The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, shall designate the laboratory described in subsection (b) as an additional laboratory pursuant to the authority under section 188(c)(2) of this title. Such laboratory shall be used to test and evaluate emerging technologies and conduct research and development to assist emergency response providers in preparing for, and protecting against, threats of terrorism.
The laboratory described in this subsection is the laboratory—
(1) known, as of December 27, 2021, as the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory; and
(2) transferred to the Department pursuant to section 183(1)(E) of this title.
The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory shall—
(1) conduct tests, evaluations, and assessments of current and emerging technologies, including, as appropriate, the cybersecurity of such technologies that can connect to the internet, for emergency response providers;
(2) act as a technical advisor to emergency response providers; and
(3) carry out other such activities as the Secretary determines appropriate.
Nothing in this section may be construed as affecting in any manner the authorities or responsibilities of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office of the Department.
(Pub. L. 107–296, title III, §322, as added Pub. L. 117–81, div. F, title LXIV, §6406(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2402.)