Section 1 Energy Frontier Research Centers
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—
the Grand Challenges report of the Department’s Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee;
the report of the Department’s Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee entitled “From Quanta to the Continuum: Opportunities for Mesoscale Science”;
the Basic Energy Sciences Basic Research Needs workshop report; or
other relevant reports identified by the Director.
Collaborations— A collaboration receiving an award under this subsection may include multiple types of institutions and private sector entities.
Selection and duration—
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.
Reapplication— After the end of the period described in paragraph (1), an awardee may reapply for selection for a second period of 5 years on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
Termination— Consistent with the existing authorities of the Department, the Director may terminate an underperforming center for cause during the performance period.
No funding for construction— No funding provided pursuant to this subsection may be used for the construction of new buildings or facilities.