall encourage the development of research
collaborations between research-intensive universities and
primarily undergraduate and minority-serving institutions.
(d) Ethical, Legal, Environmental, and Societal Issues.--
Program activities shall take into account ethical, legal,
environmental, and other appropriate societal issues, including
the need for safeguards and monitoring systems to protect
society against the unintended release of engineered materials
produced, by--
(1) supporting research, including in the social
sciences, and other activities addressing ethical,
legal, environmental, and other appropriate societal
issues related to engineering biology, including
integrating research on these topics with the research
and development in engineering biology, and ensuring
that the results of such research are widely
disseminated, including through interdisciplinary
engineering biology research centers described in
subsection (b)(1)(C); and
(2) ensuring, through the agencies and departments
that participate in the Program, that public input and
outreach are integrated into the Program by the
convening of regular and ongoing public discussions
through mechanisms such as citizen panels, consensus
conferences, and educational events, as appropriate.
(e) Interagency Committee.--The President shall designate an
interagency committee on engineering biology, which shall
include representatives from the Office of Science and
Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, the
Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, the Environmental Protection Agency, and any other
agency that the President considers appropriate. The Director
of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall select a
chairperson from among the members of the Interagency
Committee. The Interagency Committee shall oversee the
planning, management, and coordination of the Program. The
Interagency Committee shall--
(1) provide for interagency coordination of Federal
engineering biology research, development, and other
activities undertaken pursuant to the Program;
(2) establish and periodically update goals and
priorities for the Program;
(3) develop, not later than 12 months after the date
of enactment of this subtitle, and update every 5
years, a strategic plan to guide the activities of the
Program and meet the goals and priorities established
under paragraph (2) and describe--
(A) the Program's support for long-term
funding for interdisciplinary engineering
biology research and development;
(B) the Program's support for education and
public outreach activities;
(C) the Program's support for research and
other activities on ethical, legal,
environmental, and other appropriate societal
issues related to engineering biology; and
(D) how the Program will move results out of
the laboratory and into application for the
benefit of society and United States
competitiveness;
(4) propose an annually coordinated interagency
budget for the Program that will ensure the maintenance
of a robust engineering biology research and
development portfolio and ensure that the balance of
funding across the Program is sufficient to meet the
goals and priorities established for the Program;
(5) develop a plan to utilize Federal programs, such
as the Small Business Innovation Research Program and
the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, in
support of the goals described in subsection (b)(4);
and
(6) in carrying out its responsibilities under this
section, take into consideration the recommendations of
the Advisory Committee, the results of the workshop
convened under section 126, existing reports on related
topics, and the views of academic, State, industry, and
other appropriate groups.
(f) Annual Report.--The Interagency Committee shall prepare
an annual report, to be submitted to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate not later than 90 days after submission of the
President's annual budget request, that includes--
(1) the Program budget for the fiscal year to which
such budget request applies, and for the then current
fiscal year, including a breakout of spending for each
agency participating in the Program, and for the
development and acquisition of any research facilities
and instrumentation; and
(2) an assessment of how Federal agencies are
implementing the plan described in subsection (e)(5),
and a description of the amount and number of Small
Business Innovation Research and Small Business
Technology Transfer awards made in support of the
Program.
SEC. 125. ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--The President shall designate an advisory
committee on engineering biology research and development with
at least 12 members, including representatives of research and
academic institutions, industry, and nongovernmental entities,
who are qualified to provide advice on the Program.
(b) Assessment.--The Advisory Committee shall assess--
(1) progress made in implementing the Program;
(2) the need to revise the Program;
(3) the balance of activities and funding across the
Program;
(4) whether the Program priorities and goals
developed by the Interagency Committee are helping to
maintain United States leadership in engineering
biology;
(5) the management, coordination, implementation, and
activities of the Program; and
(6) whether ethical, legal, environmental, and other
appropriate societal issues are adequately addressed by
the Program.
(c) Reports.--The Advisory Committee shall report within 3
years after the date of enactment of this Act, and thereafter
not less frequently than once every 5 years, to the President,
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, on its findings of the assessment
carried out under this section and its recommendations for ways
to improve the Program.
(d) Federal Advisory Committee Act Application.--Section 14
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not
apply to the Advisory Committee.
SEC. 126. EXTERNAL REVIEW OF ETHICAL, LEGAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND
SOCIETAL ISSUES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science
Foundation shall enter into an agreement with the National
Academies to convene a workshop to review the ethical, legal,
environmental, and other appropriate societal issues related to
engineering biology research and development. The goals of the
workshop shall be to--
(1) assess the current research on such issues;
(2) evaluate the research gaps relating to such
issues; and
(3) provide recommendations on how the Program can
address the research needs identified.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National
Science Foundation shall transmit to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a summary report containing the findings of the workshop
convened under this section.
SEC. 127. AGENCY ACTIVITIES.
(a) National Science Foundation.--As part of the Program, the
National Science Foundation shall--
(1) support basic research at the intersection of the
biological, physical, and information sciences and
engineering through individual grants and through
interdisciplinary research centers;
(2) support research on the environmental and social
effects of engineering biology;
(3) provide research instrumentation support for
engineering biology disciplines; and
(4) award grants, on a competitive basis, to enable
institutions to support graduate students and
postdoctoral fellows who perform some of their
engineering biology research in an industry setting.
(b) Department of Commerce.--As part of the Program, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
shall--
(1) establish a bioscience research program to
advance the development of standard reference materials
and measurements and to create new data tools,
techniques, and processes necessary to advance
engineering biology and biomanufacturing;
(2) provide access to user facilities with advanced
or unique equipment, services, materials, and other
resources to industry, institutions of higher
education, nonprofit organizations, and government
agencies to perform research and testing; and
(3) provide technical expertise to inform the
development of guidelines and safeguards for new
products, processes, and systems of engineering
biology.
(c) Department of Energy.--As part of the Program, the
Secretary of Energy shall--
(1) conduct and support basic research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application activities in
engineering biology disciplines, including in the areas
of synthetic biology, advanced biofuel development,
biobased materials, and environmental remediation; and
(2) provide access to user facilities with advanced
or unique equipment, services, materials, and other
resources, as appropriate, to industry, institutions of
higher education, nonprofit organizations, and
government agencies to perform research and testing.
(d) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.--As part
of the Program, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration shall--
(1) conduct and support basic and applied research in
engineering biology fields, including in the field of
synthetic biology, and related to Earth and space
sciences, aeronautics, space technology, and space
exploration and experimentation, consistent with the
priorities established in the National Academies'
decadal surveys; and
(2) award grants, on a competitive basis, that enable
institutions to support graduate students and
postdoctoral fellows who perform some of their
engineering biology research in an industry setting.
(e) Environmental Protection Agency.--As part of the Program,
the Environmental Protection Agency shall support research on
how products, processes, and systems of engineering biology
will affect the environment.
TITLE II--STEM EDUCATION AND DIVERSITY
Subtitle A--STEM Education and Workforce
SEC. 201. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that the National Science and
Technology Council's Committee on STEM Education (CoSTEM),
established under section 101 of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621), has taken
important initial steps toward developing and implementing a
strategic plan for Federal investments in STEM education, but
that more work must be done to solicit and take into account
views and experience from stakeholders who help implement or
are the beneficiaries of Federal STEM programs across the
Nation. It is further the sense of Congress that science
mission agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and the Department of Energy are essential
partners in contributing to the goals and implementation of a
Federal STEM strategic plan because such agencies have unique
scientific and technological facilities as well as highly
trained scientists who are eager and able to contribute to
improved STEM learning outcomes in their own communities.
SEC. 202. COORDINATION OF FEDERAL STEM EDUCATION.
Section 101 of America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010
(42 U.S.C. 6621) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(5)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A)
through (D) as subparagraphs (B) through (E),
respectively; and
(B) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as
so redesigned by subparagraph (A) of this
paragraph, the following new subparagraph:
``(A) have as its primary goal to leverage
the limited STEM education funding and other
assets, including intellectual capital,
invested by Federal STEM agencies for maximum
benefit to student learning;'';
(2) by striking the second subsection (b);
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection
(f);
(4) by inserting after subsection (b), the following
new subsections:
``(c) Coordinator for STEM Education.--The Director of the
Office of Science and Technology Policy shall designate an
associate director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy as the Coordinator for STEM Education. When an
appropriate associate director is not available, the Director
may designate another appropriate senior government official as
the Coordinator for STEM Education. The Coordinator shall chair
the committee established under subsection (a). The Coordinator
shall, with the assistance of appropriate senior officials from
other Committee on STEM Education agencies, ensure that the
requirements of this section are satisfied.
``(d) Stakeholder Input.--
``(1) Interagency consolidation.--For all agency
proposals to consolidate or transfer budgets or
functions for STEM education programs or activities
between agencies, at the time of submission of such
proposals to Congress, the Director shall report to
Congress on activities undertaken by the Office of
Science and Technology Policy or by relevant agencies
to take into consideration relevant input from the STEM
Education Advisory Panel established under subsection
(e) and other relevant education stakeholders.
``(2) Intraagency consolidation.--For all agency
proposals to internally consolidate or terminate STEM
education programs with budgets exceeding $10,000,000,
at the time of submission of such proposals to
Congress, the head of the relevant agency shall report
to Congress on activities to solicit and take into
consideration input on such proposals from the STEM
Education Advisory Panel established under subsection
(e) and other relevant education stakeholders.
``(e) STEM Education Advisory Panel.--
``(1) In general.--The President shall establish or
designate a STEM Education Advisory Panel. The cochairs
of the Advisory Panel shall meet the qualifications of
Panel membership required in paragraph (2) and may be
members of the President's Council of Advisors on
Science and Technology.
``(2) Qualifications.--The Advisory Panel established
or designated by the President under this subsection
shall consist of members from academic institutions,
industry, informal education providers, nonprofit STEM
education organizations, foundations, and local and
State educational agencies. Members of the Advisory
Panel shall be qualified to provide advice on Federal
STEM education programs, best practices in STEM
education, assessment of STEM education programs, STEM
education standards, industry needs for STEM graduates,
and public-private STEM education partnerships.
``(3) Duties.--The Advisory Panel shall advise the
President and the committee established under
subsection (a) on implementing the Federal STEM
education strategic plan required under subsection
(b)(5) and coordinating Federal STEM programs with
nongovernmental STEM initiatives and State and local
educational agencies.
``(4) Report.--The Advisory Panel shall report, not
more than 1 year after enactment of the America
Competes Reauthorization Act of 2015, on options for
evidence-based implementation of the Federal STEM
strategic plan required under subsection (b)(5),
including options for designating certain agencies as
coordinating leads for different priority investment
areas, timelines for implementation, and specific
management, budget, policy, or other steps that
agencies must take to effectively implement the
strategic plan.
``(5) Sunset.--The authorization for the Advisory
Panel established under this subsection shall expire 3
years after the date of enactment of the America
Competes Reauthorization Act of 2015.''; and
(5) in subsection (f), as so redesignated by
paragraph (3) of this section--
(A) by inserting ``progress made in
implementing'' after ``describing'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3); and
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5)
as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively.
SEC. 203. GRAND CHALLENGES IN EDUCATION RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation and the Secretary of Education shall collaborate
in--
(1) identifying, prioritizing, and developing
strategies to address grand challenges in research and
development, including assessment, on the teaching and
learning of STEM at the pre-K-12 level, in formal and
informal settings, for diverse learning populations,
including individuals identified in section 33 or 34 of
the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42
U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b); and
(2) ensuring the dissemination and promoting the
utilization of the results of such research and
development.
(b) Stakeholder Input.--In identifying the grand challenges
under subsection (a), the Director and the Secretary shall--
(1) take into consideration critical research gaps
identified in existing reports, including reports by
the National Academies, on the teaching and learning of
STEM at the pre-K-12 level in formal and informal
settings; and
(2) solicit input from a wide range of stakeholders,
including officials from State educational agencies and
local educational agencies, STEM teachers, STEM
education researchers, scientific and engineering
societies, STEM faculty at institutions of higher
education, informal STEM education providers,
businesses with a large STEM workforce, and other
stakeholders in the teaching and learning of STEM at
the pre-K-12 level, and may enter into an arrangement
with the National Research Council for these purposes.
(c) Topics To Consider.--In identifying the grand challenges
under subsection (a), the Director and the Secretary shall, at
a minimum, consider research and development on--
(1) scalability, sustainability, and replication of
successful STEM activities, programs, and models, in
formal and informal environments;
(2) model systems that support improved teaching and
learning of STEM across entire local educational
agencies and States, including rural areas, and
encompassing and integrating the teaching and learning
of STEM in formal and informal venues;
(3) implementation of new State mathematics and
science standards;
(4) what makes a STEM teacher effective and STEM
teacher professional development effective, including
development of tools and methodologies to measure STEM
teacher effectiveness;
(5) cyber-enabled and other technology tools for
teaching and learning, including massive open online
courses;
(6) STEM teaching and learning in informal
environments, including development of tools and
methodologies for assessing STEM teaching and learning
in informal environments; and
(7) how integrating engineering with mathematics and
science education may--
(A) improve student learning of mathematics
and science;
(B) increase student interest and persistence
in STEM; or
(C) improve student understanding of
engineering design principles and of the built
world.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director and the Secretary
shall report to Congress with a description of--
(1) the grand challenges identified pursuant to this
section;
(2) the role of each agency in supporting research
and development activities to address the grand
challenges;
(3) the common metrics that will be used to assess
progress toward meeting the grand challenges;
(4) plans for periodically updating the grand
challenges;
(5) how the agencies will disseminate and promote the
utilization of the results of research and development
activities carried out under this section to STEM
education practitioners, to other Federal agencies that
support STEM programs and activities, and to non-
Federal funders of STEM education; and
(6) how the agencies will support implementation of
best practices identified by the research and
development activities.
SEC. 204. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL REPORT ON STEAM EDUCATION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) Talent Expansion Program set an
important goal of increasing the number of students
graduating with associate or baccalaureate degrees in
the STEM fields, and this should continue to be a focus
of that program;
(2) to further the goal of the STEM Talent Expansion
Program, as well as STEM education promotion programs
across the Federal Government, innovative approaches
are needed to enhance STEM education in the United
States;
(3) STEAM, which is the integration of arts and
design, broadly defined, into Federal STEM programming,
research, and innovation activities, is a method-
validated approach to maintaining the competitiveness
of the United States in both workforce and innovation
and to increasing and broadening students' engagement
in the STEM fields;
(4) STEM graduates need more than technical skills to
thrive in the 21st century workforce; they also need to
be creative, innovative, collaborative, and able to
think critically;
(5) STEAM should be recognized as providing value to
STEM research and education programs across Federal
agencies, without supplanting the focus on the
traditional STEM disciplines;
(6) Federal agencies should work cooperatively on
interdisciplinary initiatives to support the
integration of arts and design into STEM, and current
interdisciplinary programs should be strengthened;
(7) Federal agencies should allow for STEAM
activities under current and future grant-making and
other activities; and
(8) Federal agencies should clarify that, where
appropriate, data collection, surveys, and reporting on
STEM activities and grant-making should examine
activities that involve cross-disciplinary learning
that integrates specialized skills and expertise from
both art and science.
(b) National Research Council Workshop.--The National Science
Foundation shall enter into an arrangement with the National
Research Council to conduct a workshop on the integration of
arts and design with STEM education. The workshop shall include
a discussion of--
(1) how the perspectives and experience of artists
and designers may contribute to the advancement of
science, engineering, and innovation, for example
through the development of visualization aids for large
experimental and computational data sets;
(2) how arts and design-based education experiences
might support formal and informal STEM education at the
pre-K-12 level, particularly in fostering creativity
and risk taking, and encourage more students to pursue
STEM studies, including students from groups
historically underrepresented in STEM;
(3) how the teaching of design principles can be
better integrated into undergraduate engineering and
other STEM curricula, including in the first two years
of undergraduate studies, to enhance student capacity
for creativity and innovation and improve student
retention, including students from groups historically
underrepresented in STEM; and
(4) what additional steps, if any, Federal science
agencies should take to promote the inclusion of arts
and design principles in their respective STEM programs
and activities in order to improve student STEM
learning outcomes, increase the recruitment and
retention of students into STEM studies and careers,
and increase innovation in the United States.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Research Council shall
submit a report to Congress providing a summary description of
the discussion and findings from the workshop required under
subsection (b).
SEC. 205. ENGAGING FEDERAL SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS IN STEM EDUCATION.
The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
shall develop guidance for Federal agencies to increase
opportunities and training, as appropriate, for Federal
scientists and engineers to participate in STEM engagement
activities through their respective agencies and in their
communities.
Subtitle B--Broadening Participation in STEM
SEC. 211. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``STEM Opportunities Act of
2015''.
SEC. 212. PURPOSE.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy, acting through the Federal science agencies,
shall carry out programs and activities with the purpose of
ensuring that Federal science agencies and institutions of
higher education receiving Federal research and development
funding are fully engaging their entire talent pool.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this subtitle are as follows:
(1) To promote research on and increase understanding
of the participation and trajectories of women and
underrepresented minorities in STEM careers at
institutions of higher education and Federal science
agencies, including Federal laboratories.
(2) To raise awareness within Federal science
agencies, including Federal laboratories, and
institutions of higher education about cultural and
institutional barriers limiting the recruitment,
retention, promotion, and other indicators of
participation and achievement of women and
underrepresented minorities in academic and Government
STEM research careers at all levels.
(3) To identify, disseminate, and implement best
practices at Federal science agencies, including
Federal laboratories, and at institutions of higher
education to remove or reduce cultural and
institutional barriers limiting the recruitment,
retention, and success of women and underrepresented
minorities in academic and Government STEM research
careers.
(4) To provide grants to institutions of higher
education to recruit, retain, and advance STEM faculty
members from underrepresented minority groups and to
implement or expand reforms in undergraduate STEM
education in order to increase the number of students
from underrepresented minority groups receiving degrees
in these fields.
SEC. 213. FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCY POLICIES FOR CAREGIVERS.
(a) OSTP Guidance.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall provide guidance to Federal science
agencies to establish policies that--
(1) apply to all--
(A) intramural and extramural research
awards; and
(B) primary investigators who have caregiving
responsibilities, including care for a newborn
or newly adopted child and care for an
immediate family member who is sick or
disabled; and
(2) provide--
(A) flexibility in timing for the initiation
of approved research awards;
(B) no-cost extensions of research awards;
(C) grant supplements as appropriate to
research awards for research technicians or
equivalent to sustain research activities; and
(D) any other appropriate accommodations at
the discretion of the head of each agency.
(b) Uniformity of Guidance.--In providing such guidance, the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall
encourage uniformity and consistency in the policies across all
agencies.
(c) Establishment of Policies.--Consistent with the guidance
provided under this section, Federal science agencies shall
maintain or develop and implement policies for caregivers and
shall broadly disseminate such policies to current and
potential grantees.
(d) Data on Usage.--Federal science agencies shall--
(1) collect data on the usage of the policies under
subsection (c), by gender, at both institutions of
higher education and Federal laboratories; and
(2) report such data on an annual basis to the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
in such form as required by the Director.
SEC. 214. COLLECTION AND REPORTING OF DATA ON FEDERAL RESEARCH GRANTS.
(a) Collection of Data.--
(1) In general.--Each Federal science agency shall
collect standardized record-level annual information on
demographics, primary field, award type, budget
request, funding outcome, and awarded budget for all
applications for merit-reviewed research and
development grants to institutions of higher education
and Federal laboratories supported by that agency.
(2) Uniformity and standardization.--The Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall
establish a policy to ensure uniformity and
standardization of the data collection required under
paragraph (1).
(3) Record-level data.--
(A) Requirement.--On an annual basis,
beginning with the deadline under subparagraph
(C), each Federal science agency shall submit
to the Director of the National Science
Foundation record-level data collected under
paragraph (1) in the form required by such
Director.
(B) Previous data.--As part of the first
submission under subparagraph (A), each Federal
science agency, to the extent practicable,
shall also submit comparable record-level data
for the 5 years preceding the deadline under
subparagraph (C).
(C) Deadline.--The deadline under this
paragraph is 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(b) Reporting of Data.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall publish statistical summary data collected
under this section, disaggregated and cross-tabulated by race,
ethnicity, gender, age, and years since completion of doctoral
degree, including in conjunction with the National Science
Foundation's report required by section 37 of the Science and
Technology Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885d; Public Law
96-516).
SEC. 215. POLICIES FOR REVIEW OF FEDERAL RESEARCH GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy, in collaboration with the Director of the
National Science Foundation, shall identify information and
best practices useful for educating program officers and
members of standing peer review committees at Federal science
agencies about--
(1) research on implicit bias based on gender, race,
or ethnicity; and
(2) methods to minimize the effect of such bias in
the review of extramural and intramural Federal
research grants.
(b) Guidance to All Federal Science Agencies.--The Director
of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall
disseminate the information and best practices identified in
subsection (a) to all Federal science agencies and provide
guidance as necessary on policies to implement such practices
within each agency.
(c) Establishment of Policies.--Consistent with the guidance
provided in subsection (b), Federal science agencies shall
maintain or develop and implement policies and practices to
minimize the effects of implicit bias in the review of
extramural and intramural Federal research grants.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall report to Congress on what
steps all Federal science agencies have taken to implement
policies and practices to minimize the effects of bias in the
review of extramural and intramural Federal research grants.
SEC. 216. COLLECTION OF DATA ON DEMOGRAPHICS OF FACULTY.
(a) Collection of Data.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, and at least every 5
years thereafter, the Director of the National Science
Foundation shall carry out a survey to collect
institution-level data on the demographics of STEM
faculty, by broad fields of STEM, at different types of
institutions of higher education.
(2) Considerations.--To the extent practicable, the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall
consider, by gender, race, ethnicity, citizenship
status, age, and years since completion of doctoral
degree--
(A) the number and percentage of faculty;
(B) the number and percentage of faculty at
each rank;
(C) the number and percentage of faculty who
are in nontenure-track positions, including
teaching and research;
(D) the number and percentage of faculty who
are reviewed for promotion, including tenure,
and the percentage of that number who are
promoted, including being awarded tenure;
(E) faculty years in rank;
(F) the number and percentage of faculty to
leave tenure-track positions;
(G) the number and percentage of faculty
hired, by rank; and
(H) the number and percentage of faculty in
leadership positions.
(b) Existing Surveys.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation--
(1) may carry out the requirements under subsection
(a) by collaborating with statistical centers at other
Federal agencies to modify or expand, as necessary,
existing Federal surveys of higher education; or
(2) may award a grant or contract to an institution
of higher education or other nonprofit organization to
design and carry out the requirements under subsection
(a).
(c) Reporting Data.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall publish statistical summary data collected
under this section, including as part of the National Science
Foundation's report required by section 37 of the Science and
Technology Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885d; Public Law
96-516).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2018 to develop and carry out the initial survey required in
subsection (a).
SEC. 217. CULTURAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS TO EXPANDING THE ACADEMIC
AND FEDERAL STEM WORKFORCE.
(a) Best Practices at Institutions of Higher Education.--
(1) Development of guidance.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director
of the National Science Foundation shall develop
written guidance for institutions of higher education
on the best practices for--
(A) conducting periodic campus culture
surveys of STEM departments, with a particular
focus on identifying any cultural or
institutional barriers to or successful
enablers for the recruitment, retention,
promotion, and other indicators of
participation and achievement, of women and
underrepresented minorities in STEM degree
programs and academic STEM careers; and
(B) providing educational opportunities,
including workshops as described in subsection
(c), for STEM faculty and administrators to
learn about current research on implicit bias
in recruitment, evaluation, and promotion of
faculty in STEM and recruitment and evaluation
of undergraduate and graduate students in STEM
degree programs.
(2) Existing guidance.--In developing the guidance in
paragraph (1), the Director of the National Science
Foundation shall utilize guidance already developed by
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
Department of Energy, and the Department of Education.
(3) Dissemination of guidance.--The Director of the
National Science Foundation shall broadly disseminate
the guidance developed in paragraph (1) to institutions
of higher education that receive Federal research
funding.
(4) Reports to the national science foundation.--The
Director of the National Science Foundation shall
develop a policy that--
(A) applies to, at a minimum, the
institutions classified under the Indiana
University Center for Postsecondary Research
Carnegie Classification on January 1, 2015, as
a doctorate-granting university with a very
high level of research activity; and
(B) requires each institution identified in
subparagraph (A), not later than 3 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, to report to
the Director of the National Science Foundation
on activities and policies developed and
implemented based on the guidance provided in
paragraph (1).
(b) Best Practices at Federal Laboratories.--
(1) Development of guidance.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director
of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall
develop written guidance for Federal laboratories to
develop and implement practices and policies to--
(A) conduct periodic laboratorywide culture
surveys of research personnel at all levels,
with a particular focus on identifying any
cultural or institutional barriers to the
recruitment, retention, and success of women
and underrepresented minorities in STEM careers
at Federal laboratories; and
(B) provide educational opportunities,
including workshops as described in subsection
(c), for STEM research personnel to learn about
current research in implicit bias in
recruitment, evaluation, and promotion of
research personnel at Federal laboratories.
(2) Establishment of policies.--Consistent with the
guidance provided in paragraph (1), Federal science
agencies with Federal laboratories shall maintain or
develop and implement policies for their respective
Federal laboratories.
(c) Workshops To Address Cultural Barriers To Expanding the
Academic and Federal STEM Workforce.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the
National Science Foundation shall recommend a uniform
policy for Federal science agencies to carry out a
program of workshops that educate STEM department
chairs at institutions of higher education, senior
managers at Federal laboratories, and other federally
funded researchers about methods that minimize the
effects of implicit bias in the career advancement,
including hiring, tenure, promotion, and selection for
any honor based in part on the recipient's research
record, of academic and Federal STEM researchers.
(2) Interagency coordination.--The Director of the
National Science Foundation shall ensure that workshops
supported under this subsection are coordinated across
Federal science agencies and jointly supported as
appropriate.
(3) Minimizing costs.--To the extent practicable,
workshops shall be held in conjunction with national or
regional STEM disciplinary meetings to minimize costs
associated with participant travel.
(4) Priority fields for academic participants.--In
considering the participation of STEM department chairs
and other academic researchers, the Director of the
National Science Foundation shall prioritize workshops
for the broad fields of STEM in which the national rate
of representation of women among tenured or tenure-
track faculty or non-faculty researchers at doctorate-
granting institutions of higher education is less than
25 percent, according to the most recent data available
from the National Center for Science and Engineering
Statistics.
(5) Organizations eligible to carry out workshops.--
Federal science agencies may carry out the program of
workshops under this subsection by making grants to
eligible organizations. In addition to any other
organizations made eligible by the Federal science
agencies, the following organizations are eligible for
grants under this subsection:
(A) Nonprofit scientific and professional
societies and organizations that represent one
or more STEM disciplines.
(B) Nonprofit organizations that have the
primary mission of advancing the participation
of women or underrepresented minorities in
STEM.
(6) Characteristics of workshops.--The workshops
shall have the following characteristics:
(A) Invitees to workshops shall include at
least--
(i) the chairs of departments in the
relevant STEM discipline or disciplines
from at least the top 50 institutions
of higher education, as determined by
the amount of Federal research and
development funds obligated to each
institution of higher education in the
prior year based on data available from
the National Science Foundation; and
(ii) in the case of Federal
laboratories, individuals with
personnel management responsibilities
comparable to those of an institution
of higher education department chair.
(B) Activities at the workshops shall include
research presentations and interactive
discussions or other activities that increase
the awareness of the existence of implicit bias
in recruitment, hiring, tenure review,
promotion, and other forms of formal
recognition of individual achievement for
faculty and other federally funded STEM
researchers and shall provide strategies to
overcome such bias.
(C) Research presentations and other workshop
programs, as appropriate, shall include a
discussion of the unique challenges faced by
underrepresented subgroups, including minority
women, minority men, and first generation
minority graduates in research.
(D) Workshop programs shall include
information on best practices for mentoring
undergraduate and graduate women and
underrepresented minority students.
(7) Data on workshops.--Any proposal for funding by
an organization seeking to carry out a workshop under
this subsection shall include a description of how such
organization will--
(A) collect data on the rates of attendance
by invitees in workshops, including information
on the home institution and department of
attendees, and the rank of faculty attendees;
(B) conduct attitudinal surveys on workshop
attendees before and after the workshops; and
(C) collect follow-up data on any relevant
institutional policy or practice changes
reported by attendees not later than 1 year
after attendance in such a workshop.
(8) Report to nsf.--Organizations receiving funding
to carry out workshops under this subsection shall
report the data required in paragraph (7) to the
Director of the National Science Foundation in such
form as required by such Director.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 4 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National
Science Foundation shall submit a report to Congress that
includes--
(1) a summary and analysis of the types and frequency
of activities and policies developed and carried out
under subsection (a) based on the reports submitted
under paragraph (4) of such subsection; and
(2) a description and evaluation of the status and
effectiveness of the program of workshops required
under subsection (c), including a summary of any data
reported under paragraph (8) of such subsection.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2020 to carry out this section.
SEC. 218. RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION AT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE
FOUNDATION.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall award research grants and carry out
dissemination activities consistent with the purposes of this
subtitle, including--
(1) research grants to analyze the record-level data
collected under section 214 and section 216, consistent
with policies to ensure the privacy of individuals
identifiable by such data;
(2) research grants to study best practices for work-
life accommodation;
(3) research grants to study the impact of policies
and practices that are implemented under this subtitle
or that are otherwise consistent with the purposes of
this subtitle;
(4) collaboration with other Federal science agencies
and professional associations to exchange best
practices, harmonize work-life accommodation policies
and practices, and overcome common barriers to work-
life accommodation; and
(5) collaboration with institutions of higher
education in order to clarify and catalyze the adoption
of a coherent and consistent set of work-life
accommodation policies and practices.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2020 to carry out this section.
SEC. 219. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall submit a report to Congress that includes--
(1) a description and evaluation of the status and
usage of caregiver policies at all Federal science
agencies, including any recommendations for revising or
expanding such policies;
(2) a description of any significant updates to the
policies for review of Federal research grants required
under section 215, and any evidence of the impact of
such policies on the review or awarding of Federal
research grants; and
(3) a description and evaluation of the status of
Federal laboratory policies and practices required
under section 217(b), including any recommendations for
revising or expanding such policies.
SEC. 220. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SUPPORT FOR INCREASING DIVERSITY
AMONG STEM FACULTY AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION.
(a) Grants.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall award grants to institutions of higher education (or
consortia thereof) for the development of innovative reform
efforts designed to increase the recruitment, retention, and
advancement of individuals from underrepresented minority
groups in academic STEM careers.
(b) Merit Review; Competition.--Grants shall be awarded under
this section on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis.
(c) Use of Funds.--Activities supported by grants under this
section may include--
(1) institutional assessment activities, such as data
analyses and policy review, in order to identify and
address specific issues in the recruitment, retention,
and advancement of faculty members from
underrepresented minority groups;
(2) implementation of institution-wide improvements
in workload distribution, such that faculty members
from underrepresented minority groups are not
disadvantaged in the amount of time available to focus
on research, publishing papers, and engaging in other
activities required to achieve tenure status and run a
productive research program;
(3) development and implementation of training
courses for administrators and search committee members
to ensure that candidates from underrepresented
minority groups are not subject to implicit biases in
the search and hiring process;
(4) development and hosting of intra- or inter-
institutional workshops to propagate best practices in
recruiting, retaining, and advancing faculty members
from underrepresented minority groups;
(5) professional development opportunities for
faculty members from underrepresented minority groups;
(6) activities aimed at making undergraduate STEM
students from underrepresented minority groups aware of
opportunities for academic careers in STEM fields;
(7) activities to identify and engage exceptional
graduate students from underrepresented minority groups
at various stages of their studies and to encourage
them to enter academic careers; and
(8) other activities consistent with subsection (a),
as determined by the Director of the National Science
Foundation.
(d) Selection Process.--
(1) Application.--An institution of higher education
(or consortia thereof) seeking funding under this
section shall submit an application to the Director of
the National Science Foundation at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information and assurances
as such Director may require. The application shall
include, at a minimum, a description of--
(A) the reform effort that is being proposed
for implementation by the institution of higher
education;
(B) any available evidence of specific
difficulties in the recruitment, retention, and
advancement of faculty members from
underrepresented minority groups in STEM
academic careers within the institution of
higher education submitting an application, and
how the proposed reform effort would address
such issues;
(C) how the institution of higher education
submitting an application plans to sustain the
proposed reform effort beyond the duration of
the grant; and
(D) how the success and effectiveness of the
proposed reform effort will be evaluated and
assessed in order to contribute to the national
knowledge base about models for catalyzing
institutional change.
(2) Review of applications.--In selecting grant
recipients under this section, the Director of the
National Science Foundation shall consider, at a
minimum--
(A) the likelihood of success in undertaking
the proposed reform effort at the institution
of higher education submitting the application,
including the extent to which the
administrators of the institution are committed
to making the proposed reform effort a
priority;
(B) the degree to which the proposed reform
effort will contribute to change in
institutional culture and policy such that
greater value is placed on the recruitment,
retention, and advancement of faculty members
from underrepresented minority groups;
(C) the likelihood that the institution of
higher education will sustain or expand the
proposed reform effort beyond the period of the
grant; and
(D) the degree to which evaluation and
assessment plans are included in the design of
the proposed reform effort.
(3) Grant distribution.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation shall ensure, to the extent
practicable, that grants awarded under this section are
made to a variety of types of institutions of higher
education.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2020 to carry out this section.
SEC. 221. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SUPPORT FOR BROADENING
PARTICIPATION IN UNDERGRADUATE STEM EDUCATION.
(a) Grants.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall award grants to institutions of higher education (or
consortia thereof) to implement or expand research-based
reforms in undergraduate STEM education for the purpose of
recruiting and retaining students from minority groups who are
underrepresented in STEM fields, with a priority focus on
natural science and engineering fields.
(b) Merit Review; Competition.--Grants shall be awarded under
this section on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis.
(c) Use of Funds.--Activities supported by grants under this
section may include--
(1) implementation or expansion of innovative,
research-based approaches to broaden participation of
underrepresented minority groups in STEM fields;
(2) implementation or expansion of bridge, cohort,
tutoring, or mentoring programs designed to enhance the
recruitment and retention of students from
underrepresented minority groups in STEM fields;
(3) implementation or expansion of outreach programs
linking institutions of higher education and K-12
school systems in order to heighten awareness among
pre-college students from underrepresented minority
groups of opportunities in college-level STEM fields
and STEM careers;
(4) implementation or expansion of faculty
development programs focused on improving retention of
undergraduate STEM students from underrepresented
minority groups;
(5) implementation or expansion of mechanisms
designed to recognize and reward faculty members who
demonstrate a commitment to increasing the
participation of students from underrepresented
minority groups in STEM fields;
(6) expansion of successful reforms aimed at
increasing the number of STEM students from
underrepresented minority groups beyond a single course
or group of courses to achieve reform within an entire
academic unit, or expansion of successful reform
efforts beyond a single academic unit to other STEM
academic units within an institution of higher
education;
(7) expansion of opportunities for students from
underrepresented minority groups to conduct STEM
research in industry, at Federal laboratories, and at
international research institutions or research sites;
(8) provision of stipends for students from
underrepresented minority groups participating in
research;
(9) development of research collaborations between
research-intensive universities and primarily
undergraduate minority-serving institutions;
(10) support for graduate students and postdoctoral
fellows from underrepresented minority groups to
participate in instructional or assessment activities
at primarily undergraduate institutions, including
primarily undergraduate minority-serving institutions
and two-year institutions of higher education; and
(11) other activities consistent with subsection (a),
as determined by the Director of the National Science
Foundation.
(d) Selection Process.--
(1) Application.--An institution of higher education
(or consortium thereof) seeking a grant under this
section shall submit an application to the Director of
the National Science Foundation at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information and assurances
as such Director may require. The application shall
include, at a minimum--
(A) a description of the proposed reform
effort;
(B) a description of the research findings
that will serve as the basis for the proposed
reform effort or, in the case of applications
that propose an expansion of a previously
implemented reform, a description of the
previously implemented reform effort, including
data about the recruitment, retention, and
academic achievement of students from
underrepresented minority groups;
(C) evidence of an institutional commitment
to, and support for, the proposed reform
effort, including a long-term commitment to
implement successful strategies from the
current reform beyond the academic unit or
units included in the grant proposal;
(D) a description of existing or planned
institutional policies and practices regarding
faculty hiring, promotion, tenure, and teaching
assignment that reward faculty contributions to
improving the education of students from
underrepresented minority groups in STEM; and
(E) how the success and effectiveness of the
proposed reform effort will be evaluated and
assessed in order to contribute to the national
knowledge base about models for catalyzing
institutional change.
(2) Review of applications.--In selecting grant
recipients under this section, the Director of the
National Science Foundation shall consider, at a
minimum--
(A) the likelihood of success of the proposed
reform effort at the institution submitting the
application, including the extent to which the
faculty, staff, and administrators of the
institution are committed to making the
proposed institutional reform a priority of the
participating academic unit or units;
(B) the degree to which the proposed reform
effort will contribute to change in
institutional culture and policy such that
greater value is placed on faculty engagement
in the retention of students from
underrepresented minority groups;
(C) the likelihood that the institution will
sustain or expand the proposed reform effort
beyond the period of the grant; and
(D) the degree to which evaluation and
assessment plans are included in the design of
the proposed reform effort.
(3) Priority.--For applications that include an
expansion of existing reforms beyond a single academic
unit, the Director of the National Science Foundation
shall give priority to applications for which a senior
institutional administrator, such as a dean or other
administrator of equal or higher rank, serves as the
principal investigator.
(4) Grant distribution.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation shall ensure, to the extent
practicable, that grants awarded under this section are
made to a variety of types of institutions of higher
education, including two-year and minority-serving
institutions of higher education.
(e) Education Research.--
(1) In general.--All grants made under this section
shall include an education research component that will
support the design and implementation of a system for
data collection and evaluation of proposed reform
efforts in order to build the knowledge base on
promising models for increasing recruitment and
retention of students from underrepresented minority
groups in STEM education at the undergraduate level
across a diverse set of institutions.
(2) Dissemination.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation shall coordinate with relevant
Federal agencies in disseminating the results of the
research under this subsection to ensure that best
practices in broadening participation in STEM education
at the undergraduate level are made readily available
to all institutions of higher education, other Federal
agencies that support STEM programs, non-Federal
funders of STEM education, and the general public.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to the Director of the National Science
Foundation $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through
2020 to carry out this section.
SEC. 222. DEFINITIONS.
(a) This Subtitle.--In this subtitle:
(1) Federal laboratory.--The term ``Federal
laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section
4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703).
(2) Federal science agency.--The term ``Federal
science agency'' means any Federal agency with at least
$100,000,000 in research and development expenditures
in fiscal year 2014.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning
given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(4) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics, including
other academic subjects that build on these disciplines
such as computer science.
(b) National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002.--
Section 4 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act
of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n note) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (16) as paragraph
(17); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (15) the following
new paragraph:
``(16) STEM.--The term `STEM' means science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics, including
other academic subjects that build on these disciplines
such as computer science.''.
TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Subtitle A--General Provisions
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2016.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Foundation $7,723,550,000 for
fiscal year 2016.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
under paragraph (1)--
(A) $6,186,300,000 shall be made available
for research and related activities;
(B) $962,570,000 shall be made available for
education and human resources;
(C) $200,310,000 shall be made available for
major research equipment and facilities
construction;
(D) $354,840,000 shall be made available for
agency operations and award management;
(E) $4,370,000 shall be made available for
the Office of the National Science Board,
including salaries and compensation for members
of the Board and staff appointed under section
4 of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863), travel and training
costs for members of the Board and such staff,
general and Board operating expenses,
representational expenses for the Board,
honorary awards made by the Board, Board
reports (other than the report entitled
``Science and Engineering Indicators''), and
contracts; and
(F) $15,160,000 shall be made available for
the Office of Inspector General.
(b) Fiscal Year 2017.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Foundation $8,099,010,000 for
fiscal year 2017.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
under paragraph (1)--
(A) $6,495,620,000 shall be made available
for research and related activities;
(B) $1,010,700,000 shall be made available
for education and human resources;
(C) $200,000,000 shall be made available for
major research equipment and facilities
construction;
(D) $372,580,000 shall be made available for
agency operations and award management;
(E) $4,500,000 shall be made available for
the Office of the National Science Board,
including salaries and compensation for members
of the Board and staff appointed under section
4 of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863), travel and training
costs for members of the Board and such staff,
general and Board operating expenses,
representational expenses for the Board,
honorary awards made by the Board, Board
reports (other than the report entitled
``Science and Engineering Indicators''), and
contracts; and
(F) $15,610,000 shall be made available for
the Office of Inspector General.
(c) Fiscal Year 2018.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Foundation $8,493,560,000 for
fiscal year 2018.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
under paragraph (1)--
(A) $6,820,400,000 shall be made available
for research and related activities;
(B) $1,061,230,000 shall be made available
for education and human resources;
(C) $200,000,000 shall be made available for
major research equipment and facilities
construction;
(D) $391,210,000 shall be made available for
agency operations and award management;
(E) $4,640,000 shall be made available for
the Office of the National Science Board,
including salaries and compensation for members
of the Board and staff appointed under section
4 of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863), travel and training
costs for members of the Board and such staff,
general and Board operating expenses,
representational expenses for the Board,
honorary awards made by the Board, Board
reports (other than the report entitled
``Science and Engineering Indicators''), and
contracts; and
(F) $16,080,000 shall be made available for
the Office of Inspector General.
(d) Fiscal Year 2019.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Foundation $8,907,820,000 for
fiscal year 2019.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
under paragraph (1)--
(A) $7,161,420,000 shall be made available
for research and related activities;
(B) $1,114,300,000 shall be made available
for education and human resources;
(C) $200,000,000 shall be made available for
major research equipment and facilities
construction;
(D) $410,770,000 shall be made available for
agency operations and award management;
(E) $4,780,000 shall be made available for
the Office of the National Science Board,
including salaries and compensation for members
of the Board and staff appointed under section
4 of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863), travel and training
costs for members of the Board and such staff,
general and Board operating expenses,
representational expenses for the Board,
honorary awards made by the Board, Board
reports (other than the report entitled
``Science and Engineering Indicators''), and
contracts; and
(F) $16,570,000 shall be made available for
the Office of Inspector General.
(e) Fiscal Year 2020.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Foundation $9,342,790,000 for
fiscal year 2020.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
under paragraph (1)--
(A) $7,519,490,000 shall be made available
for research and related activities;
(B) $1,170,010,000 shall be made available
for education and human resources;
(C) $200,000,000 shall be made available for
major research equipment and facilities
construction;
(D) $431,310,000 shall be made available for
agency operations and award management;
(E) $4,920,000 shall be made available for
the Office of the National Science Board,
including salaries and compensation for members
of the Board and staff appointed under section
4 of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863), travel and training
costs for members of the Board and such staff,
general and Board operating expenses,
representational expenses for the Board,
honorary awards made by the Board, Board
reports (other than the report entitled
``Science and Engineering Indicators''), and
contracts; and
(F) $17,060,000 shall be made available for
the Office of Inspector General.
SEC. 302. FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SUPPORT FOR ALL FIELDS OF
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that the Foundation's
investments in social, behavioral, and economic research have
addressed challenges, including--
(1) in medicine, matching organ donors to patients,
leading to a dramatic growth in paired kidney
transplants;
(2) in policing, implementing predictive models that
help to yield significant reductions in crime;
(3) in resource allocation, developing the theories
underlying the Federal Communications Commission
spectrum auction, which has generated over
$60,000,000,000 in revenue;
(4) in disaster preparation and recovery, identifying
barriers to effective disaster evacuation strategies;
(5) in national defense, assisting United States
troops in cross-cultural communication and in
identifying threats; and
(6) in areas such as economics, education,
cybersecurity, transportation, and national defense,
supporting informed decisionmaking in foreign and
domestic policy.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that in
order to achieve its mission ``to promote the progress of
science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and
welfare; to secure the national defense'' the Foundation must
continue to support unfettered, competitive, merit-reviewed
basic research across all fields of science and engineering,
including the social, behavioral, and economic sciences.
SEC. 303. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION MERIT REVIEW.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Foundation's Intellectual Merit and Broader
Impacts criteria remain appropriate for evaluating
grant proposals, as concluded by the 2011 National
Science Board Task Force on Merit Review;
(2) evaluating proposals on the basis of the
Foundation's Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts
criteria ensures that--
(A) proposals funded by the Foundation are of
high quality and advance scientific knowledge;
and
(B) the Foundation's overall funding
portfolio addresses societal needs through
research findings or through related
activities; and
(3) as evidenced by the Foundation's contributions to
scientific advancement, economic development, human
health, and national security, its peer review and
merit review processes have successfully identified and
funded scientifically and societally relevant research,
remain the gold standard for the world, and must be
preserved.
(b) Criteria.--The Foundation shall maintain the Intellectual
Merit and Broader Impacts criteria as the basis for evaluating
grant proposals in the merit review process.
SEC. 304. MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF LARGE FACILITIES.
(a) Large Facilities Office.--The Director shall maintain a
Large Facilities Office within the Foundation. The functions of
the Large Facilities Office shall be to support the research
directorates in the development and implementation of major
research facilities, including by--
(1) serving as the Foundation's primary resource for
all policy or process issues related to the development
and implementation of major research facilities;
(2) serving as a Foundation-wide resource on project
management, including providing expert assistance on
nonscientific and nontechnical aspects of project
planning, budgeting, implementation, management, and
oversight; and
(3) coordinating and collaborating with research
directorates to share best management practices and
lessons learned from prior projects.
(b) Oversight of Large Facilities.--The Director shall
appoint a senior agency official within the Office of the
Director whose primary responsibility is oversight of major
research facilities. The duties of this official shall
include--
(1) oversight of the development, construction, and
operation of major research facilities across the
Foundation;
(2) in collaboration with the directors of the
research directorates and other senior agency officials
as appropriate, ensuring that the requirements of
section 14(a) of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 2002 are satisfied;
(3) serving as a liaison to the National Science
Board for approval and oversight of major research
facilities; and
(4) periodically reviewing and updating as necessary
Foundation policies and guidelines for the development
and construction of major research facilities.
(c) Policies for Costing Large Facilities.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall ensure that the
Foundation's policies for developing and managing major
research facility construction costs are consistent
with the best practices described in the March 2009
General Accountability Office Report GAO-09-3SP.
(2) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to
Congress a report describing the Foundation's policies
for developing and managing major research facility
construction costs, including a description of any
aspects of the policies that diverge from the best
practices recommended in General Accountability Office
Report GAO-09-3SP.
SEC. 305. SUPPORT FOR POTENTIALLY TRANSFORMATIVE RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--The Director shall establish and
periodically update grant solicitation, merit review, and
funding policies and mechanisms designed to identify and
provide support for high-risk, high-reward basic research
proposals.
(b) Policies and Mechanisms.--Such policies and mechanisms
may include--
(1) development of solicitations specifically for
high-risk, high-reward basic research;
(2) establishment of review panels for the primary
purpose of selecting high-risk, high-reward proposals;
(3) development of guidance to standard review panels
to encourage the identification and consideration of
high-risk, high-reward proposals; and
(4) support for workshops and other conferences with
the primary purpose of identifying new opportunities
for high-risk, high-reward basic research, especially
at interdisciplinary interfaces.
(c) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term
``high-risk, high-reward basic research'' means research driven
by ideas that have the potential to radically change our
understanding of an important existing scientific or
engineering concept, or leading to the creation of a new
paradigm or field of science or engineering, and that is
characterized by its challenge to current understanding or its
pathway to new frontiers.
SEC. 306. STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) In General.--For any Foundation research grant, in an
amount greater than $5,000,000, to be carried out through a
partnership that includes one or more minority-serving
institutions or predominantly undergraduate institutions and
one or more institutions described in subsection (b), the
Director shall award funds directly, according to the budget
justification described in the grant proposal, to at least two
of the institutions of higher education in the partnership,
including at least one minority-serving institution or one
predominantly undergraduate institution, to ensure a strong and
equitable partnership.
(b) Institutions.--The institutions referred to in subsection
(a) are institutions of higher education that are among the 100
institutions receiving, over the 3-year period immediately
preceding the awarding of grants, the highest amount of
research funding from the Foundation.
(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall provide a report to
Congress on institutional research partnerships identified in
subsection (a) funded in the 2 previous fiscal years and make
any recommendations for how such partnerships can continue to
be strengthened.
SEC. 307. INNOVATION CORPS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the National Science Foundation's Innovation
Corps (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
Foundation-funded research well beyond the laboratory;
(2) the Foundation's I-Corps includes investments in
entrepreneurship and commercialization education,
training, and mentoring, ultimately leading to the
practical deployment of technologies, products,
processes, and services that improve the Nation's
competitiveness, promote economic growth, and benefit
society; and
(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.
(b) Program.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall carry out a
program to award grants for entrepreneurship and
commercialization education to Foundation-funded
researchers to increase the economic and social impact
of federally funded research.
(2) Purposes.--The purpose of the program shall be to
increase the capacity of STEM researchers and students
to successfully engage in entrepreneurial activities
and to help transition the results of federally funded
research into the marketplace by--
(A) identifying STEM research that can lead
to the practical deployment of technologies,
products, processes, and services that improve
the Nation's economic competitiveness;
(B) bringing STEM researchers and students
together with entrepreneurs, venture
capitalists, and other industry representatives
experienced in commercialization of new
technologies;
(C) supporting entrepreneurship and
commercialization education and training for
faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and
other STEM researchers; and
(D) promoting the development of regional and
national networks of entrepreneurs, venture
capitalists, and other industry representatives
who can serve as mentors to researchers and
students at Foundation-funded institutions
across the country.
(3) Additional use of funds.--Grants awarded under
this subsection may be used to help support--
(A) prototype and proof-of-concept
development for the funded project; and
(B) additional activities needed to build a
national infrastructure for STEM
entrepreneurship.
(4) Other federal agencies.--The Director may
establish agreements with other Federal agencies that
fund scientific research to make researchers funded by
those agencies eligible to participate in the
Foundation's Innovation Corps program.
SEC. 308. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this title:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the
Director of the Foundation.
(2) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the
National Science Foundation.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning
given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(4) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics, including
other academic subjects that build on these disciplines
such as computer science.
Subtitle B--STEM Education
SEC. 321. NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD REPORT ON CONSOLIDATION OF STEM
EDUCATION ACTIVITIES AT THE FOUNDATION.
(a) In General.--The National Science Board shall review and
evaluate the appropriateness of the Foundation's portfolio of
STEM education programs and activities at the pre-K-12 and
undergraduate levels, including informal education, taking into
account the mission of the Foundation and the 2013 Federal STEM
Education 5-Year Strategic Plan.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Science Board shall submit
to Congress a report summarizing their findings and including--
(1) an analysis of how well the Foundation's
portfolio of STEM education programs is contributing to
the mission of the Foundation;
(2) an analysis of how well STEM education programs
and activities are coordinated and best practices are
shared across the Foundation;
(3) an analysis of how well the Foundation's
portfolio of STEM education programs is aligned with
and contributes to priority STEM education investment
areas described in the 2013 Federal STEM Education 5-
Year Strategic Plan;
(4) any Board recommendations regarding internal
reorganization, including consolidation, of the
Foundation's STEM education programs and activities,
taking into account both the mission of the Foundation
and the 2013 Federal STEM Education 5-Year Strategic
Plan;
(5) any Board recommendations regarding the
Foundation's role in helping to implement the Federal
STEM Education 5-Year Strategic Plan, including
opportunities for the Foundation to more effectively
partner and collaborate with other Federal agencies;
and
(6) any additional Board recommendations regarding
specific management, policy, budget, or other steps the
Foundation should take to increase effectiveness and
accountability across its portfolio of STEM education
programs and activities.
SEC. 322. MODELS FOR GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT.
(a) In General.--The Director shall enter into an agreement
with the National Research Council to convene a workshop or
roundtable to examine models of Federal support for STEM
graduate students, including the Foundation's Graduate Research
Fellowship program and comparable fellowship programs at other
agencies, traineeship programs, and the research assistant
model.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the workshop or roundtable shall
be to compare and evaluate the extent to which each of these
models helps to prepare graduate students for diverse careers
utilizing STEM degrees, including at diverse types of
institutions of higher education, in industry, and at
government agencies and research laboratories, and to make
recommendations regarding--
(1) how current Federal programs and models,
including programs and models at the Foundation, can be
improved;
(2) the appropriateness of the current distribution
of funding among the different models at the Foundation
and across the agencies; and
(3) the appropriateness of creating a new education
and training program for graduate students distinct
from programs that provide direct financial support,
including the grants authorized in section 527 of the
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
1862p-15).
(c) Criteria.--At a minimum, in comparing programs and
models, the workshop or roundtable participants shall consider
the capacity of such programs or models to provide students
with knowledge and skills--
(1) to become independent, creative, successful
researchers;
(2) to participate in large interdisciplinary
research projects, including in an international
context;
(3) to adhere to the highest standards for research
ethics;
(4) to become high-quality teachers utilizing the
most currently available evidence-based pedagogy;
(5) in oral and written communication, to both
technical and nontechnical audiences;
(6) in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business
ethics; and
(7) in program management.
(d) Graduate Student Input.--The participants in the workshop
or roundtable shall include current or recent STEM graduate
students.
(e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Research Council shall
submit to Congress a summary report of the findings and
recommendations of the workshop or roundtable convened under
this section.
SEC. 323. UNDERGRADUATE STEM EDUCATION REFORM.
Section 17 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-6) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 17. UNDERGRADUATE STEM EDUCATION REFORM.
``(a) In General.--The Director, through the Directorate for
Education and Human Resources, shall award grants, on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to institutions of higher
education (or to consortia thereof) and to other eligible
nonprofit organizations to reform undergraduate STEM education
for the purpose of increasing the number and quality of
students studying toward and completing baccalaureate degrees
in STEM and improving the STEM learning outcomes for all
undergraduate students.
``(b) Interdirectorate Working Group on Undergraduate STEM
Education.--In carrying out the requirements of this section,
the Directorate for Education and Human Resources shall
collaborate and coordinate with the Research Directorates,
including through the establishment of an interdirectorate
working group on undergraduate STEM education reform, in order
to identify and implement new and expanded opportunities for
collaboration between STEM disciplinary researchers and
education researchers on the reform of undergraduate STEM
education.
``(c) Grants.--Research and development supported by grants
under this section may encompass a single discipline, multiple
disciplines, or interdisciplinary education at the
undergraduate level, and may include--
``(1) research foundational to the improvement of
teaching, learning, and retention;
``(2) development, implementation, and assessment of
innovative, research-based approaches to transforming
teaching, learning, and retention; and
``(3) scaling of successful efforts on learning and
learning environments, broadening participation,
workforce preparation, employing emerging technologies,
or other reforms in STEM education, including expansion
of successful STEM reform efforts beyond a single
course or group of courses to achieve reform within an
entire academic unit, or expansion of successful reform
efforts beyond a single academic unit to other STEM
academic units within an institution or to comparable
academic units at other institutions.
``(d) Selection Process.--
``(1) Applications.--An institution of higher
education or other eligible nonprofit organization
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. In addition to a description of the
proposed research, development, or scaling effort,
including a description of the research findings that
will serve as the basis for the proposed effort,
applications shall include, at a minimum--
``(A) evidence of institutional support for,
and commitment to, the proposed effort,
including long-term commitment to implement and
scale successful strategies resulting from the
current effort;
``(B) a description of existing or planned
institutional policies and practices regarding
faculty hiring, promotion, tenure, and teaching
assignment that reward faculty contributions to
undergraduate STEM education; and
``(C) a description of the plans for
assessment and evaluation of the effort,
including evidence of participation by
individuals with experience in assessment and
evaluation of teaching and learning programs.
``(2) Review of applications.--In selecting grant
recipients for funding under this section, the Director
shall consider, as appropriate to the scale of the
proposed effort--
``(A) the likelihood of success in
undertaking the proposed effort at the
institution submitting the application,
including the extent to which the faculty,
staff, and administrators of the institution
are committed to making undergraduate STEM
education reform a priority of the
participating academic unit or units;
``(B) the degree to which the proposed effort
will contribute to change in institutional
culture and policy such that a greater value is
placed on faculty engagement in undergraduate
education;
``(C) the likelihood that the institution
will sustain or expand the effort beyond the
period of the grant; and
``(D) the degree to which the proposed effort
will contribute to the systematic accumulation
of knowledge on STEM education.
``(3) Priority.--The Director shall give priority to
proposals focused on the first 2 years of undergraduate
education, including STEM education at 2-year
institutions of higher education.
``(4) Grant distribution.--The Director shall ensure,
to the extent practicable, that grants awarded under
this section are made to a variety of types of
institutions of higher education.''.
SEC. 324. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING EDUCATION.
Section 506(b) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-1(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Advanced Manufacturing Education.--The Director shall
award grants, on a competitive, merit reviewed basis, to
community colleges for the development and implementation of
innovative advanced manufacturing education reforms to ensure
an adequate and well-trained advanced manufacturing workforce.
Activities supported by grants under this subsection may
include--
``(1) the development or expansion of educational
materials, courses, curricula, strategies, and methods
that will lead to improved advanced manufacturing
degree or certification programs, including the
integration of industry standards and workplace
competencies into the curriculum;
``(2) the development and implementation of faculty
professional development programs that enhance a
faculty member's capabilities and teaching skills in
advanced manufacturing, including efforts to understand
current advanced manufacturing technologies and
practices;
``(3) the establishment of centers that provide
models and leadership in advanced manufacturing
education and serve as regional or national
clearinghouses for educational materials and methods,
including in rural areas;
``(4) activities to enhance the recruitment and
retention of students into certification and degree
programs in advanced manufacturing, including the
provision of improved mentoring and internship
opportunities;
``(5) the establishment of partnerships with private
sector entities to ensure the development of an
advanced manufacturing workforce with the skills
necessary to meet regional economic needs; and
``(6) other activities as determined appropriate by
the Director.''.
SEC. 325. STEM EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS.
Section 9 of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``MATHEMATICS
AND SCIENCE'' and inserting ``STEM'';
(2) by striking ``mathematics and science'' each
place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and
inserting ``STEM'';
(3) by striking ``mathematics or science'' each place
it appears in subsection (a)(3) and (4)(A) and
inserting ``STEM'';
(4) by striking ``mathematics, science, or
engineering'' in subsection (a)(2)(B) and inserting
``STEM'';
(5) by striking ``mathematics, science, and
technology'' in subsection (a)(3)(B)(ii)(II) and (8)
and inserting ``STEM'';
(6) by striking ``professional mathematicians,
scientists, and engineers'' in subsection (a)(3)(F) and
inserting ``STEM professionals'';
(7) by striking ``mathematicians, scientists, and
engineers'' in subsection (a)(3)(J) and (M) and
inserting ``STEM professionals'';
(8) by striking ``scientists, technologists,
engineers, or mathematicians'' in subsection (a)(8) and
inserting ``STEM professionals'';
(9) by striking ``science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics'' each place it appears in subsection
(a)(3)(K) and (10) and inserting ``STEM'';
(10) by striking ``science, technology, engineering,
or mathematics'' in subsection (a)(10)(A)(ii)(II) and
inserting ``STEM'';
(11) by striking ``science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology'' each place it appears in subsection
(a)(5) and inserting ``STEM'';
(12) by striking ``science, mathematics, engineering,
or technology'' in subsection (a)(5) and inserting
``STEM'';
(13) by striking ``mathematics, science, engineering,
and technology'' in subsection (b)(1) and (2) and
inserting ``STEM''; and
(14) by striking subsection (d).
SEC. 326. NOYCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AMENDMENTS.
Section 10A of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n-1a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by inserting ``or
bachelor's'' after ``master's'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of
paragraph (2)(B);
(B) in paragraph (3), by--
(i) inserting ``for teachers with
master's degrees in their field'' after
``Teaching Fellowships''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the
end of subparagraph (B) and inserting
``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(4) in the case of National Science Foundation
Master Teaching Fellowships for teachers with
bachelor's degrees in their field--
``(A) offering academic courses leading to a
master's degree and leadership training to
prepare individuals to become master teachers
in elementary and secondary schools; and
``(B) offering programs both during and after
matriculation in the program for which the
fellowship is received to enable fellows to
become highly effective mathematics and science
teachers, including mentoring, training,
induction, and professional development
activities, to fulfill the service requirements
of this section, including the requirements of
subsection (e), and to exchange ideas with
others in their fields.'';
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection (g)''
and inserting ``subsection (h)''; and
(4) by adding after subsection (f) the following new
subsection:
``(g) Support for Master Teaching Fellows While Enrolled in a
Master's Degree Program.--A National Science Foundation Master
Teacher Fellow may receive a maximum of 1 year of fellowship
support while enrolled in a master's degree program as
described in subsection (c)(4)(A), except that if such fellow
is enrolled in a part-time program, such amount shall be
prorated according to the length of the program.''.
SEC. 327. INFORMAL STEM EDUCATION.
(a) Grants.--The Director, through the Directorate for
Education and Human Resources, shall continue to award
competitive, merit-reviewed grants to support--
(1) research and development of innovative out-of-
school STEM learning and emerging STEM learning
environments in order to improve STEM learning outcomes
and engagement in STEM; and
(2) research that advances the field of informal STEM
education.
(b) Uses of Funds.--Activities supported by grants under this
section may encompass a single STEM discipline, multiple STEM
disciplines, or integrative STEM initiatives and shall
include--
(1) research and development that improves our
understanding of learning and engagement in informal
environments, including the role of informal
environments in broadening participation in STEM; and
(2) design and testing of innovative STEM learning
models, programs, and other resources for informal
learning environments to improve STEM learning outcomes
and increase engagement for K-12 students, K-12
teachers, and the general public, including design and
testing of the scalability of models, programs, and
other resources.
SEC. 328. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TO SUPPORT IMPROVED K-12 LEARNING.
(a) In General.--The Director, acting through the Directorate
for Education and Human Resources, shall award competitive,
merit-reviewed grants to support research and development on
alignment, implementation, impact, and ongoing improvement of
standards and equivalent learning expectations used by States
in mathematics, science, and, as appropriate, other State-based
STEM standards.
(b) Research Areas.--In making awards under this section, the
Director shall consider proposals for research and development,
including, as appropriate, large-scale research and
development, of--
(1) resources, including virtual resources such as
web portals, for content, professional development, and
research results;
(2) teacher education and professional development;
(3) learning progressions;
(4) assessments;
(5) metrics for evaluating the impact of standards;
and
(6) other areas of research and development that are
likely to contribute to the alignment, implementation,
impact, and ongoing improvement of standards in STEM
subjects.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``National Institute of
Standards and Technology Authorization Act of 2015''.
SEC. 402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2016.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce
$1,119,700,000 for the National Institute of Standards
and Technology for fiscal year 2016.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
by paragraph (1)--
(A) $754,700,000 shall be authorized for
scientific and technical research and services
laboratory activities;
(B) $59,000,000 shall be authorized for the
construction and maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $306,000,000 shall be authorized for
industrial technology services activities, of
which--
(i) $141,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership under section 25
of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) and
the program under section 26 of such
Act (15 U.S.C. 278l), of which not more
than $20,000,000 shall be for the
competitive grant program under section
25(f) of such Act; and
(ii) $150,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Network for Manufacturing
Innovation Program established under
section 34 of such Act (15 U.S.C.
278s).
(b) Fiscal Year 2017.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce
$1,174,390,000 for the National Institute of Standards
and Technology for fiscal year 2017.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
by paragraph (1)--
(A) $792,440,000 shall be authorized for
scientific and technical research and services
laboratory activities;
(B) $61,950,000 shall be authorized for the
construction and maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $320,000,000 shall be authorized for
industrial technology services activities, of
which--
(i) $160,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership under section 25
of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) and
the program under section 26 of such
Act (15 U.S.C. 278l), of which not more
than $20,000,000 shall be for the
competitive grant program under section
25(f) of such Act; and
(ii) $150,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Network for Manufacturing
Innovation Program established under
section 34 of such Act (15 U.S.C.
278s).
(c) Fiscal Year 2018.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce
$1,207,100,000 for the National Institute of Standards
and Technology for fiscal year 2018.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
by paragraph (1)--
(A) $832,060,000 shall be authorized for
scientific and technical research and services
laboratory activities;
(B) $65,050,000 shall be authorized for the
construction and maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $310,000,000 shall be authorized for
industrial technology services activities, of
which--
(i) $160,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership under section 25
of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) and
the program under section 26 of such
Act (15 U.S.C. 278l), of which not more
than $20,000,000 shall be for the
competitive grant program under section
25(f) of such Act; and
(ii) $150,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Network for Manufacturing
Innovation Program established under
section 34 of such Act (15 U.S.C.
278s).
(d) Fiscal Year 2019.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce
$1,251,960,000 for the National Institute of Standards
and Technology for fiscal year 2019.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
by paragraph (1)--
(A) $873,660,000 shall be authorized for
scientific and technical research and services
laboratory activities;
(B) $68,300,000 shall be authorized for the
construction and maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $310,000,000 shall be authorized for
industrial technology services activities, of
which--
(i) $160,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership under section 25
of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) and
the program under section 26 of such
Act (15 U.S.C. 278l), of which not more
than $20,000,000 shall be for the
competitive grant program under section
25(f) of such Act; and
(ii) $150,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Network for Manufacturing
Innovation Program established under
section 34 of such Act (15 U.S.C.
278s).
(e) Fiscal Year 2020.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce
$1,299,060,000 for the National Institute of Standards
and Technology for fiscal year 2020.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized
by paragraph (1)--
(A) $917,340,000 shall be authorized for
scientific and technical research and services
laboratory activities;
(B) $71,710,000 shall be authorized for the
construction and maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $310,000,000 shall be authorized for
industrial technology services activities, of
which--
(i) $160,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership under section 25
of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) and
the program under section 26 of such
Act (15 U.S.C. 278l), of which not more
than $20,000,000 shall be for the
competitive grant program under section
25(f) of such Act; and
(ii) $150,000,000 shall be authorized
for the Network for Manufacturing
Innovation Program established under
section 34 of such Act (15 U.S.C.
278s).
SEC. 403. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.
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) Establishment and Purpose.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, through the
Director shall provide assistance for the creation and
support of regional manufacturing extension centers for
the transfer of manufacturing technology and best
business practices. These centers shall be known as the
`Hollings Manufacturing Extension Centers' (in this Act
referred to as the `Centers'). The program under this
section shall be known as the `Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership'.
``(2) Affiliations.--Such Centers shall be affiliated
with any United States-based public or nonprofit
institution or organization, or group thereof, that
applies for and is awarded financial assistance under
this section.
``(3) Objective.--The objective of the program is to
enhance productivity, competitiveness, and
technological performance in United States
manufacturing through--
``(A) the transfer of manufacturing
technology and techniques to Centers and,
through them, to manufacturing companies
throughout the United States;
``(B) 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;
``(C) efforts to make new manufacturing
technology and processes usable by United
States-based small and medium-sized companies;
``(D) the active dissemination of scientific,
engineering, technical, and management
information about manufacturing to industrial
firms, including small and medium-sized
manufacturing companies;
``(E) the development of new partnerships,
networks, and services that will assist small
and medium-sized manufacturing companies expand
into new markets, including global markets;
``(F) the utilization, when appropriate, of
the expertise and capability that exists in
Federal laboratories other than the Institute;
and
``(G) the provision to community colleges and
area career and technical education schools of
information about the job skills needed in
small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses
in the regions they serve.
``(b) Activities.--The activities of the Centers shall
include--
``(1) the establishment of automated manufacturing
systems and other advanced production technologies,
based on research by the Institute and other entities,
for the purpose of demonstrations and technology
transfer;
``(2) assistance to Federal agencies in supporting
United States-based manufacturing by identifying and
providing technical assistance to small and medium-
sized manufacturers to help them meet Federal agency
procurement and acquisition needs;
``(3) 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
``(4) the facilitation of collaborations and
partnerships between small and medium-sized
manufacturing companies and community colleges and area
career and technical education schools to help such
colleges and schools 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.
``(c) Financial Assistance and Requirements.--
``(1) Financial support.--The Secretary may provide
financial support to any Center created under
subsection (a) for an initial period of 5 years, which
may be renewed for an additional 5-year period. The
Secretary may provide to a Center up to 50 percent of
the capital and annual operating and maintenance funds
required to create and maintain such Center.
``(2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall implement,
review, and update the sections of the Code of Federal
Regulations related to this section at least once every
5 years.
``(3) Application.--
``(A) In general.--Any public or nonprofit
institution, or consortium thereof, may submit
to the Secretary an application for financial
support under this section, in accordance with
the procedures established by the Secretary.
``(B) Cost-sharing.--In order to receive
assistance under this section, an applicant for
financial assistance under subparagraph (A)
shall provide adequate assurances that non-
Federal assets obtained from the applicant and
the applicant's partnering organizations will
be used as a funding source to meet not less
than 50 percent of the costs incurred. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, the costs
incurred means the costs incurred in connection
with the activities undertaken to improve the
management, productivity, competitiveness, and
technological performance of small and medium-
sized manufacturing companies.
``(C) Agreements with other entities.--In
meeting the 50-percent requirement, it is
anticipated that a Center will enter into
agreements with other entities such as private
industry, institutions of higher education, and
State governments to accomplish programmatic
objectives and access new and existing
resources that will further the impact of the
Federal investment made on behalf of small and
medium-sized manufacturing companies.
``(D) Legal rights.--Each applicant under
subparagraph (A) shall submit a proposal for
the allocation of the legal rights associated
with any invention that may result from the
proposed Center's activities.
``(4) Merit review.--The Secretary shall subject each
such application to merit review. In making a decision
whether to approve such application and provide
financial support under this section, the Secretary
shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
``(A) 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.
``(B) The quality of service to be provided.
``(C) Geographical diversity and extent of
service area.
``(D) The percentage of funding and amount of
in-kind commitment from other sources.
``(5) Evaluation.--
``(A) In general.--Each Center that receives
financial assistance under this section shall
be evaluated during its third year of operation
by an evaluation panel appointed by the
Secretary.
``(B) Composition.--Each such evaluation
panel shall be composed of independent experts,
none of whom shall be connected with the
involved Center, and Federal officials.
``(C) Chair.--An official of the Institute
shall chair the panel.
``(D) Performance measurement.--Each
evaluation panel shall measure the involved
Center's performance against the objectives
specified in this section.
``(E) Positive evaluation.--If the evaluation
is positive, the Secretary may provide
continued funding through the fifth year.
``(F) Corrective action plan.--The Secretary
may not provide funding for the remaining years
of a Center's operation unless the evaluation
is positive. A Center that has not received a
positive evaluation by the evaluation panel
shall be notified by the panel of the
deficiencies in its performance and shall be
placed on a corrective action plan and provided
the opportunity to address deficiencies unless
immediate action is necessary to protect the
public interest. The program shall re-evaluate
the Center within one year and if the Center
has not addressed the deficiencies identified
by the panel, or shown a significant
improvement in its performance, the Director
shall conduct a new competition or may close
the Center.
``(G) Additional financial support.--After
the fifth year, a Center may receive additional
financial support under this section if it has
received a positive evaluation through an
independent review, under procedures
established by the Institute.
``(H) Recompetition.--If a Center has
received financial support for 10 consecutive
years, the Director shall conduct a new
competition. An existing Center may submit an
application as part of the new competition.
``(I) Recompetition plan.--Not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of the America
Competes Reauthorization Act of 2015, the
Director shall submit a plan to the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate detailing how the program will implement
the new competitions required under
subparagraph (H). The Director shall consult
with the MEP Advisory Board established under
subsection (f) in the development and
implementation of the plan.
``(6) Oversight board.--
``(A) In general.--Each Center that receives
financial assistance under this section shall
establish an oversight board that is broadly
representative of regional stakeholders with a
majority of board members drawn from local
small and medium-sized manufacturing firms.
``(B) Bylaws and conflict of interest.--Each
board under subparagraph (A) shall adopt and
submit to the Director bylaws to govern the
operation of the board, including a conflict of
interest policy to ensure relevant
relationships are disclosed and proper recusal
procedures are in place.
``(C) Limitation.--Board members may not
serve simultaneously on more than one Center's
oversight board or serve as a contractor
providing services to a Center.
``(7) Protection of confidential information.--The
Secretary shall ensure that the following are not
publically disclosed:
``(A) Confidential information on the
business operations of--
``(i) a participant under the
program; or
``(ii) a client of a Center.
``(B) Trade secrets possessed by any client
of a Center.
``(8) Patent rights.--The provisions of chapter 18 of
title 35, United States Code, shall apply, to the
extent not inconsistent with this section, to the
promotion of technology from research by Centers under
this section except for contracts for such specific
technology extension or transfer services as may be
specified by statute or by the Director.
``(d) Reporting and Auditing Requirements.--The Director
shall establish procedures regarding Center financial reporting
and auditing to ensure that awards are used for the purposes
specified in this section and are in accordance with sound
accounting practices.
``(e) Acceptance of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--In addition to such sums as may be
appropriated to the Secretary and Director to operate
the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the
Secretary and Director also may accept funds from other
Federal departments and agencies and, under section
2(c)(7), from the private sector, to be available to
the extent provided by appropriations Acts, for the
purpose of strengthening United States manufacturing.
``(2) Allocation of funds.--
``(A) Funds accepted from other federal
departments or agencies.--The Director shall
determine whether funds accepted from other
Federal departments or agencies shall be
counted in the calculation of the Federal share
of capital and annual operating and maintenance
costs under subsection (c).
``(B) Funds accepted from the private
sector.--Funds accepted from the private sector
under section 2(c)(7), if allocated to a
Center, may not be considered in the
calculation of the Federal share under
subsection (c) of this section.
``(f) MEP Advisory Board.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the
Institute a Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Advisory Board (in this subsection referred to as the
`MEP Advisory Board').
``(2) Membership.--
``(A) In general.--The MEP Advisory Board
shall consist of not fewer than 10 members
broadly representative of stakeholders, to be
appointed by the Director. At least 2 members
shall be employed by or on an advisory board
for the Centers, at least 1 member shall
represent a community college, and at least 5
other members shall be from United States small
businesses in the manufacturing sector. No
member shall be an employee of the Federal
Government.
``(B) Term.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (C) or (D), the term of office of
each member of the MEP Advisory Board shall be
3 years.
``(C) 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 two consecutive full terms of
service on the MEP Advisory Board shall
thereafter be ineligible for appointment during
the one-year period following the expiration of
the second such term.
``(3) Meetings.--The MEP Advisory Board shall meet
not less than 2 times annually and shall provide to the
Director--
``(A) advice on Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership programs, plans, and
policies;
``(B) assessments of the soundness of
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership
plans and strategies; and
``(C) assessments of current performance
against Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership program plans.
``(4) Federal advisory committee act 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.
``(B) Exception.--Section 14 of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the
MEP Advisory Board.
``(5) Report.--The MEP Advisory Board shall transmit
an annual report to the Secretary for transmittal to
Congress within 30 days after the submission to
Congress of the President's annual budget request in
each year. Such report shall address the status of the
program established pursuant to this section and
comment on the relevant sections of the programmatic
planning document and updates thereto transmitted to
Congress by the Director under subsections (c) and (d)
of section 23.
``(g) Competitive Grant Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Director shall establish,
within the Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership, a program of competitive awards among
participants described in paragraph (2) for the
purposes described in paragraph (3).
``(2) Participants.--Participants receiving awards
under this subsection shall be the Centers, or a
consortium of such Centers.
``(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the program under this
subsection is to 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, and small and medium-sized manufacturers.
``(4) Themes.--One or more themes for the competition
may be identified, which may vary from year to year,
depending on the needs of manufacturers and the success
of previous competitions. These themes may include--
``(A) supply chain integration and quality
management;
``(B) the creation of partnerships to
encourage the development of a workforce with
the skills necessary to meet the needs of a
region, including the creation of
apprenticeship opportunities and the adoption
of universally recognized credential programs,
as appropriate;
``(C) energy efficiency, including efficient
building technologies and environmentally
friendly materials, products, and processes;
``(D) enhancing the competitiveness of small
and medium-sized manufacturers in the global
marketplace;
``(E) the transfer of technology based on the
technological needs of manufacturers and
available technologies from institutions of
higher education, laboratories, and other
technology producing entities; and
``(F) areas that extend beyond traditional
areas of manufacturing extension activities,
including projects related to construction
industry modernization.
``(5) Reimbursement.--Centers may be reimbursed for
costs incurred under the program under this subsection.
``(6) Applications.--Applications for awards under
this subsection shall be submitted in such manner, at
such time, and containing such information as the
Director shall require, in consultation with the MEP
Advisory Board.
``(7) Selection.--Awards under this subsection shall
be peer reviewed and competitively awarded. The
Director shall endeavor to have broad geographic
diversity among selected proposals. The Director shall
select proposals to receive awards that will--
``(A) utilize innovative or collaborative
approaches to solving the problem described in
the competition;
``(B) improve the competitiveness of
industries in the region in which the Center or
Centers are located; and
``(C) contribute to the long-term economic
stability of that region, including the
creation of jobs or training employees.
``(8) Program contribution.--Recipients of awards
under this subsection shall not be required to provide
a matching contribution.
``(9) Duration.--Awards under this subsection shall
last no longer than 5 years.
``(h) Innovative Services Initiative.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Director, in coordination
with the Advanced Manufacturing Office of the
Department of Energy, shall establish, within the
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, an
innovative services initiative to assist small and
medium-sized manufacturers in--
``(A) reducing their energy usage, greenhouse
gas emissions, and environmental waste to
improve profitability;
``(B) accelerating the domestic
commercialization of new product technologies,
including components for renewable energy and
energy efficiency systems; and
``(C) identifying and diversifying to new
markets, including support for transitioning to
the production of components for renewable
energy and energy efficiency systems.
``(2) Market demand.--The Director may not undertake
any activity to accelerate the domestic
commercialization of a new product technology under
this subsection unless an analysis of market demand for
the new product technology has been conducted.
``(i) Export Assistance to Small and Medium-sized
Manufacturers.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall--
``(A) evaluate obstacles that are unique to
small and medium-sized manufacturers that
prevent such manufacturers from effectively
competing in the global market;
``(B) implement a comprehensive export
assistance initiative through the Centers to
help small and medium-sized manufacturers
address such obstacles; and
``(C) to the maximum extent practicable,
ensure that the activities carried out under
this subsection are coordinated with, and do
not duplicate the efforts of, other export
assistance programs within the Federal
Government.
``(2) Requirements.--The initiative shall include--
``(A) export assistance counseling;
``(B) the development of partnerships that
will provide small and medium-sized
manufacturers with greater access to and
knowledge of global markets; and
``(C) improved communication between the
Centers to assist such manufacturers in
implementing appropriate, targeted solutions to
such obstacles.
``(j) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Area career and technical education school.--
The term `area career and technical education school'
has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education
Improvement Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(2) 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.''.
SEC. 404. NATIONAL ACADEMIES REVIEW.
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology shall enter into a contract with the National
Academies to conduct a single, comprehensive review of the
Institute's laboratory programs. The review shall--
(1) assess the technical merits and scientific
caliber of the research conducted at the laboratories;
(2) examine the strengths and weaknesses of the 2010
laboratory reorganization on the Institute's ability to
fulfill its mission;
(3) evaluate how cross-cutting research and
development activities are planned, coordinated, and
executed across the laboratories; and
(4) assess how the laboratories are engaging
industry, including the incorporation of industry need,
into the research goals and objectives of the
Institute.
SEC. 405. IMPROVING NIST COLLABORATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES.
Section 8 of the National Bureau of Standards Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 1983 (15 U.S.C. 275b) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and with''
after ``performed for''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``The
Secretary may accept, apply for, use, and spend
Federal, State, and non-governmental acquisition and
assistance funds to further the mission of the
Institute without regard to the source or the period of
availability of these funds as well as share personnel,
associates, facilities, and property with these partner
organizations, with or without reimbursement, upon
mutual agreement.''.
SEC. 406. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
(a) Functions and Activities.--Section 15 of the of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278e) is amended--
(1) by striking ``of the Government; and'' and
inserting ``of the Government;'';
(2) by striking ``transportation services for
employees of the Institute'' and inserting
``transportation services for employees, associates, or
fellows of the Institute''; and
(3) by striking ``Code.'' and inserting ``Code; and
(i) the protection of Institute buildings and other
plant facilities, equipment, and property, and of
employees, associates, visitors, or other persons
located therein or associated therewith,
notwithstanding any other provision of law.''.
(b) 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.
``The Director, in conjunction with the National Academy of
Sciences, shall establish and conduct a post-doctoral
fellowship program that shall include not less than 20 new
fellows per fiscal year. In evaluating applications for
fellowships under this section, the Director shall give
consideration to the goal of promoting the participation of
underrepresented minorities in research areas supported by the
Institute.''.
TITLE V--INNOVATION
SEC. 501. OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
Section 25 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act
of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3720) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``with a Director
and full-time staff'' after ``Office of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by amending paragraph (3) to read as
follows:
``(3) providing access to relevant data, research,
and technical assistance on innovation and
commercialization, including best practices for
university-based incubators and accelerators;'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5)
as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; and
(C) by inserting the following after
paragraph (3):
``(4) overseeing the implementation of the loan
guarantee programs and the Regional Innovation Program
established under sections 26 and 27, respectively;
``(5) developing, within 180 days after the date of
enactment of the America Competes Reauthorization Act
of 2015, and updating at least every 5 years, a
strategic plan to guide the activities of the Office of
Innovation and Entrepreneurship that shall--
``(A) specify and prioritize near-term and
long-term goals, objectives, and policies to
accelerate innovation and advance the
commercialization of research and development,
including federally funded research and
development, set forth the anticipated time for
achieving the objectives, and identify metrics
for use in assessing progress toward such
objectives;
``(B) describe how the Department of Commerce
is working in conjunction with other Federal
agencies to foster innovation and
commercialization across the United States; and
``(C) provide a summary of the activities,
including the development of metrics to
evaluate regional innovation strategies
undertaken through the Regional Innovation
Research and Information Program established
under section 27(e);'';
(3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Advisory Committee.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish
or designate an advisory committee, which shall meet at
least twice each fiscal year, to provide advice to the
Secretary on carrying out the duties and
responsibilities of the Office of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship.
``(2) Report to congress.--The advisory committee
shall prepare a report, to be submitted to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate every 3
years. The first report shall be submitted not later
than 1 year after the date of enactment of the America
Competes Reauthorization Act of 2015 and shall
include--
``(A) an assessment of the strategic plan
developed under subsection (b)(5) and the
progress made in implementing the plan and the
duties of the Office of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship;
``(B) an assessment of how the Office of
Innovation and Entrepreneurship is working with
other Federal agencies to meet the goals and
duties of the office; and
``(C) any recommendations for how the Office
of Innovation and Entrepreneurship could be
improved.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2016 through 2020 to carry out this section.''.
SEC. 502. FEDERAL LOAN GUARANTEES FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN
MANUFACTURING.
Section 26(t) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3721(t)) is amended by striking ``fiscal
years 2011 through 2013'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2016
through 2020''.
SEC. 503. INNOVATION VOUCHER PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 25 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act
of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3720) as amended by section 501 of this Act,
is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Innovation Voucher Pilot Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and in
conjunction with the States, shall establish an
innovation voucher pilot program to accelerate
innovative activities and enhance the competitiveness
of small and medium-sized manufacturers in the United
States. The pilot program shall--
``(A) foster collaborations between small and
medium-sized manufacturers and research
institutions; and
``(B) enable small and medium-sized
manufacturers to access technical expertise and
capabilities that will lead to the development
of innovative products or manufacturing
processes, including through--
``(i) research and development,
including proof of concept, technical
development, and compliance testing
activities;
``(ii) early-stage product
development, including engineering
design services; and
``(iii) technology transfer and
related activities.
``(2) Award size.--The Secretary shall competitively
award vouchers worth up to $20,000 to small and medium-
sized manufacturers for use at eligible research
institutions to acquire the services described in
paragraph (1)(B).
``(3) Streamlined procedures.--The Secretary shall
streamline and simplify the application,
administrative, and reporting procedures for vouchers
administered under the program.
``(4) Regulations.--Prior to awarding any vouchers
under the program, the Secretary shall promulgate
regulations--
``(A) establishing criteria for the selection
of recipients of awards under this subsection;
``(B) establishing procedures regarding
financial reporting and auditing--
``(i) to ensure that awards are used
for the purposes of the program; and
``(ii) that are in accordance with
sound accounting practices; and
``(C) describing any other policies,
procedures, or information necessary to
implement this subsection, including those
intended to streamline and simplify the program
in accordance with paragraph (3).
``(5) Transfer authority.--The Secretary may transfer
funds appropriated to the Department of Commerce to
other Federal agencies for the performance of services
authorized under this subsection.
``(6) Administrative costs.--All of the amounts
appropriated to carry out this subsection for a fiscal
year shall be used for vouchers awarded under this
subsection, except that the Secretary may set aside a
percentage of such amounts for eligible research
institutions performing the services described in
paragraph (1)(B) to defray administrative costs
associated with the services. The Secretary shall
establish a single, fixed percentage for such purposes
that will apply to all eligible research institutions.
``(7) Outreach.--The Secretary may use centers
established under section 25 of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) to
provide information about the program established under
this subsection and to conduct outreach to potential
applicants, as appropriate.
``(8) Reports to congress.--
``(A) Plan.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of the America Competes
Reauthorization Act of 2015, the Secretary
shall transmit to Congress a plan that will
serve as a guide for the activities of the
program. The plan shall include a description
of the specific objectives of the program and
the metrics that will be used in assessing
progress toward those objectives.
``(B) Outcomes.--Not later than 3 years after
the date of enactment of the America Competes
Reauthorization Act of 2015, the Secretary
shall transmit to Congress a report
containing--
``(i) a summary of the activities
carried out under this subsection;
``(ii) an assessment of the impact of
such activities on the innovative
capacity of small and medium-sized
manufacturers receiving assistance
under the pilot program; and
``(iii) any recommendations for
administrative and legislative action
that could optimize the effectiveness
of the pilot program.
``(9) Coordination and nonduplication.--To the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure
that the activities carried out under this subsection
are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the efforts
of, other programs within the Federal Government.
``(10) Eligible research institutions defined.--For
the purposes of this subsection, the term `eligible
research institution' means--
``(A) an institution of higher education, as
such term is defined in section 101(a) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a));
``(B) a Federal laboratory;
``(C) a federally funded research and
development center; or
``(D) a Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Center established under section 25 of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Act (15 U.S.C. 278k).
``(11) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
out the pilot program in this subsection $5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020.''.
SEC. 504. FEDERAL ACCELERATION OF STATE TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION
PILOT PROGRAM.
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. FEDERAL ACCELERATION OF STATE TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION
PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Authority.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
Federal Acceleration of State Technology
Commercialization Pilot Program or FAST
Commercialization Pilot Program to award grants to
States, or consortia thereof, for the purposes
described in paragraph (2). Awards under this section
shall be made through a competitive, merit-based
process.
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the program under this
section is to advance United States productivity and
global competitiveness by accelerating
commercialization of innovative technology by
leveraging Federal support for State commercialization
efforts. The program shall provide matching funds to a
State, or consortium thereof, for the acceleration of
commercialization activities and the promotion of small
manufacturing enterprises in the United States.
``(b) Application.--Applications for awards under this
section shall be submitted in such a manner, at such a time,
and containing such information as the Secretary shall require,
including--
``(1) a description of the current state of
technology commercialization in the State or States,
including successes and barriers to commercialization;
and
``(2) a description of the State's or consortium's
plan for increasing commercialization of new
technologies, products, processes, and services.
``(c) Selection Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish
criteria for the selection of awardees, which shall consider at
a minimum a review of efforts during the fiscal year prior to
submitting an application to--
``(1) promote manufacturing; and
``(2) commercialize new technologies, products,
processes, and services, including activities to
translate federally funded research and technologies to
small manufacturing enterprises.
``(d) Matching Requirement.--A State or consortium receiving
a grant under this section shall provide non-Federal cash
contributions in an amount equal to 50 percent of the total
cost of the project for which the grant is provided.
``(e) Coordination and Nonduplication.--In carrying out the
program under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that
grants made under the program are coordinated with, and do not
duplicate, the efforts of other commercialization programs
within the Federal Government.
``(f) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of the America Competes
Reauthorization Act of 2015, the Secretary shall enter
into a contract with an independent entity, such as the
National Academy of Sciences, to conduct an evaluation
of the program established under subsection (a).
``(2) Requirements.--The evaluation shall--
``(A) assess whether the program is achieving
its goals;
``(B) include any recommendations for how the
program may be improved; and
``(C) include a recommendation as to whether
the program should be continued or terminated.
``(g) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `State' has the meaning given that
term in section 3 of the Public Works and Economic
Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3122); and
``(2) the term `commercialization' has the meaning
given that term in section 9(e)(10) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(e)(10)).
``(h) Duration.--Each award shall be for a 5-year period.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary $50,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2016 through 2018 to carry out this section.''.
TITLE VI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Subtitle A--Office of Science
SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Department of Energy
Office of Science Authorization Act of 2015''.
SEC. 602. DEFINITIONS.
Except as otherwise provided, in this subtitle:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Energy.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the
Director of the Office of Science.
(3) Office of science.--The term ``Office of
Science'' means the Department of Energy Office of
Science.
(4) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary''
means the Under Secretary for Science and Energy.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
Secretary of Energy.
SEC. 603. MISSION OF THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE.
Section 209 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7139) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Mission.--The mission of the Office of Science shall be
the delivery of scientific discoveries, capabilities, and major
scientific tools to transform the understanding of nature and
to advance the energy, economic, and national security of the
United States.
``(d) Duties.--In support of this mission, the Director shall
carry out programs, including those in basic energy sciences,
biological and environmental research, advanced scientific
computing research, fusion energy sciences, high energy
physics, and nuclear physics, through activities focused on--
``(1) Science for Discovery to unravel nature's
mysteries through activities which range from the study
of subatomic particles, atoms, and molecules that make
up the materials of our everyday world to the study of
DNA, proteins, cells, and entire biological systems;
``(2) Science for National Need by--
``(A) advancing a clean energy agenda through
research on energy production, storage,
transmission, efficiency, and use; and
``(B) advancing our understanding of the
Earth and its climate through research in
atmospheric and environmental sciences and
climate change; and
``(3) National Scientific User Facilities to deliver
the 21st century tools of science, engineering, and
technology and provide the Nation's researchers with
the most advanced tools of modern science including
accelerators, colliders, supercomputers, light sources
and neutron sources, and facilities for studying
complex molecular systems and the nanoworld.
``(e) Supporting Activities.--The activities described in
subsection (d) shall include providing for relevant facilities
and infrastructure, programmatic analysis, interagency
coordination, and workforce development and outreach
activities.
``(f) User Facilities.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall carry out the
construction, operation, and maintenance of user
facilities, including underground research facilities,
to support the activities described in subsection (d).
As practicable, these facilities shall serve the needs
of the Department, industry, the academic community,
and other relevant entities for the purposes of
advancing the missions of the Department.
``(2) Coordination with other federal agencies.--The
Director may form partnerships to enhance the
utilization of and ensure access to user facilities,
including underground research facilities, by other
Federal agencies.
``(g) Other Authorized Activities.--In addition to the
activities authorized under the Department of Energy Office of
Science Authorization Act of 2015, the Office of Science shall
carry out other such activities as it is authorized or required
to carry out by law.
``(h) Coordination and Joint Activities With Other Department
of Energy Programs.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the
coordination of activities under the Department of Energy
Office of Science Authorization Act of 2015 with the other
activities of the Department, and shall support joint
activities among the programs of the Department.
``(i) Domestic Manufacturing Capability for Office of Science
Facilities Report.--Not later than one year after the date of
enactment of the Department of Energy Office of Science
Authorization Act of 2015, the Secretary shall transmit a
report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate. The report shall--
``(1) assess the current ability of domestic
manufacturers to meet the procurement requirements for
major ongoing projects funded by the Office of Science,
including a calculation of the percentage of equipment
acquired from domestic manufacturers for this purpose;
and
``(2) identify steps that can be taken by the Federal
Government and by private industry to increase the
capability of domestic manufacturers to meet
procurement requirements of the Office of Science for
major projects.''.
SEC. 604. BASIC ENERGY SCIENCES PROGRAM.
(a) Program.--As part of the activities authorized under the
amendment made by section 603, the Director shall carry out a
program in basic energy sciences, including materials sciences
and engineering, chemical sciences, physical biosciences, and
geosciences, for the purpose of providing the scientific
foundations for new energy technologies and addressing
scientific grand challenges.
(b) Basic Energy Sciences User Facilities.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall carry out a
subprogram to support and oversee the construction,
operation, and maintenance of national user facilities
that support the program under this section. As
practicable, these facilities shall serve the needs of
the Department, industry, the academic community, and
other relevant entities to create and examine new
materials and chemical processes for the purposes of
advancing new energy technologies and improving the
competitiveness of the United States. These facilities
shall include--
(A) x-ray light sources;
(B) neutron sources;
(C) nanoscale science research centers; and
(D) other facilities the Director considers
appropriate, consistent with section 209(f) of
the Department of Energy Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7139(f)).
(2) Facility research and development.--The Director
shall carry out research and development on advanced
accelerator and storage ring technologies relevant to
the Basic Energy Sciences user facilities, in
consultation with the Office of Science's High Energy
Physics and Nuclear Physics programs.
(3) Facility construction and upgrades.--Consistent
with the Office of Science's project management
practices, the Director shall support construction of--
(A) an upgrade of the Advanced Photon Source
to optimize and enhance beam brightness;
(B) a Second Target Station at the Spallation
Neutron Source to double user capacity and
expand the suite of instruments to meet new
scientific challenges;
(C) the Linac Coherent Light Source II to
expand the x-ray wavelength range, incorporate
high repetition rate operation for soft and
medium energy x-rays, and increase user
capacity of the Linac Coherent Light Source;
and
(D) an upgrade to the Advanced Light Source
to improve brightness and performance.
(c) Energy Frontier Research Centers.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall carry out a
program to provide awards, on a competitive, merit-
reviewed basis, to multi-institutional collaborations
or other appropriate entities to conduct fundamental
and use-inspired energy research to accelerate
scientific breakthroughs related to needs identified
in--
(A) the Grand Challenges report of the
Department's Basic Energy Sciences Advisory
Committee;
(B) the report of the Department's Basic
Energy Sciences Advisory Committee entitled
``From Quanta to the Continuum: Opportunities
for Mesoscale Science'';
(C) the Basic Energy Sciences Basic Research
Needs workshop report; or
(D) other relevant reports identified by the
Director.
(2) Collaborations.--A collaboration receiving an
award under this subsection may include multiple types
of institutions and private sector entities.
(3) Selection and duration.--
(A) In general.--A collaboration under this
subsection shall be selected for a period of 5
years. An Energy Frontier Research Center
already in existence and supported by the
Director on the date of enactment of this Act
may continue to receive support for a period of
5 years beginning on the date of establishment
of that center.
(B) Reapplication.--After the end of the
period described in subparagraph (A), an
awardee may reapply for selection for a second
period of 5 years on a competitive, merit-
reviewed basis.
(C) Termination.--Consistent with the
existing authorities of the Department, the
Director may terminate an underperforming
center for cause during the performance period.
(4) No funding for construction.--No funding provided
pursuant to this subsection may be used for the
construction of new buildings or facilities.
SEC. 605. BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--As part of the activities authorized under
section 209 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7139), and coordinated with the activities authorized
under section 604 and section 606, the Director shall carry out
a program of research and development in the areas of
biological systems science and climate and environmental
science, including subsurface science, to support the energy
and environmental missions of the Department.
(b) Biological Systems Science Activities.--
(1) Activities.--As part of the activities authorized
under subsection (a), the Director shall carry out
research and development activities in fundamental,
structural, computational, and systems biology to
increase systems-level understanding of the complex
biological systems, which shall include activities to--
(A) accelerate breakthroughs and new
knowledge that will enable cost-effective
sustainable production of--
(i) biomass-based liquid
transportation fuels;
(ii) bioenergy; and
(iii) biobased materials;
(B) improve understanding of the global
carbon cycle, including processes for removing
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, through
photosynthesis and other biological processes,
for sequestration and storage; and
(C) understand the biological mechanisms used
to transform, immobilize, or remove
contaminants from subsurface environments.
(2) Bioenergy research centers.--
(A) In general.--In carrying out activities
under paragraph (1), the Director shall support
at least 3 bioenergy research centers to
accelerate advanced research and development of
biomass-based liquid transportation fuels,
bioenergy, or biobased materials that are
produced from a variety of regionally diverse
feedstocks.
(B) Selection and duration.--A center
established under subparagraph (A) shall be
selected on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis
for a period of 5 years beginning on the date
of establishment of that center. A center
already in existence on the date of enactment
of this Act may continue to receive support for
a period of 5 years beginning on the date of
establishment of that center.
(C) Renewal.--After the end of the period
described in subparagraph (B), an awardee may
apply for a second period of 5 years on a
merit-reviewed basis.
(D) Termination.--Consistent with the
existing authorities of the Department, the
Director may terminate an underperforming
center for cause during the performance period.
(3) Low dose radiation research program.--
(A) In general.--The Director shall carry out
a research program on low dose radiation. The
purpose of the program is to enhance the
scientific understanding of and reduce
uncertainties associated with the effects of
exposure to low dose radiation in order to
inform improved risk management methods.
(B) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term
``low dose radiation'' means a radiation dose
of less than 100 millisieverts.
(C) Study.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director
shall enter into an agreement with the National
Academies to conduct a study assessing the
current status and development of a long-term
strategy for low dose radiation research. The
study shall be conducted in coordination with
Federal agencies that perform ionizing
radiation effects research.
(D) Contents.--The study performed under
subparagraph (C) shall--
(i) identify current scientific
challenges for understanding the long-
term effects of ionizing radiation;
(ii) assess the status of current low
dose radiation research in the United
States and internationally;
(iii) formulate overall scientific
goals for the future of low-dose
radiation research in the United
States;
(iv) recommend a long-term strategic
and prioritized research agenda to
address scientific research goals for
overcoming the identified scientific
challenges in coordination with other
research efforts;
(v) define the essential components
of a research program that would
address this research agenda within the
universities and the National
Laboratories; and
(vi) assess the cost-benefit
effectiveness of such a program.
(E) 5-year research plan.--Not later than 90
days after the completion of the assessment
performed under subparagraph (C), the Secretary
shall deliver to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate a five-year
research plan that responds to the assessment's
findings and recommendations and identifies and
prioritizes research needs.
(4) Repeal.--Section 977 of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16317) is repealed.
(c) Climate and Environmental Science Activities.--
(1) In general.--As part of the activities authorized
under subsection (a), and in coordination with
activities carried out under subsection (b), the
Director shall carry out climate and environmental
science research, which shall include activities to--
(A) understand, observe, and model the
response of Earth's atmosphere and biosphere to
increased concentrations of greenhouse gas
emissions and any associated changes in
climate;
(B) understand the processes for
immobilization, or removal of, and understand
the movement of, energy production-derived
contaminants such as radionuclides and heavy
metals, and understand the process of
sequestration and transformation of carbon
dioxide in subsurface environments; and
(C) inform potential mitigation and
adaptation options for increased concentrations
of greenhouse gas emissions and any associated
changes in climate.
(2) Subsurface biogeochemical research.--
(A) In general.--As part of the activities
described in paragraph (1), the Director shall
carry out research to advance a fundamental
understanding of coupled physical, chemical,
and biological processes for controlling the
movement of sequestered carbon and subsurface
environmental contaminants.
(B) Coordination.--
(i) Director.--The Director shall
carry out activities under this
paragraph in accordance with priorities
established by the Under Secretary to
support and accelerate the
decontamination of relevant facilities
managed by the Department.
(ii) Under secretary.--The Under
Secretary shall ensure the coordination
of activities of the Department,
including activities under this
paragraph, to support and accelerate
the decontamination of relevant
facilities managed by the Department.
(3) Climate and earth modeling.--As part of the
activities described in paragraph (1), the Director, in
collaboration with the Advanced Scientific Computing
Research program described in section 606, shall carry
out research to develop, evaluate, and use high-
resolution regional climate, global climate, and Earth
models to inform decisions on reducing the impacts of a
changing climate. Such modeling shall include, among
other critical elements, greenhouse gas emissions, land
use, and interaction among human and Earth systems.
SEC. 606. ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--As part of the activities authorized under
section 209 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7139), the Director shall carry out a research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application program
to advance computational and networking capabilities for data-
driven discovery and to analyze, model, simulate, and predict
complex phenomena relevant to the development of new energy
technologies and the competitiveness of the United States.
(b) Coordination.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the
coordination of the activities of the Department, including
activities under this section, to determine and meet the
computational and networking research and facility needs of the
Office of Science and all other relevant energy technology and
energy efficiency programs within the Department.
(c) Research To Support Energy Applications.--
(1) In general.--As part of the activities authorized
under subsection (a), the program shall support
research in high-performance computing and networking
relevant to energy applications including modeling,
simulation, and advanced data analytics for basic and
applied energy research programs carried out by the
Secretary.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to
the Congress a plan to integrate and leverage the
expertise and capabilities of the program described in
subsection (a), as well as other relevant computational
and networking research programs and resources
supported by the Federal Government, to advance the
missions of the Department's applied energy and energy
efficiency programs.
(d) Applied Mathematics and Software Development for High-End
Computing Systems.--The Director shall carry out activities to
develop, test, and support mathematics, models, and algorithms
for complex systems, as well as programming environments,
tools, languages, and operating systems for high-end computing
systems (as defined in section 2 of the Department of Energy
High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 (15 U.S.C.
5541)).
(e) Exascale Computing Program.--Section 3 of the Department
of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 (15
U.S.C. 5542) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``program''
and inserting ``coordinated program across the
Department'';
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end of
paragraph (1);
(C) by striking the period at the end of
paragraph (2) and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) partner with universities, National
Laboratories, and industry to ensure the broadest
possible application of the technology developed in
this program to other challenges in science,
engineering, medicine, and industry.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``vector'' and
all that follows through ``architectures'' and
inserting ``computer technologies that show promise of
substantial reductions in power requirements and
substantial gains in parallelism of multicore
processors, concurrency, memory and storage, bandwidth,
and reliability''; and
(3) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the
following:
``(d) Exascale Computing Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a
coordinated research program to develop exascale
computing systems to advance the missions of the
Department.
``(2) Execution.--The Secretary shall, through
competitive merit review, establish two or more
National Laboratory-industry-university partnerships to
conduct integrated research, development, and
engineering of multiple exascale architectures, and--
``(A) conduct mission-related co-design
activities in developing such exascale
platforms;
``(B) develop those advancements in hardware
and software technology required to fully
realize the potential of an exascale production
system in addressing Department target
applications and solving scientific problems
involving predictive modeling and simulation
and large-scale data analytics and management;
and
``(C) explore the use of exascale computing
technologies to advance a broad range of
science and engineering.
``(3) Administration.--In carrying out this program,
the Secretary shall--
``(A) provide, on a competitive, merit-
reviewed basis, access for researchers in
United States industry, institutions of higher
education, National Laboratories, and other
Federal agencies to these exascale systems, as
appropriate; and
``(B) conduct outreach programs to increase
the readiness for the use of such platforms by
domestic industries, including manufacturers.
``(4) Reports.--
``(A) Integrated strategy and program
management plan.--The Secretary shall submit to
Congress, not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of the Department of Energy Office
of Science Authorization Act of 2015, a report
outlining an integrated strategy and program
management plan, including target dates for
prototypical and production exascale platforms,
interim milestones to reaching these targets,
functional requirements, roles and
responsibilities of National Laboratories and
industry, acquisition strategy, and estimated
resources required, to achieve this exascale
system capability. The report shall include the
Secretary's plan for Departmental organization
to manage and execute the Exascale Computing
Program, including definition of the roles and
responsibilities within the Department to
ensure an integrated program across the
Department. The report shall also include a
plan for ensuring balance and prioritizing
across ASCR subprograms in a flat or slow-
growth budget environment.
``(B) Status reports.--At the time of the
budget submission of the Department for each
fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit a
report to Congress that describes the status of
milestones and costs in achieving the
objectives of the exascale computing program.
``(C) Exascale merit report.--At least 18
months prior to the initiation of construction
or installation of any exascale-class computing
facility, the Secretary shall transmit a plan
to the Congress detailing--
``(i) the proposed facility's cost
projections and capabilities to
significantly accelerate the
development of new energy technologies;
``(ii) technical risks and challenges
that must be overcome to achieve
successful completion and operation of
the facility; and
``(iii) an independent assessment of
the scientific and technological
advances expected from such a facility
relative to those expected from a
comparable investment in expanded
research and applications at terascale-
class and petascale-class computing
facilities, including an evaluation of
where investments should be made in the
system software and algorithms to
enable these advances.''.
(f) Definitions.--Section 2 of the Department of Energy High-
End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 (15 U.S.C. 5541) is
amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting
the following:
``(1) Co-design.--The term `co-design' means the
joint development of application algorithms, models,
and codes with computer technology architectures and
operating systems to maximize effective use of high-end
computing systems.
``(2) Department.--The term `Department' means the
Department of Energy.
``(3) Exascale.--The term `exascale' means computing
system performance at or near 10 to the 18th power
floating point operations per second.
``(4) High-end computing system.--The term `high-end
computing system' means a computing system with
performance that substantially exceeds that of systems
that are commonly available for advanced scientific and
engineering applications.
``(5) Leadership system.--The term `Leadership
System' means a high-end computing system that is among
the most advanced in the world in terms of performance
in solving scientific and engineering problems.
``(6) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given
the term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(42 U.S.C. 15801).
``(7) National laboratory.--The term `National
Laboratory' has the meaning given the term in section 2
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
``(8) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the
Secretary of Energy.
``(9) Software technology.--The term `software
technology' includes optimal algorithms, programming
environments, tools, languages, and operating systems
for high-end computing systems.''.
SEC. 607. FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH.
(a) Program.--As part of the activities authorized under
section 209 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7139) and section 972 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(42 U.S.C. 16312), the Director shall carry out a fusion energy
sciences research and enabling technology development program
to effectively address the scientific and engineering
challenges to building a cost-competitive fusion power plant
and to establish a competitive fusion power industry in the
United States. As part of this program, the Director shall
carry out research activities to expand the fundamental
understandings of plasmas and matter at very high temperatures
and densities for fusion applications and for other plasma
science applications.
(b) Tokamak Research and Development.--
(1) In general.--As part of the program described in
subsection (a), the Director shall support research and
development activities and facility operations to--
(A) optimize the tokamak approach to fusion
energy; and
(B) determine the viability of the tokamak
approach to fusion energy to lead to a
commercial fusion power plant.
(2) ITER.--
(A) Responsibilities.--The Director shall
coordinate and carry out the responsibilities
of the United States with respect to the ITER
international fusion project pursuant to the
Agreement on the Establishment of the
International Fusion Energy Organization for
the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project.
(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report providing an
assessment of--
(i) the most recent schedule for ITER
that has been approved by the ITER
Council; and
(ii) progress of the ITER Council and
the ITER Director-General toward
implementation of the recommendations
of the Third Biennial International
Organization Management Assessment
Report.
(C) Fairness in competition for solicitations
for international project activities.--Section
33 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C.
2053) is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``For purposes of this section, with
respect to international research projects, the
term `private facilities or laboratories' shall
refer to facilities or laboratories located in
the United States.''.
(D) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of
Congress that the United States should support
a robust, diverse program in addition to
meeting its commitments to ITER. It is further
the sense of Congress that developing the
scientific basis for fusion, providing research
results key to the success of ITER, and
training the next generation of fusion
scientists are of critical importance to the
United States and should in no way be
diminished by participation of the United
States in the ITER project.
(c) Inertial Fusion Energy Research and Development
Program.--The Secretary shall carry out a program of research
and technology development in inertial fusion for energy
applications, including ion beam, laser, and pulsed power
fusion systems.
(d) Alternative and Enabling Concepts.--
(1) In general.--As part of the program described in
subsection (a), the Director shall support research and
development activities and facility operations at
United States universities, national laboratories, and
private facilities for a portfolio of alternative and
enabling fusion energy concepts that may provide
solutions to significant challenges to the
establishment of a commercial magnetic fusion power
plant, prioritized based on the ability of the United
States to play a leadership role in the international
fusion research community. Fusion energy concepts and
activities explored under this paragraph may include--
(A) high magnetic field approaches
facilitated by high temperature
superconductors;
(B) advanced stellarator concepts;
(C) non-tokamak confinement configurations
operating at low magnetic fields;
(D) magnetized target fusion energy concepts;
(E) liquid metals to address issues
associated with fusion plasma interactions with
the inner wall of the encasing device;
(F) immersion blankets for heat management
and fuel breeding;
(G) advanced scientific computing activities:
and
(H) other promising fusion energy concepts
identified by the Director.
(2) Coordination with arpa-e.--The Under Secretary
and the Director shall coordinate with the Director of
the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (in this
paragraph referred to as ``ARPA-E'') to--
(A) assess the potential for any fusion
energy project supported by ARPA-E to represent
a promising approach to a commercially viable
fusion power plant;
(B) determine whether the results of any
fusion energy project supported by ARPA-E merit
the support of follow-on research activities
carried out by the Office of Science; and
(C) avoid unintentional duplication of
activities.
(e) Fusion Materials Research and Development.--As part of
the activities authorized in section 978 of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16318), the Director, in coordination
with the Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy of the
Department, shall carry out research and development activities
to identify, characterize, and create materials that can endure
the neutron, plasma, and heat fluxes expected in a commercial
fusion power plant. As part of the activities authorized under
subsection (g), the Secretary shall--
(1) provide an assessment of the need for a facility
or facilities that can examine and test potential
fusion and next generation fission reactor materials
and other enabling technologies relevant to the
development of commercial fusion power plants; and
(2) provide an assessment of whether a single new
facility that substantially addresses magnetic fusion,
inertial fusion, and next generation fission materials
research needs is feasible, in conjunction with the
expected capabilities of facilities operational at the
time of this assessment.
(f) General Plasma Science and Applications.--Not later than
2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall provide to Congress an assessment of opportunities in
which the United States can provide world-leading contributions
to advancing plasma science and non-fusion energy applications,
and identify opportunities for partnering with other Federal
agencies both within and outside of the Department of Energy.
(g) Identification of Priorities.--
(1) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to
Congress a report on the Department's proposed fusion
energy research and development activities over the
following 10 years under at least 3 realistic budget
scenarios, including a scenario based on 3 percent
annual growth in the non-ITER portion of the budget for
fusion energy research and development activities. The
report shall--
(A) identify specific areas of fusion energy
research and enabling technology development in
which the United States can and should
establish or solidify a lead in the global
fusion energy development effort;
(B) identify priorities for initiation of
facility construction and facility
decommissioning under each of those scenarios;
(C) provide a roadmap addressing critical
scientific challenges to ensure that within 10
years after the date of enactment of this Act
there is sufficient basis to justify and
motivate the initiation of an applied fusion
energy development program; and
(D) assess the ability of the United States
fusion workforce to carry out the activities
identified in subparagraphs (A) through (C),
including the adequacy of college and
university programs to train the leaders and
workers of the next generation of fusion energy
researchers.
(2) Process.--In order to develop the report required
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall leverage best
practices and lessons learned from the process used to
develop the most recent report of the Particle Physics
Project Prioritization Panel of the High Energy Physics
Advisory Panel. No member of the Fusion Energy Sciences
Advisory Committee shall be excluded from participating
in developing or voting on final approval of the report
required under paragraph (1).
SEC. 608. HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--As part of the activities authorized under
section 209 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7139), the Director shall carry out a research program
on the elementary constituents of matter and energy and the
nature of space and time.
(b) Energy Frontier Research.--As part of the program
described in subsection (a), the Director shall carry out
research using high energy accelerators and advanced detectors
to create and study interactions of novel particles and
investigate fundamental forces.
(c) Neutrino Research.--As part of the program described in
subsection (a), the Director shall carry out research
activities on rare decay processes and the nature of the
neutrino, which may include collaborations with the National
Science Foundation or international collaborations on relevant
research projects.
(d) Dark Energy and Dark Matter Research.--As part of the
program described in subsection (a), the Director shall carry
out research activities on the nature of dark energy and dark
matter. These activities shall be consistent with the research
priorities identified by the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel
or the National Academy of Sciences, and may include--
(1) collaborations with the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, the National Science Foundation,
or international collaborations on relevant research
projects; and
(2) the development of space-based, land-based, and
underground facilities and experiments.
(e) Facility Construction and Major Items of Equipment.--
Consistent with the Office of Science's project management
practices, the Director shall support construction or
fabrication of--
(1) an international Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility
based in the United States;
(2) the Muon to Electron Conversion Experiment;
(3) Second Generation Dark Matter experiments;
(4) the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument;
(5) the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope camera;
(6) upgrades to components of the Large Hadron
Collider; and
(7) other high priority projects recommended in the
most recent report of the Particle Physics Project
Prioritization Panel of the High Energy Physics
Advisory Panel.
(f) Accelerator Research and Development.--As part of the
program described in subsection (a), the Director shall carry
out research and development in advanced accelerator concepts
and technologies, including laser technologies, to reduce the
necessary scope and cost for the next generation of particle
accelerators, in coordination with the Office of Science's
Basic Energy Sciences and Nuclear Physics programs.
(g) International Collaboration.--The Director, as
practicable and in coordination with other appropriate Federal
agencies as necessary, shall ensure the access of United States
researchers to the most advanced accelerator facilities and
research capabilities in the world, including the Large Hadron
Collider.
SEC. 609. NUCLEAR PHYSICS PROGRAM.
(a) Program.--As part of the activities authorized under
section 209 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42
U.S.C. 7139), the Director shall carry out a research program,
and support relevant facilities, to discover and understand
various forms of nuclear matter.
(b) Facility Construction.--
(1) In general.--Consistent with the Office of
Science's project management practices, the Director
shall continue to support the construction of the
Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.
(2) Repeal.--Section 981 of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16321) is repealed.
(c) Isotope Development and Production for Research
Applications.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall carry out a
program for the production of isotopes that the
Director determines are needed for research and
applications, including--
(A) the development of techniques to produce
isotopes; and
(B) support for infrastructure required for
isotope research and production.
(2) Coordination.--In making the determination
described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) ensure that isotope production activities
do not compete with private industry unless
critical national interests necessitate the
Federal Government's involvement; and
(B) consider any relevant recommendations
made by Federal advisory committees, the
National Academies, and interagency working
groups in which the Department participates.
SEC. 610. SCIENCE LABORATORIES INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM.
(a) Program.--The Director shall carry out a program to
improve the safety, efficiency, and mission readiness of
infrastructure at Office of Science laboratories. The program
shall include projects to--
(1) renovate or replace space that does not meet
research needs;
(2) replace facilities that are no longer cost
effective to renovate or operate;
(3) modernize utility systems to prevent failures and
ensure efficiency;
(4) remove excess facilities to allow safe and
efficient operations; and
(5) construct modern facilities to conduct advanced
research in controlled environmental conditions.
(b) Approach.--In carrying out this section, the Director
shall utilize all available approaches and mechanisms,
including capital line items, minor construction projects,
energy savings performance contracts, utility energy service
contracts, alternative financing, and expense funding, as
appropriate.
(c) Definition.--The term ``Office of Science laboratory''
means a subset of National Laboratories as defined in section
2(3) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)
consisting of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (F), (K), (L),
(M), (P), and (Q).
SEC. 611. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for
the activities of the Office of Science--
(1) $5,339,794,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(2) $5,606,783,700 for fiscal year 2017;
(3) $5,887,122,885 for fiscal year 2018;
(4) $6,181,479,029 for fiscal year 2019; and
(5) $6,490,552,981 for fiscal year 2020.
Subtitle B--ARPA-E
SEC. 621. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``ARPA-E Reauthorization
Act of 2015''.
SEC. 622. ARPA-E AMENDMENTS.
Section 5012 of the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 16538) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (n) as subsection (o)
and inserting after subsection (m) the following new
subsection:
``(n) Protection of Proprietary Information.--The following
categories of information collected by the Advanced Research
Projects Agency-Energy from recipients of financial assistance
awards shall be considered privileged and confidential and not
subject to disclosure pursuant to section 552 of title 5,
United States Code:
``(1) Plans for commercialization of technologies
developed under the award, including business plans,
technology to market plans, market studies, and cost
and performance models.
``(2) Investments provided to an awardee from third
parties, such as venture capital, hedge fund, or
private equity firms, including amounts and percentage
of ownership of the awardee provided in return for such
investments.
``(3) Additional financial support that the awardee
plans to invest or has invested into the technology
developed under the award, or that the awardee is
seeking from third parties.
``(4) Revenue from the licensing or sale of new
products or services resulting from the research
conducted under the award.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2) of subsection (o), as so
redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section, by--
(A) striking ``and'' at the end of
subparagraph (D);
(B) striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (E) and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) adding at the end the following:
``(F) $325,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
``(G) $341,250,000 for fiscal year 2017;
``(H) $358,312,500 for fiscal year 2018;
``(I) $376,228,125 for fiscal year 2019; and
``(J) $395,039,531 for fiscal year 2020.''.
Subtitle C--Energy Innovation
SEC. 641. ENERGY INNOVATION HUBS.
(a) Authorization of Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry
out a program to enhance the Nation's economic,
environmental, and energy security by making awards to
consortia for establishing and operating Energy
Innovation Hubs to conduct and support, whenever
practicable at one centralized location,
multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application of advanced
energy technologies.
(2) Technology development focus.--The Secretary
shall designate for each Hub a unique advanced energy
technology focus.
(3) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure the
coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of,
the activities of Hubs with those of other Department
of Energy research entities, including the National
Laboratories, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-
Energy, Energy Frontier Research Centers, and within
industry.
(b) Consortia.--
(1) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an award
under this section for the establishment and operation
of a Hub, a consortium shall--
(A) be composed of no fewer than 2 qualifying
entities; and
(B) operate subject to an agreement entered
into by its members that documents--
(i) the proposed partnership
agreement, including the governance and
management structure of the Hub;
(ii) measures to enable cost-
effective implementation of the program
under this section;
(iii) a proposed budget, including
financial contributions from non-
Federal sources;
(iv) a plan for managing intellectual
property rights; and
(v) an accounting structure that
enables the Secretary to ensure that
the consortium has complied with the
requirements of this section.
(2) Application.--A consortium seeking to establish
and operate a Hub under this section, acting through a
prime applicant, shall transmit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such form, and accompanied
by such information as the Secretary shall require,
including a detailed description of the elements of the
consortium agreement required under paragraph (1)(B).
If the consortium members will not be located at one
centralized location, such application shall include a
communications plan that ensures close coordination and
integration of the Hub's activities.
(c) Selection and Schedule.--The Secretary shall select
consortia for awards for the establishment and operation of
Hubs through competitive selection processes. In selecting
consortia, the Secretary shall consider the information a
consortium must disclose according to subsection (b), as well
as any existing facilities a consortium will provide for Hub
activities. Awards made to a Hub shall be for a period not to
exceed 5 years, after which the award may be renewed, subject
to a rigorous merit review. A Hub already in existence on the
date of enactment of this Act may continue to receive support
for a period of 5 years beginning on the date of establishment
of that Hub.
(d) Hub Operations.--
(1) In general.--Each Hub shall conduct or provide
for multidisciplinary, collaborative research,
development, demonstration, and, where appropriate,
commercial application of advanced energy technologies
within the technology development focus designated
under subsection (a)(2). Each Hub shall--
(A) encourage collaboration and communication
among the member qualifying entities of the
consortium and awardees by conducting
activities whenever practicable at one
centralized location;
(B) develop and publish on the Department of
Energy's website proposed plans and programs;
(C) submit an annual report to the Secretary
summarizing the Hub's activities, including
detailing organizational expenditures, and
describing each project undertaken by the Hub;
and
(D) monitor project implementation and
coordination.
(2) Conflicts of interest.--
(A) Procedures.--Hubs shall maintain conflict
of interest procedures, consistent with those
of the Department of Energy, to ensure that
employees and consortia designees for Hub
activities who are in decisionmaking capacities
disclose all material conflicts of interest.
(B) Disqualification and revocation.--The
Secretary may disqualify an application or
revoke funds distributed to a Hub if the
Secretary discovers a failure to comply with
conflict of interest procedures established
under subparagraph (A).
(3) Prohibition on construction.--
(A) In general.--No funds provided pursuant
to this section may be used for construction of
new buildings or facilities for Hubs.
Construction of new buildings or facilities
shall not be considered as part of the non-
Federal share of a Hub cost-sharing agreement.
(B) Test bed and renovation exception.--
Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the
use of funds provided pursuant to this section,
or non-Federal cost share funds, for research
or for the construction of a test bed or
renovations to existing buildings or facilities
for the purposes of research if the Secretary
determines that the test bed or renovations are
limited to a scope and scale necessary for the
research to be conducted.
(e) Termination.--Consistent with the existing authorities of
the Department, the Secretary may terminate an underperforming
Hub for cause during the performance period.
(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Advanced energy technology.--The term ``advanced
energy technology'' means--
(A) an innovative technology--
(i) that produces energy from solar,
wind, geothermal, biomass, tidal, wave,
ocean, or other renewable energy
resources;
(ii) that produces nuclear energy;
(iii) for carbon capture and
sequestration;
(iv) that enables advanced vehicles,
vehicle components, and related
technologies that result in significant
energy savings;
(v) that generates, transmits,
distributes, utilizes, or stores energy
more efficiently than conventional
technologies, including through Smart
Grid technologies; or
(vi) that enhances the energy
independence and security of the United
States by enabling improved or expanded
supply and production of domestic
energy resources, including coal, oil,
and natural gas;
(B) research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application activities necessary to
ensure the long-term, secure, and sustainable
supply of energy critical elements; or
(C) another innovative energy technology area
identified by the Secretary.
(2) Energy critical element.--The term ``energy
critical element'' means any of a class of chemical
elements that have a high risk of a supply disruption
and are critical to one or more new, energy-related
technologies such that a shortage of such element would
significantly inhibit large-scale deployment of
technologies that produce, transmit, store, or conserve
energy.
(3) Hub.--The term ``Hub'' means an Energy Innovation
Hub established or operating in accordance with this
section, including any Energy Innovation Hub existing
as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(4) Qualifying entity.--The term ``qualifying
entity'' means--
(A) an institution of higher education;
(B) an appropriate State or Federal entity,
including the Department of Energy Federally
Funded Research and Development Centers;
(C) a nongovernmental organization with
expertise in advanced energy technology
research, development, demonstration, or
commercial application; or
(D) any other relevant entity the Secretary
considers appropriate.
SEC. 642. PARTICIPATION IN THE INNOVATION CORPS PROGRAM.
(a) Agreement.--The Secretary of Energy shall enter into an
agreement with the Director of the National Science Foundation
to enable researchers funded by the Department of Energy to
participate in the Innovation Corps program authorized by
section 307.
(b) Authorization.--The Secretary of Energy may also
establish a Department of Energy Innovation Corps program,
modeled after the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps
program, to incorporate experts from the Department of Energy
National Laboratories in the training curriculum of the
program.
SEC. 643. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
(a) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
of Energy shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a
report which shall include--
(1) an assessment of the Department's current ability
to carry out the goals of section 1001 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16391), including an
assessment of the role and effectiveness of the
Director of the Office of Technology Transitions; and
(2) recommended departmental policy changes and
legislative changes to section 1001 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16391) to improve the
Department's ability to successfully transfer new
energy technologies to the private sector.
(b) Amendments.--Section 1001 of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16391) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e), by striking ``for commercial
purposes'' and inserting ``of any sort for commercial
purposes, including energy technologies not currently
supported by the Department of Energy'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as
subsections (h) and (i), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (e) the following
new subsections:
``(f) Agreements for Commercializing Technology Pilot
Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the
Agreements for Commercializing Technology pilot program
of the Department, as announced by the Secretary on
December 8, 2011, in accordance with this subsection.
``(2) Terms.--Each agreement entered into pursuant to
the pilot program referred to in paragraph (1) shall
provide to the contractor of the applicable National
Laboratory, to the maximum extent determined to be
appropriate by the Secretary, increased authority to
negotiate contract terms, such as intellectual property
rights, payment structures, performance guarantees, and
multiparty collaborations.
``(3) Eligibility.--
``(A) In general.--Any director of a National
Laboratory may enter into an agreement pursuant
to the pilot program referred to in paragraph
(1).
``(B) Agreements with non-federal entities.--
To carry out subparagraph (A) and subject to
subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall permit
the directors of the National Laboratories to
execute agreements with a non-Federal entity,
including a non-Federal entity already
receiving Federal funding that will be used to
support activities under agreements executed
pursuant to subparagraph (A), provided that
such funding is solely used to carry out the
purposes of the Federal award.
``(C) Restriction.--The requirements of
chapter 18 of title 35, United States Code
(commonly known as the `Bayh-Dole Act') shall
apply if--
``(i) the agreement is a funding
agreement (as that term is defined in
section 201 of that title); and
``(ii) at least 1 of the parties to
the funding agreement is eligible to
receive rights under that chapter.
``(4) Submission to secretary.--Each affected
director of a National Laboratory shall submit to the
Secretary, with respect to each agreement entered into
under this subsection--
``(A) a summary of information relating to
the relevant project;
``(B) the total estimated costs of the
project;
``(C) estimated commencement and completion
dates of the project; and
``(D) other documentation determined to be
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(5) Certification.--The Secretary shall require the
contractor of the affected National Laboratory to
certify that each activity carried out under a project
for which an agreement is entered into under this
subsection--
``(A) is not in direct competition with the
private sector; and
``(B) does not present, or minimizes, any
apparent conflict of interest, and avoids or
neutralizes any actual conflict of interest, as
a result of the agreement under this
subsection.
``(6) Extension.--The pilot program referred to in
paragraph (1) shall be extended until October 31, 2017.
``(7) Reports.--
``(A) Overall assessment.--Not later than 60
days after the date described in paragraph (6),
the Secretary, in coordination with directors
of the National Laboratories, shall submit to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the Senate a report that--
``(i) assesses the overall
effectiveness of the pilot program
referred to in paragraph (1);
``(ii) identifies opportunities to
improve the effectiveness of the pilot
program;
``(iii) assesses the potential for
program activities to interfere with
the responsibilities of the National
Laboratories to the Department; and
``(iv) provides a recommendation
regarding the future of the pilot
program.
``(B) Transparency.--The Secretary, in
coordination with directors of the National
Laboratories, shall submit to the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate an annual
report that accounts for all incidences of, and
provides a justification for, non-Federal
entities using funds derived from a Federal
contract or award to carry out agreements
pursuant to this subsection.
``(g) Inclusion of Technology Maturation in Authorized
Technology Transfer Activities.--The Secretary shall permit the
directors of the National Laboratories to use funds authorized
to support technology transfer, following the standard
practices of the Department, to carry out technology maturation
activities to identify and improve potential commercial
application opportunities and demonstrate applications of
research and technologies arising from National Laboratory
activities.''.
(c) Delegation of Authority for Technology Transfer
Agreements.--
(1) Authority.--The Secretary of Energy shall
delegate to directors of the National Laboratories
signature authority for any technology transfer
agreement with a total cost of not more than $500,000,
including both National Laboratory contributions and
the project recipient cost share contribution, if such
an agreement falls within the scope of a strategic plan
for the National Laboratory that has been approved by
the Department.
(2) Agreements included.--The agreements to which
this subsection applies include--
(A) Cooperative Research and Development
Agreements; and
(B) non-Federal Work for Others Agreements.
(3) Availability of records.--
(A) Not later than 7 days after the date on
which the director of a National Laboratory
enters into an agreement under this subsection,
such director shall submit to the Secretary of
Energy for monitoring and review all records of
the National Laboratory relating to the
agreement.
(B) Not later than 30 days after the date on
which the director of a specific National
Laboratory enters into an agreement under this
subsection, the Secretary may terminate the
agreement and the authority of any director of
such National Laboratory to enter into
agreements under this subsection if--
(i) all records of the National
Laboratory relating to the agreement
have not been transmitted to the
Secretary in accordance with
subparagraph (A); or
(ii) the Secretary determines that
this agreement is inconsistent with the
mission of the Department.
(4) Limitation.--This subsection does not apply to
any agreement with a majority foreign-owned company.
(5) Sunset.--
(A) In general.--This subsection shall apply
only during the 4-year period beginning on the
date of enactment of this Act.
(B) Assessment.--Not later than the date that
is 180 days prior to the last day of the period
described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate an assessment
of the effectiveness of the authority provided
to the directors of the National Laboratories
under this subsection to accelerate the
development of new technologies, and an
assessment of any incidences of potential
misuse of this authority in the opinion of the
Secretary.
SEC. 644. FUNDING COMPETITIVENESS FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
AND OTHER NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS.
Section 988(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16352(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Except as
provided in paragraphs (2) and (3)'' and inserting
``Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Exemption for institutions of higher education
and other nonprofit institutions.--
``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) shall not
apply to a research or development activity
performed by an institution of higher education
or nonprofit institution (as defined in section
4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703)).
``(B) Termination date.--The exemption under
subparagraph (A) shall apply during the 6-year
period beginning on the date of enactment of
this paragraph.''.
SEC. 645. UNDER SECRETARY FOR SCIENCE AND ENERGY.
(a) In General.--Section 202(b) of the Department of Energy
Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7132(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Under Secretary for Science'' each
place it appears and inserting ``Under Secretary for
Science and Energy''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and''
at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (G), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the
following:
``(H) establish appropriate linkages between
offices under the jurisdiction of the Under
Secretary; and
``(I) perform such functions and duties as
the Secretary shall prescribe, consistent with
this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 3164(b)(1) of the Department of Energy
Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C.
7381a(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``Under Secretary
for Science'' and inserting ``Under Secretary for
Science and Energy''.
(2) Section 641(h)(2) of the United States Energy
Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C.
17231(h)(2)) is amended by striking ``Under Secretary
for Science'' and inserting ``Under Secretary for
Science and Energy''.
SEC. 646. SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITY FOR SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall have the authority
to--
(1) make appointments of scientific, engineering, and
professional personnel, without regard to civil service
laws, to assist the Department in meeting specific
project or research needs;
(2) fix the basic pay of any employee appointed under
this section at a rate to be determined by the Under
Secretary at rates not in excess of the Executive
Schedule (EX-II) without regard to the civil service
laws; and
(3) pay any employee appointed under this section
payments in addition to basic pay, except that the
total amount of additional payments paid to an employee
under this subsection for any 12-month period shall not
exceed the least of the following amounts:
(A) $25,000.
(B) The amount equal to 25 percent of the
annual rate of basic pay of that employee.
(C) The amount of the limitation that is
applicable for a calendar year under section
5307(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Term.--
(1) In general.--The term of any employee appointed
under this section shall not exceed 3 years.
(2) Termination.--The Under Secretary shall have the
authority to terminate any employee appointed under
this section at any time based on performance or
changing project or research needs of the Department.
PART B--TEXT OF AMENDMENTS TO H.R. 2250 MADE IN ORDER
1. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Ratcliffe of Texas or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 29, line 18, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $5,700,000)''.
Page 37, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $5,700,000)''.
----------
2. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Flores of Texas or His
Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. None of the funds made available by this Act may be
used to deliver a printed copy of the Congressional Pictorial
Directory to the office of a Member of the House of
Representatives (including a Delegate or Resident Commissioner
to the Congress).
----------
3. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Blackburn of Tennessee
or Her Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. (a) Each amount made available by this Act is hereby
reduced by 1 percent.
(b) The reduction in subsection (a) shall not apply with
respect to--
(1) accounts under the heading ``Capitol Police'';
(2) ``Architect of the Capitol--Capitol Police
Buildings, Grounds and Security''; or
(3) the amount provided for salaries and expenses of
the Office of the Sergeant at Arms under the heading
``House of Representatives--Salaries, Officers and
Employees''.
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