[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


Public Law 115-1
115th Congress

An Act


 
To amend title 5, United States Code, to codify the Presidential
Innovation Fellows Program, and for other purposes. <>

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Tested Ability to Leverage
Exceptional National Talent Act of 2017'' or the ``TALENT Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION FELLOWS PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:

``SUBCHAPTER <>  V--PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION
FELLOWS PROGRAM
``Sec. 3171. <>  Presidential Innovation
Fellows Program

``(a) Policy.--It is in the national interest for the Government to
attract the brightest minds skilled in technology or innovative
practices to serve in the Government to work on some of the Nation's
biggest and most pressing challenges. This subchapter establishes a
program to encourage successful entrepreneurs, executives, and
innovators to join the Government and work in close cooperation with
Government leaders, to create meaningful solutions that can help save
lives and taxpayer money, fuel job creation, and significantly improve
how the Government serves the American people.
``(b) Establishment.--The Administrator of General Services shall
continue the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program (hereinafter
referred to as the `Program') to enable exceptional individuals with
proven track records to serve time-limited appointments in executive
agencies to address some of the Nation's most significant challenges and
improve existing Government efforts that would particularly benefit from
expertise using innovative techniques and technology.
``(c) <>  Administration.--The Program shall be
administered by a Director, appointed by the Administrator under
authorities of the General Services Administration. The Administrator
shall provide necessary staff, resources and administrative support for
the Program.

``(d) Appointment of Fellows.--The Director shall appoint fellows
pursuant to the Program and, in cooperation with executive agencies,
shall facilitate placement of fellows to participate in

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projects that have the potential for significant positive effects and
are consistent with the President's goals.
``(e) Application Process.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall prescribe the process
for applications and nominations of individuals to the Program.
``(2) Program standards.--Following publication of these
processes, the Director may accept for consideration
applications from individuals. The Director shall establish,
administer, review, and revise, if appropriate, a Governmentwide
cap on the number of fellows. The Director shall establish and
publish salary ranges, benefits, and standards for the Program.

``(f) Selection, Appointment, and Assignment of Fellows.--
``(1) Procedures.--The Director shall prescribe appropriate
procedures for the selection, appointment, and assignment of
fellows.
``(2) Consultation.--Prior to the selection of fellows, the
Director shall consult with the heads of executive agencies
regarding potential projects and how best to meet those needs.
Following such consultation, the Director shall select and
appoint individuals to serve as fellows.
``(3) Time limitation.--Fellows selected for the Program
shall serve under short-term, time-limited appointments. Such
fellows shall be appointed for no less than 6 months and no
longer than 2 years in the Program. The Director shall
facilitate the process of placing fellows at requesting
executive agencies.

``(g) Responsibilities of Agencies.--Each executive agency shall
work with the Director and the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program
advisory board established under section 3172 to attempt to maximize the
Program's benefits to the agency and the Government, including by
identifying initiatives that have a meaningful effect on the people
served and that benefit from involvement by one or more fellows. Such
agencies shall ensure that each fellow works closely with responsible
senior officials for the duration of the assignment.
``Sec. 3172. <>  Presidential Innovation
Fellows Program advisory board

``(a) <>  In General.--The Administrator
of General Services shall continue an advisory board to advise the
Director of the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program by recommending
such priorities and standards as may be beneficial to fulfill the
mission of the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program and assist in
identifying potential projects and placements for fellows. The advisory
board may not participate in the selection process under section
3171(f).

``(b) <>  Chair; Membership.--The Administrator
shall designate a representative to serve as the Chair of the advisory
board. In addition to the Chair, the membership of the advisory board
shall include--
``(1) the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of
Management and Budget;
``(2) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management;
``(3) the Administrator of the Office of Electronic
Government of the Office of Management and Budget;
``(4) the Assistant to the President and Chief Technology
Officer; and
``(5) other individuals as may be designated by the
Administrator.

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``(c) Consultation.--The advisory board may consult with industry,
academia, or nonprofits to ensure the Presidential Innovation Fellows
Program is continually identifying opportunities to apply advanced
skillsets and innovative practices in effective ways to address the
Nation's most significant challenges.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 31 of
title 5, United States Code, <>  is amended by
adding at the end the following:

``subchapter v--presidential innovation fellows program

``3171. Presidential Innovation Fellows Program.
``3172. Presidential Innovation Fellows Program advisory board.''.

(c) <>  Transition.--The Presidential
Innovation Fellows Program established pursuant to Executive Order No.
13704 (5 U.S.C. 3301 note) as in existence on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act shall be considered the Presidential Innovation
Fellows Program described in the amendments made by this Act.

(d) No Additional Funds Authorized.--No additional funds are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act or the amendments
made by this Act. This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall be
carried out using amounts otherwise authorized.

Approved January 20, 2017.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 39:
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017):
Jan. 10, 11, considered and passed House.
Jan. 17, considered and passed Senate.