S. 3084 — what changed

added “(a) Goals—The Foundation shall apply a broader impacts review criterion to identify and demonstrate project support of the following goals:

added “(1) Increasing the economic competitiveness of the United States.

added “(2) Advancing of the health and welfare of the American public.

added “(3) Supporting the national defense of the United States.

added “(4) Enhancing partnerships between academia and industry in the United States.

added “(5) Developing an American STEM workforce that is globally competitive through improved pre-kindergarten through grade 12 STEM education and teacher development, and improved undergraduate STEM education and instruction.

added “(6) Improving public scientific literacy and engagement with science and technology in the United States.

added “(7) Expanding participation of women and individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM.”

“(3) each of the States described in paragraph (2) receives only a fraction of 1 percent of the Foundation's research dollars each year;”

“(4) first established at the National Science Foundation in 1979, the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (referred to in this section as “EPSCoR”) assists States and jurisdictions historically underserved by Federal research and development funding in strengthening their research and innovation capabilities;

“(5) the EPSCoR structure requires each participating State to develop a science and technology plan suited to State and local research, education, and economic interests and objectives;

“(6) EPSCoR has been credited with advancing the research competitiveness of participating States, improving awareness of science, promoting policies that link scientific investment and economic growth, and encouraging partnerships between government, industry, and academia;

changed “(7) EPSCoR proposals are evaluated through a rigorous and competitive merit review merit-review process to ensure that awarded research and development efforts meet high scientific standards; and

“(8) according to the National Academy of Sciences, EPSCoR has strengthened the national research infrastructure and enhanced the educational opportunities needed to develop the science and engineering workforce.”

“(g) Award structure updates—In implementing the mandate to maximize the impact of Federal EPSCoR support on building competitive research infrastructure, and based on the inputs and recommendations of previous EPSCoR reviews, the head of each Federal agency administering an EPSCoR program shall—

“(1) consider modifications to EPSCoR proposal solicitation, award type, and project evaluation—

“(A) to more closely align with current agency priorities and initiatives;

“(B) to focus EPSCoR funding on achieving critical scientific, infrastructure, and educational needs of that agency;

“(C) to encourage collaboration between EPSCoR-eligible institutions and researchers, including with institutions and researchers in other States and jurisdictions;

“(D) to improve communication between State and Federal agency proposal reviewers; and

“(E) to continue to reduce administrative burdens associated with EPSCoR;

“(2) consider modifications to EPSCoR award structures—

“(A) to emphasize long-term investments in building research capacity, potentially through the use of larger, renewable funding opportunities; and

“(B) to allow the agency, States, and jurisdictions to experiment with new research and development funding models; and

“(3) consider modifications to the mechanisms used to monitor and evaluate EPSCoR awards—

“(A) to increase collaboration between EPSCoR-funded researchers and agency staff, including by providing opportunities for mentoring young researchers and for the use of Federal facilities;

“(B) to identify and disseminate best practices; and

“(C) to harmonize metrics across participating Federal agencies, as appropriate.”

“(d) Federal agency reports—Each Federal agency that administers an EPSCoR shall submit to Congress, as part of its Federal budget submission—

“(1) a description of the program strategy and objectives;

“(2) a description of the awards made in the previous fiscal year, including—

“(A) the total amount made available, by State, under EPSCoR;

“(B) the total amount of agency funding made available to all institutions and entities within each EPSCoR State;

“(C) the efforts and accomplishments to more fully integrate the EPSCoR States in major agency activities and initiatives;

“(D) the percentage of EPSCoR reviewers from EPSCoR States; and

“(E) the number of programs or large collaborator awards involving a partnership of organizations and institutions from EPSCoR and non-EPSCoR States; and

“(3) an analysis of the gains in academic research quality and competitiveness, and in science and technology human resource development, achieved by the program over the last 5 fiscal years.”

“(2) EPSCoR—The term EPSCoR means—

“(A) the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research established by the Foundation; or

“(B) a program similar to the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research at another Federal agency.”

“(Q) security of election-dedicated voting system software and hardware; and

“(R) role of the human factor in cybersecurity and the interplay of computers and humans and the physical world.”

added “(3) conduct research and analysis—

added “(A) to determine the nature and extent of information security vulnerabilities and techniques for providing cost-effective information security;

added “(B) to review and determine prevalent information security challenges and deficiencies identified by agencies or the Institute, including any challenges or deficiencies described in any of the annual reports under section 3553 or 3554 of title 44, United States Code, and in any of the reports and the independent evaluations under section 3555 of that title, that may undermine the effectiveness of agency information security programs and practices; and

added “(C) to evaluate the effectiveness and sufficiency of, and challenges to, Federal agencies' implementation of standards and guidelines developed under this section and policies and standards promulgated under section 11331 of title 40, United States Code;”

added “(16) perform research to support the development of voluntary, consensus-based, industry-led standards and recommendations on the security of computers, computer networks, and computer data storage used in election systems to ensure voters can vote securely and privately.”

removed “(16) perform research to support the development of voluntary, consensus-based, industry-led standards and recommendations on the security of computers, computer networks, and computer data storage used in voting systems to ensure voters can vote securely and privately.”

removed “(J) provide for research on the interplay of computing and people, including social computing and human-robot interaction;

removed “(K) provide for research on cyber-physical systems and improving the methods available for the design, development, and operation of those systems that are characterized by high reliability, safety, and security;

removed “(L) provide for the understanding of the science, engineering, policy, and privacy protection related to networking and information technology;

removed “(M) provide for the understanding of the human facets of cyber threats and secure cyber systems;

removed “(N) provide for the transition of high-performance computing in hardware, system software, development tools, and applications into development and operations; and

removed “(O) foster public-private collaboration with government, industry research laboratories, academia, and nonprofit organizations to maximize research and development efforts and the benefits of networking and information technology, including high-performance computing.”

removed “(d) Periodic reviews—The heads of the applicable agencies and departments working through the National Science and Technology Council and the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program shall—

removed “(1) not later than 1 year after the date the advisory committee submits a report under subsection (b)(2), assess the structure of the Program, including the Program Component Areas and associated contents and funding levels, taking into consideration any relevant recommendations of the advisory committee; and

removed “(2) ensure that the Program includes foundational and interdisciplinary information technology research and development activities.

removed “(e) Strategic plans

removed “(1) In general—The heads of the applicable agencies and departments, working through the National Science and Technology Council and the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program shall develop and implement strategic plans to guide emerging activities in specific Program Component Areas, as the advisory committee determines relevant under subsection (b), of Federal networking and information technology research and development, and to guide the activities described in subsection (a)(1).

removed “(2) Updates—The heads of the applicable agencies and departments shall update the strategic plans as appropriate.

removed “(3) Contents—Each strategic plan shall—

removed “(A) specify near-term and long-term objectives for the Program, the anticipated schedule for achieving the near-term and long-term objectives, and the metrics to be used for assessing progress toward the near-term and long-term objectives;

removed “(B) specify how the near-term and long-term objectives complement research and development areas in which academia and the private sector is actively engaged;

removed “(C) describe how the heads of the applicable agencies and departments will support mechanisms for foundational and interdisciplinary research and development in networking and information technology, including through collaborations—

removed “(i) across Federal agencies and departments;

removed “(ii) across Program Component Areas; and

removed “(iii) with industry, Federal and private research laboratories, research entities, universities, institutions of higher education, relevant nonprofit organizations, and international partners of the United States;

removed “(D) describe how the heads of the applicable agencies and departments will foster the rapid transfer of research and development results into new technologies and applications;

removed “(E) describe how the Program will address long-term challenges for which solutions require large-scale, long-term, foundational and interdisciplinary research and development; and

removed “(F) place emphasis on innovative and high-risk projects having the potential for substantial societal returns on the research investment.

removed “(4) Private sector efforts—In developing, implementing, and updating strategic plans, the heads of the applicable agencies and departments, working through the National Science and Technology Council and Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program, shall coordinate with industry, academia, and other interested stakeholders to ensure, to the extent practicable, that the Federal networking and information technology research and development activities carried out under this section do not duplicate the efforts of the private sector.

removed “(5) Recommendations—In developing and updating strategic plans, the heads of the applicable agencies and departments shall solicit recommendations and advice from—

removed “(A) the advisory committee under subsection (b); and

removed “(B) a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, academia, including representatives of minority serving institutions and community colleges, National Laboratories, and other relevant organizations and institutions.

removed “(f) Reports—The heads of the applicable agencies and departments, working through the National Science and Technology Council and the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program, shall submit to the advisory committee, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives—

removed “(1) the strategic plans developed under subsection (e)(1); and

removed “(2) each update under subsection (e)(2).

removed “(g) Definition of applicable agencies and departments—In this section, the term applicable agencies and departments means the Federal agencies and departments identified in subsection (a)(3)(B) or designated under clause (xii) of that subsection.”

removed “(C) provide for the coordination of Federal networking and information technology research, development, networking, and other activities—

removed “(i) among the applicable agencies and departments under the Program; and

removed “(ii) to the extent practicable, with other Federal agencies not identified in subsection (a)(3)(B), other Federal and private research laboratories, industry, research entities, universities, institutions of higher education, relevant nonprofit organizations, and international partners of the United States;”

removed “(i) the Department of Commerce;

removed “(ii) the Department of Defense;

removed “(iii) the Department of Education;

removed “(iv) the Department of Energy;

removed “(v) the Department of Health and Human Services;

removed “(vi) the Department of Homeland Security;

removed “(vii) the Department of Justice;

removed “(viii) the Environmental Protection Agency;

removed “(ix) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

removed “(x) the National Archives and Records Administration;

removed “(xi) the National Science Foundation; and

removed “(xii) such other agencies and departments as the President or the Director considers appropriate;”

removed “(E) include a description of how the objectives for each Program Component Area, and the objectives for activities that involve multiple Program Component Areas, relate to the objectives of the Program identified in the strategic plan under subsection (e);”

added “(C) stimulate research on and promote more rapid development of high-end computing systems software and applications software;”

added “(1) “cyber-physical systems” means physical or engineered systems whose networking and information technology functions and physical elements are deeply integrated and are actively connected to the physical world through sensors, actuators, or other means to enable safe and effective, real-time performance in safety-critical and other applications;”

added “(4) “high-end computing” means the most advanced and capable computing systems, including their hardware, storage, networking and software, encompassing both massive computational capability and large-scale data analytics to solve computational problems of national importance that are beyond the capability of small- to medium-scale systems, including computing formerly known as high-performance computing;”

added “(6) “networking and information technology” means high-end computing, communications, and information technologies, high-capacity and high-speed networks, special purpose and experimental systems, high-end computing systems software and applications software, and the management of large data sets;

added “(7) “participating agency” means an agency described in section 101(a)(3)(C);”

added “(D) provide for efforts to increase software security and reliability;”

added “(J) provide for increased understanding of the scientific principles of cyber-physical systems and improve the methods available for the design, development, and operation of cyber-physical systems that are characterized by high reliability, safety, and security;

added “(K) provide for research and development on human-computer interactions, visualization, and big data;

added “(L) provide for research and development on the enhancement of cybersecurity, including the human facets of cyber threats and secure cyber systems;

added “(M) provide for the understanding of the science, engineering, policy, and privacy protection related to networking and information technology;

added “(N) provide for the transition of high-end computing hardware, system software, development tools, and applications into development and operations; and

added “(O) foster public-private collaboration among government, industry research laboratories, academia, and nonprofit organizations to maximize research and development efforts and the benefits of networking and information technology, including high-end computing.”

added “(A) establish the goals and priorities for Federal networking and information technology research, development, education, and other activities;”

added “(C) provide for interagency coordination of Federal networking and information technology research, development, education, and other activities undertaken pursuant to the Program—

added “(i) among the participating agencies; and

added “(ii) to the extent practicable, with other Federal agencies not described in paragraph (3)(C), other Federal and private research laboratories, industry, research entities, institutions of higher education, relevant nonprofit organizations, and international partners of the United States;”

added “(E) encourage and monitor the efforts of the agencies participating in the Program to allocate the level of resources and management attention necessary to ensure that the strategic plans under subsection (e) are developed and executed effectively and that the objectives of the Program are met; and”

added “(B) provide a detailed description of the nature and scope of research infrastructure designated as such under the Program;”

added “(i) the Department of Justice;”

added “(vii) the Department of Homeland Security;”

added “(viii) the National Archives and Records Administration;”

added “(E) describe the levels of Federal funding for each participating agency, and for each Program Component Area, for the fiscal year during which such report is submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal year, and the levels proposed for the fiscal year with respect to which the budget submission applies;”

added “(F) include a description of how the objectives for each Program Component Area, and the objectives for activities that involve multiple Program Component Areas, relate to the objectives of the Program identified in the strategic plans required under subsection (e); and”

added “(d) Periodic reviews—The heads of the participating agencies, working through the National Science and Technology Council and the Program, shall—

added “(1) periodically assess and update, as appropriate, the structure of the Program, including the Program Component Areas and associated contents, scope, and funding levels, taking into consideration any relevant recommendations of the advisory committee established under subsection (b); and

added “(2) ensure that such agency’s implementation of the Program includes foundational, large-scale, long-term, and interdisciplinary information technology research and development activities, including activities described in section 102.

added “(e) Strategic plans

added “(1) In general—The heads of the participating agencies, working through the National Science and Technology Council and the Program, shall develop and implement strategic plans to guide—

added “(A) emerging activities of Federal networking and information technology research and development; and

added “(B) the activities described in subsection (a)(1).

added “(2) Updates—The heads of the participating agencies shall update the strategic plans as appropriate.

added “(3) Contents—Each strategic plan shall—

added “(A) specify near-term and long-term objectives for the portions of the Program relevant to the strategic plan, the anticipated schedule for achieving the near-term and long-term objectives, and the metrics to be used for assessing progress toward the near-term and long-term objectives;

added “(B) specify how the near-term and long-term objectives complement research and development areas in which academia and the private sector are actively engaged;

added “(C) describe how the heads of the participating agencies will support mechanisms for foundational, large-scale, long-term, and interdisciplinary information technology research and development and for Grand Challenges, including through collaborations—

added “(i) across Federal agencies;

added “(ii) across Program Component Areas; and

added “(iii) with industry, Federal and private research laboratories, research entities, institutions of higher education, relevant nonprofit organizations, and international partners of the United States;

added “(D) describe how the heads of the participating agencies will foster the rapid transfer of research and development results into new technologies and applications in the national interest, including through cooperation and collaborations with networking and information technology research, development, and technology transition initiatives supported by the States; and

added “(E) describe how the portions of the Program relevant to the strategic plan will address long-term challenges for which solutions require foundational, large-scale, long-term, and interdisciplinary information technology research and development.

added “(4) Private sector efforts—In developing, implementing, and updating strategic plans, the heads of the participating agencies, working through the National Science and Technology Council and the Program, shall coordinate with industry, academia, and other interested stakeholders to ensure, to the extent practicable, that the Federal networking and information technology research and development activities carried out under this section do not duplicate the efforts of the private sector.

added “(5) Recommendations—In developing and updating strategic plans, the heads of the participating agencies shall solicit recommendations and advice from—

added “(A) the advisory committee under subsection (b);

added “(B) the Committee on Science and relevant subcommittees of the National Science and Technology Council; and

added “(C) a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, academia, National Laboratories, and other relevant organizations and institutions.

added “(f) Reports—The heads of the participating agencies, working through the National Science and Technology Council and the Program, shall submit to the advisory committee, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives—

added “(1) the strategic plans developed under subsection (e)(1); and

added “(2) each update under subsection (e)(2).”

added “102. Grand challenges in areas of national importance

added “(a) In general—The Program shall encourage the participating agencies to support foundational, large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary, and interagency information technology research and development activities in networking and information technology directed toward agency mission areas that have the potential for significant contributions to national economic competitiveness and for other significant societal benefits. Such activities, ranging from basic research to the demonstration of technical solutions, shall be designed to advance the development of fundamental discoveries. The advisory committee established under section 101(b) shall make recommendations to the Program for candidate research and development areas for support under this section.

added “(b) Characteristics

added “(1) In general—Research and development activities under this section shall—

added “(A) include projects selected on the basis of applications for support through a competitive, merit-based process;

added “(B) to the extent practicable, involve collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher education and industry, and may involve nonprofit research institutions and Federal laboratories, as appropriate;

added “(C) to the extent practicable, leverage Federal investments through collaboration with related State and private sector initiatives; and

added “(D) include a plan for fostering the transfer of research discoveries and the results of technology demonstration activities, including from institutions of higher education and Federal laboratories, to industry for commercial development.

added “(2) Cost-sharing—In selecting applications for support, the agencies may give special consideration to projects that include cost sharing from non-Federal sources.”

added “(2) the National Science Foundation shall use its existing programs, in collaboration with other agencies, as appropriate, to improve the teaching and learning of networking and information technology at all levels of education and to increase participation in networking and information technology fields, including by individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a and 1885b).”

changed Section 17(a) 2 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Data Act (15 U.S.C. 278g(a)) 290a) is amended to read as follows:

changed “(a) Financial assistance to foreign nationals—The Secretary is authorized, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to expend such sums, within the limit of appropriated funds, through direct support for activities of international organizations and foreign national metrology institutes with which the Institute cooperates to advance measurement methods, standards, and related basic technologies and, as the Secretary may deem desirable, through the grant of fellowships or any other form of financial assistance, to defray the expenses of foreign nationals not in service to the Government of the United States while they are performing scientific or engineering work at the Institute or participating in the exchange of scientific or technical information at the Institute.”“2. Definitions

added “For the purposes of this Act:

added “(1) Standard reference data—The term standard reference data means data that is—

added “(A) either—

added “(i) quantitative information related to a measurable physical, or chemical, or biological property of a substance or system of substances of known composition and structure;

added “(ii) measurable characteristics of a physical artifact or artifacts;

added “(iii) engineering properties or performance characteristics of a system; or

added “(iv) 1 or more digital data objects that serve—

added “(I) to calibrate or characterize the performance of a detection or measurement system; or

added “(II) to interpolate or extrapolate, or both, data described in subparagraph (A) through (C); and

added “(B) that is critically evaluated as to its reliability under section 3 of this Act.

added “(2) Secretary—The term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce.”

removed Section 2 of the Standard Reference Data Act (15 U.S.C. 290a) is amended to read as follows:

removed “2. Definitions

removed “For the purposes of this Act:

removed “(1) Standard reference data—The term standard reference data means data that is—

removed “(A) either—

removed “(i) quantitative information related to a measurable physical or chemical property of a substance or system of substances of known composition and structure;

removed “(ii) measurable characteristics of a physical artifact or artifacts;

removed “(iii) engineering properties or performance characteristics of a system; or

removed “(iv) one or more digital data objects that serve—

removed “(I) to calibrate or characterize the performance of a detection or measurement system; or

removed “(II) to interpolate or extrapolate, or both, data described in subparagraphs (A) through (C); and

removed “(B) that is critically evaluated as to its reliability under section 3 of this Act.

removed “(2) Secretary—The term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce.”

removed “(D) readiness of plans for construction and operation, including confidence in the estimates of the full life-cycle cost (as defined in section 2 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862k note)) and the proposed schedule of completion;”

removed The Director of the Foundation shall update the policy and procedure of the Foundation relating to conflicts of interest to improve documentation and management of any known conflict of interest of an individual on temporary assignment at the Foundation, including an individual on assignment under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.).

“(19) host, participate in, and support scientific and technical workshops (as defined in section 202 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act);

“(20) collect and retain any fees charged by the Secretary for hosting a scientific and technical workshop described in paragraph (19);

“(21) notwithstanding title 31 of the United States Code, use the fees described in paragraph (20) to pay for any related expenses, including subsistence expenses for participants;”

“(4) develop, not later than 5 years after the date of the release of the most-recent strategic plan, and update every 5 years thereafter, a strategic plan to guide the activities described under subsection (b) that describes—

“(A) the near-term and long-term objectives for the Program;

changed “(B) the anticipated schedule for achieving the near-term objectives;objectives; and

“(C) the metrics that will be used to assess progress toward the near-term and long-term objectives;

“(D) how the Program will move results out of the laboratory and into application for the benefit of society;

“(E) the Program's support for long-term funding for interdisciplinary research and development in nanotechnology; and

“(F) the allocation of funding for interagency nanotechnology projects;”

changed “(d) Reports—Not later than 4 years after the date of the most recent assessment under subsection (c), and quadrennially thereafter, the Advisory Panel shall submit to the President, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report of its assessments under subsection (c) and its recommendations for ways to improve the Program.”

“(d) Report

“(1) In general—Not later than 30 days after the date the first evaluation under subsection (a) is received, and quadrennially thereafter, the Director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall report to the President its assessments under subsection (c) and its recommendations for ways to improve the Program.

“(2) Congress—Not later than 30 days after the date the President receives the report under paragraph (1), the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall transmit a copy of the report to Congress.”

“(a) Prioritization of proposed major research equipment and facilities construction

“(1) Development of priorities—The Director shall—

“(A) develop a list indicating by number the relative priority for funding under the major research equipment and facilities construction account that the Director assigns to each project the Board has approved for inclusion in a future budget request; and

“(B) submit the list described in subparagraph (A) to the Board for approval.

changed “(2) Updates—The Criteria—The Director shall update include in the criteria for developing the list prepared under paragraph (1) each time the Board approves a new project that would receive funding under the major research equipment and facilities readiness of plans for construction account and periodically submit any updated list to operation, including confidence in the Board for approval.”estimates of the full life-cycle cost (as defined in section 2 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862k note)) and the proposed schedule of completion.

added “(3) Updates—The Director shall update the list prepared under paragraph (1) each time the Board approves a new project that would receive funding under the major research equipment and facilities construction account and periodically submit any updated list to the Board for approval.”

“(c) Board approval of major research equipment and facilities projects—The Board shall explicitly approve any project to be funded out of the major research equipment and facilities construction account before any funds may be obligated from such account for such project.”

Section 10A of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n–1a) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(k) STEM teacher service and retention

“(1) In general—The Director shall develop and implement practices for increasing the proportion of individuals receiving fellowships under this section who—

“(A) fulfill the service obligation required under subsection (h); and

“(B) remain in the teaching profession in a high need local educational agency beyond the service obligation.

“(2) Practices—The practices described under paragraph (1) may include—

changed “(A) partnering with nonprofit or professional associations or with other government entities to provide individuals receiving fellowships under this section with opportunities for professional development, including mentorship programs that pair those individuals with currently employed and recently retired science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or mathematics computer science professionals;

“(B) increasing recruitment from high need districts;

“(C) establishing a system to better collect, track, and respond to data on the career decisions of individuals receiving fellowships under this section;

changed “(D) conducting research to better understand factors relevant to teacher service and retention; retention, including factors specifically impacting the retention of teachers who are individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b); and

“(E) conducting pilot programs to improve teacher service and retention.”

“(7) collaborate with the STEM Education Advisory Panel established under section 303 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act and other outside stakeholders to ensure the engagement of the STEM education community;

“(8) review the measures used by a Federal agency to evaluate its STEM education activities and programs;

“(9) request and review feedback from States on how the States are utilizing Federal STEM education programs and activities; and

“(10) recommend the reform, termination, or consolidation of Federal STEM education activities and programs, taking into consideration the recommendations of the STEM Education Advisory Panel.”

“(6) a description of all consolidations and terminations of Federal STEM education programs and activities implemented in the previous fiscal year, including an explanation for the consolidations and terminations;

“(7) recommendations for reforms, consolidations, and terminations of STEM education programs or activities in the upcoming fiscal year; and

“(8) a description of any significant new STEM education public-private partnerships.”

added “18. Education and outreach

added “(a) In general—The Director is authorized to expend funds appropriated for activities of the Institute in any fiscal year, to support, promote, and coordinate activities and efforts to enhance public awareness and understanding of measurement sciences, standards and technology at the national measurement laboratories and otherwise in fulfillment of the mission of the Institute. The Director may carry out activities under this subsection, including education and outreach activities to the general public, industry and academia in support of the Institute’s mission.

added “(b) Hiring—The Director, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, may revise the procedures the Director applies when making appointments to laboratory positions within the competitive service—

added “(1) to ensure corporate memory of and expertise in the fundamental ongoing work, and on developing new capabilities in priority areas;

added “(2) to maintain high overall technical competence;

added “(3) to improve staff diversity;

added “(4) to balance emphases on the noncore and core areas; or

added “(5) to improve the ability of the Institute to compete in the marketplace for qualified personnel.

added “(c) Volunteers

added “(1) In general—The Director may establish a program to use volunteers in carrying out the programs of the Institute.

added “(2) Acceptance of personnel—The Director may accept, subject to regulations issued by the Office of Personnel Management, voluntary service for the Institute for such purpose if the service—

added “(A) is to be without compensation; and

added “(B) will not be used to displace any current employee or act as a substitute for any future full-time employee of the Institute.

added “(3) Federal employee status—Any individual who provides voluntary service under this subsection shall not be considered a Federal employee, except for purposes of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code (relating to compensation for injury), and sections 2671 through 2680 of title 28, United States Code (relating to tort claims).

added “(d) Research fellowships

added “(1) In general—The Director may expend funds appropriated for activities of the Institute in any fiscal year, as the Director considers appropriate, for awards of research fellowships and other forms of financial and logistical assistance, including direct stipend awards to—

added “(A) students at institutions of higher learning within the United States who show promise as present or future contributors to the mission of the Institute; and

added “(B) United States citizens for research and technical activities of the Institute, including programs.

added “(2) Selection criteria—The selection of persons to receive such fellowships and assistance shall be made on the basis of ability and of the relevance of the proposed work to the mission and programs of the Institute.

added “(3) Financial and logistical assistance—Notwithstanding section 1345 of title 31, United States Code, or any other law to the contrary, the Director may include as a form of financial or logistical assistance under this subsection temporary housing and transportation to and from Institute facilities.

added “(e) Educational outreach activities—The Director may—

added “(1) facilitate education programs for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and academic and industry employees;

added “(2) sponsor summer workshops for STEM kindergarten through grade 12 teachers as appropriate;

added “(3) develop programs for graduate student internships and visiting faculty researchers;

added “(4) document publications, presentations, and interactions with visiting researchers and sponsoring interns as performance metrics for improving and continuing interactions with those individuals; and

added “(5) facilitate laboratory tours and provide presentations for educational, industry, and community groups.”

added “19. Post-doctoral fellowship program

added “(a) In general—The Institute and the National Academy of Sciences, jointly, shall establish and conduct a post-doctoral fellowship program, subject to the availability of appropriations.

added “(b) Organization—The post-doctoral fellowship program shall include not less than 20 new fellows per fiscal year.

added “(c) Evaluations—In evaluating applications for post-doctoral fellowships under this section, the Director of the Institute and the President of the National Academy of Sciences shall give consideration to the goal of promoting the participation of individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b) in research areas supported by the Institute.”

removed “18. Education and outreach

removed “(a) In general—The Director is authorized to expend funds appropriated for activities of the Institute in any fiscal year, to support, promote, and coordinate activities and efforts to enhance public awareness and understanding of measurement sciences, standards and technology at the national measurement laboratories and otherwise in fulfillment of the mission of the Institute. The Director may carry out activities under this subsection, including education and outreach activities to the general public, industry and academia in support of the Institute’s mission.

removed “(b) Hiring—The Director, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, may revise the procedures the Director applies when making appointments to laboratory positions within the competitive service—

removed “(1) to ensure corporate memory of and expertise in the fundamental ongoing work, and on developing new capabilities in priority areas;

removed “(2) to maintain high overall technical competence;

removed “(3) to improve staff diversity;

removed “(4) to balance emphases on the noncore and core areas; or

removed “(5) to improve the ability of the Institute to compete in the marketplace for qualified personnel.

removed “(c) Volunteers

removed “(1) In general—The Director may establish a program to use volunteers in carrying out the programs of the Institute.

removed “(2) Acceptance of personnel—The Director may accept, subject to regulations issued by the Office of Personnel Management, voluntary service for the Institute for such purpose if the service—

removed “(A) is to be without compensation; and

removed “(B) will not be used to displace any current employee or act as a substitute for any future full-time employee of the Institute.

removed “(3) Federal employee status—Any individual who provides voluntary service under this subsection shall not be considered a Federal employee, except for purposes of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code (relating to compensation for injury), and sections 2671 through 2680 of title 28, United States Code (relating to tort claims).

removed “(d) Research fellowships

removed “(1) In general—The Director may expend funds appropriated for activities of the Institute in any fiscal year, as the Director considers appropriate, for awards of research fellowships and other forms of financial and logistical assistance, including direct stipend awards to—

removed “(A) students at institutions of higher learning within the United States who show promise as present or future contributors to the mission of the Institute; and

removed “(B) United States citizens for research and technical activities of the Institute, including programs.

removed “(2) Selection criteria—The selection of persons to receive such fellowships and assistance shall be made on the basis of ability and of the relevance of the proposed work to the mission and programs of the Institute.

removed “(3) Financial and logistical assistance—Notwithstanding section 1345 of title 31, United States Code, or any other law to the contrary, the Director may include as a form of financial or logistical assistance under this subsection temporary housing and transportation to and from Institute facilities.

removed “(e) Educational outreach activities—The Director may—

removed “(1) facilitate education programs for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and academic and industry employees;

removed “(2) sponsor summer internships for STEM high school teachers as appropriate;

removed “(3) develop programs for graduate student internships and visiting faculty researchers;

removed “(4) document publications, presentations, and interactions with visiting researchers and sponsoring interns as performance metrics for improving and continuing interactions with those individuals; and

removed “(5) facilitate laboratory tours and provide presentations for educational, industry, and community groups.”

removed “19. Post-doctoral fellowship program

removed “(a) In general—The Institute and the National Academy of Sciences, jointly, shall establish and conduct a post-doctoral fellowship program, subject to the availability of appropriations.

removed “(b) Organization—The post-doctoral fellowship program shall include not less than 20 nor more than 120 new fellows per fiscal year.

removed “(c) Evaluations—In evaluating applications for post-doctoral fellowships under this section, the Director of the Institute and the President of the National Academy of Sciences shall give consideration to the goal of promoting the participation of underrepresented minorities in research areas supported by the Institute.”

removed “(6) Improved undergraduate STEM education and instruction.”

added “(3) a national partnership of institutions involved in informal STEM learning.”

added “(3) fostering on-going partnerships between institutions involved in informal STEM learning, institutions of higher education, and education research centers; and

added “(4) developing, and making available informal STEM education activities and educational materials.”

removed Section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) is amended—

“(3) Waivers

“(A) In general—An agency may waive the requirement under paragraph (2).

“(B) List—The Director shall include a list of all of the waivers granted under this paragraph during the preceding fiscal year, including a detailed explanation of the reason for granting the waiver.”

added “(2) Licenses—As appropriate and to further the goals of a prize competition, the Federal Government may negotiate a license for the use of intellectual property developed by a registered participant in a prize competition.”

removed “(2) Licenses—As appropriate and to further the goals of a prize competition, the Federal Government may—

removed “(A) negotiate a license for the use of intellectual property developed by a registered participant in a prize competition; or

removed “(B) require a registered participant in a prize competition to provide an open license to the public for the use of the intellectual property if that requirement is disclosed prior to registration.”

removed “(3) Electronic consent—The Federal Government may obtain consent to the intellectual property and licensing terms of a prize competition from participants during the online registration for the prize competition.”

“(1) In general—Support for a prize competition under this section, including financial support for the design and administration of a prize competition or funds for a cash prize purse, may consist of Federal appropriated funds and funds provided by private sector for-profit and nonprofit entities. The head of an agency may request and accept funds from other Federal agencies, State, United States territory, local, or tribal government agencies, private sector for-profit entities, and nonprofit entities, to be available to the extent provided by appropriations Acts, to support such prize competitions. The head of an agency may not give any special consideration to any agency or entity in return for a donation.”

“(A) Announcement—No prize competition may be announced under subsection (f) until all the funds needed to pay out the announced amount of the cash prize purse have been appropriated or committed in writing by a private or State, United States territory, local, or tribal government source.”

“(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.”

changed Section 2(b)(4) 2(b) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b)(4)) is amended to read 272(b)), as follows:amended by section 403 of this Act, is further amended—

removed “(4) to enter into and perform such contracts, including cooperative research and development arrangements, grants, cooperative agreements, real property leases, or other transactions, as may be necessary in furtherance of the purposes of this Act and on such terms as the Director considers appropriate;”

changed Section 10(a) 10 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278(a)) 278) is amended—

“25. Hollings manufacturing extension partnership

“(a) Definitions—In this section:

“(1) Appropriate committees of Congress—The term appropriate committees of Congress means—

“(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and

“(B) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.

“(2) Area career and technical education school—The term area career and technical education school has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Vocational Education Act of 1963 (20 U.S.C. 2302).

“(3) Center—The term Center means a manufacturing extension center that—

“(A) is created under subsection (b); and

“(B) is affiliated with an eligible entity that applies for and is awarded financial support under subsection (e).

“(4) Community college—The term community college means an institution of higher education (as defined under section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) at which the highest degree that is predominately awarded to students is an associate’s degree.

“(5) Eligible entity—The term eligible entity means a United States-based nonprofit institution, or consortium thereof, an institution of higher education, or a State, United States territory, local, or tribal government.

“(6) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership or Program—The term Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership or Program means the program established under subsection (b).

“(7) MEP Advisory Board—The term MEP Advisory Board means the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board established under subsection (n).

“(b) Establishment and purpose—The Secretary, acting through the Director and, if appropriate, through other Federal officials, shall establish a program to provide assistance for the creation and support of manufacturing extension centers for the transfer of manufacturing technology and best business practices.

“(c) Objective—The objective of the Program shall be to enhance competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance in United States manufacturing through—

“(1) the transfer of manufacturing technology and techniques developed at the Institute to Centers and, through them, to manufacturing companies throughout the United States;

“(2) the participation of individuals from industry, institutions of higher education, State governments, other Federal agencies, and, when appropriate, the Institute in cooperative technology transfer activities;

“(3) efforts to make new manufacturing technology and processes usable by United States-based small and medium-sized companies;

“(4) the active dissemination of scientific, engineering, technical, and management information about manufacturing to industrial firms, including small and medium-sized manufacturing companies;

added “(5) the utilization, when appropriate, of the expertise and capability that exists in Federal agencies, other than the Institute, and federally-sponsored laboratories;

removed “(5) the utilization, when appropriate, of the expertise and capability that exists in Federal agencies, other than the Institute, and federally sponsored laboratories;

“(6) the provision to community colleges and area career and technical education schools of information about the job skills needed in manufacturing companies, including small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in the regions they serve;

added “(7) the promotion and expansion of certification systems offered through industry, associations, and local colleges when appropriate, including efforts such as facilitating training, supporting new or existing apprenticeships, and providing access to information and experts, to address workforce needs and skills gaps in order to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturing businesses; and

removed “(7) the promotion and expansion of certification systems offered through industry, associations, and community colleges, when appropriate; and

“(8) the growth in employment and wages at United States-based small and medium-sized companies.

“(d) Activities—The activities of a Center shall include—

“(1) the establishment of automated manufacturing systems and other advanced production technologies, based on Institute-supported research, for the purpose of demonstrations and technology transfer;

“(2) the active transfer and dissemination of research findings and Center expertise to a wide range of companies and enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized manufacturers; and

“(3) the facilitation of collaborations and partnerships between small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, community colleges, and area career and technical education schools, to help those entities better understand the specific needs of manufacturers and to help manufacturers better understand the skill sets that students learn in the programs offered by such colleges and schools.

“(e) Financial assistance

“(1) Authorization—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may provide financial assistance for the creation and support of a Center through a cooperative agreement with an eligible entity.

“(2) Cost sharing—The Secretary may not provide more than 50 percent of the capital and annual operating and maintenance funds required to establish and support a Center.

“(3) Rule of construction—For purposes of paragraph (2), any amount received by an eligible entity for a Center under a provision of law other than paragraph (1) shall not be considered an amount provided under paragraph (1).

added “(4) Regulations—The Secretary may revise or promulgate such regulations as necessary to carry out this subsection.

“(f) Applications

“(1) In general—An eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

“(2) Program description—The Secretary shall establish and update, as necessary—

“(A) a description of the Program;

“(B) the application procedures;

“(C) performance metrics;

added “(D) criteria for determining qualified applicants; and

added “(E) criteria for choosing recipients of financial assistance from among the qualified applicants.

removed “(D) criteria for determining qualified applicants;

removed “(E) criteria for choosing recipients of financial assistance from among the qualified applicants;

“(F) procedures for determining allowable cost share contributions; and

added “(G) such other program policy objectives and operational procedures as the Secretary considers necessary.

removed “(G) such other program policy objections and operational procedures as the Secretary deems necessary.

“(3) Cost sharing

“(A) In general—To be considered for financial assistance under this section, an applicant shall provide adequate assurances that the applicant and if applicable, the applicant's partnering organizations, will obtain funding for not less than 50 percent of the capital and annual operating and maintenance funds required to establish and support the Center from sources other than the financial assistance provided under subsection (e).

added “(B) Agreements with other entities—In meeting the cost-sharing requirement under subparagraph (A), an eligible entity may enter into an agreement with 1 or more other entities, such as a private industry, institutions of higher education, or a State, United States territory, local, or tribal government for the contribution by that other entity of funding if the Secretary determines the agreement—

removed “(B) Agreements with other entities—In meeting the cost-sharing requirement under subparagraph (A), an eligible entity may enter into an agreement with one or more other entities, such as a private industry, an institution of higher education, or a State, United States territory, local, or tribal government for the contribution by that other entity of funding if the Secretary determines the agreement—

“(i) is programmatically reasonable;

“(ii) will help accomplish programmatic objectives; and

“(iii) is allocable under Program procedures under subsection (f)(2).

“(4) Legal rights—Each applicant shall include in the application a proposal for the allocation of the legal rights associated with any intellectual property which may result from the activities of the Center.

“(5) Merit review of applications

“(A) In general—The Secretary shall subject each application to merit review.

“(B) Considerations—In making a decision whether to approve an application and provide financial assistance under subsection (e), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum—

“(i) the merits of the application, particularly those portions of the application regarding technology transfer, training and education, and adaptation of manufacturing technologies to the needs of particular industrial sectors;

“(ii) the quality of service to be provided;

“(iii) the geographical diversity and extent of the service area; and

added “(iv) the type and percentage of funding and in-kind commitment from other sources under paragraph (3).

removed “(iv) the type and percentage of funding from other sources under paragraph (3).

“(g) Evaluations

“(1) Third and eighth year evaluations by panel

“(A) In general—The Secretary shall ensure that each Center is evaluated during its third and eighth years of operation by an evaluation panel appointed by the Secretary.

“(B) Composition—The Secretary shall ensure that each evaluation panel appointed under subparagraph (A) is composed of—

“(i) private experts, none of whom are connected with the Center evaluated by the panel; and

“(ii) Federal officials.

“(C) Chairperson—For each evaluation panel appointed under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall appoint a chairperson who is an official of the Institute.

“(2) Fifth year evaluations by Secretary—In the fifth year of operation of a Center, the Secretary shall conduct a review of the Center.

“(3) Performance measurement—In evaluating a Center an evaluation panel or the Secretary, as applicable, shall measure the performance of the Center against—

“(A) the objective specified in subsection (c);

“(B) the performance metrics under subsection (f)(2)(C); and

added “(C) such other criterion as considered appropriate by the Secretary.

removed “(C) such other criterion as deemed appropriate by the Secretary.

“(4) Positive evaluations—If an evaluation of a Center is positive, the Secretary may continue to provide financial assistance for the Center—

“(A) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the third year of a Center, through the fifth year of the Center;

“(B) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the fifth year of a Center, through the eighth year of the Center; and

“(C) in the case of an evaluation occurring in the eighth year of a Center, through the tenth year of the Center.

“(5) Other than positive evaluations

“(A) Probation—If an evaluation of a Center is other than positive, the Secretary shall put the Center on probation during the period beginning on the date that the Center receives notice under subparagraph (B)(i) and ending on the date that the reevaluation is complete under subparagraph (B)(iii).

“(B) Notice and reevaluation—If a Center receives an evaluation that is other than positive, the evaluation panel or Secretary, as applicable, shall—

“(i) notify the Center of the reason, including any deficiencies in the performance of the Center identified during the evaluation;

“(ii) assist the Center in remedying the deficiencies by providing the Center, not less frequently than once every 3 months, an analysis of the Center, if considered appropriate by the panel or Secretary, as applicable; and

“(iii) reevaluate the Center not later than 1 year after the date of the notice under clause (i).

added “(C) Continued support during period of probation

added “(i) In general—The Secretary may continue to provide financial assistance under subsection (e) for a Center during the probation period.

added “(ii) Post probation—After the period of probation, the Secretary shall not provide any financial assistance unless the Center has received a positive evaluation under subparagraph (B)(iii).

removed “(C) Continued support during period of probation—The Secretary may continue to provide financial assistance under subsection (e) for a Center during the probation period.

“(6) Failure to remedy

“(A) In general—If a Center fails to remedy a deficiency or to show significant improvement in performance before the end of the probation period under paragraph (5), the Secretary shall conduct a competition to select an operator for the Center under subsection (h).

“(B) Treatment of Centers subject to new competition—Upon the selection of an operator for a Center under subsection (h), the Center shall be considered a new Center and the calculation of the years of operation of that Center for purposes of paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection and subsection (h)(1) shall start anew.

“(h) Reapplication competition for financial assistance after 10 years

“(1) In general—If an eligible entity has operated a Center under this section for a period of 10 consecutive years, the Secretary shall conduct a competition to select an eligible entity to operate the Center in accordance with the process plan under subsection (i).

“(2) Incumbent eligible entities—An eligible entity that has received financial assistance under this section for a period of 10 consecutive years and that the Secretary determines is in good standing shall be eligible to compete in the competition under paragraph (1).

“(3) Treatment of Centers subject to reapplication competition—Upon the selection of an operator for a Center under paragraph (1), the Center shall be considered a new Center and the calculation of the years of operation of that Center for purposes of paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (g) shall start anew.

“(i) Process plan—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, the Secretary shall implement and submit to Congress a plan for how the Institute will conduct an evaluation, competition, and reapplication competition under this section.

“(j) Operational requirements

“(1) Protection of confidential information of center clients—The following information, if obtained by the Federal Government in connection with an activity of a Center or the Program, shall be exempt from public disclosure under section 552 of title 5, United States Code:

“(A) Information on the business operation of any participant in the Program or of a client of a Center.

“(B) Trade secrets of any client of a Center.

“(k) Oversight boards

“(1) In general—As a condition on receipt of financial assistance for a Center under subsection (e), an eligible entity shall establish a board to oversee the operations of the Center.

“(2) Standards

“(A) In general—The Director shall establish appropriate standards for each board described under paragraph (1).

“(B) Considerations—In establishing the standards, the Director shall take into account the type and organizational structure of an eligible entity.

added “(C) Requirements—The standards shall address—

removed “(C) Requirements—The standards shall address, at a minimum—

“(i) membership;

“(ii) composition;

“(iii) term limits;

“(iv) conflicts of interest; and

added “(v) such other requirements as the Director considers necessary.

removed “(v) whether to limit board members serving on multiple boards under this section.

“(3) Membership

“(A) In general—Each board established under paragraph (1) shall be composed of members as follows:

“(i) The membership of each board shall be representative of stakeholders in the region in which the Center is located.

“(ii) A majority of the members of the board shall be selected from among individuals who own or are employed by small or medium-sized manufacturers.

“(B) Limitation—A member of a board established under paragraph (1) may not serve on more than 1 board established under that paragraph.

“(4) Bylaws

“(A) In general—Each board established under paragraph (1) shall adopt and submit to the Director bylaws to govern the operation of the board.

“(B) Conflicts of interest—Bylaws adopted under subparagraph (A) shall include policies to minimize conflicts of interest, including such policies relating to disclosure of relationships and recusal as may be necessary to minimize conflicts of interest.

“(l) Acceptance of funds—In addition to such sums as may be appropriated to the Secretary and Director to operate the Program, the Secretary and Director may also accept funds from other Federal departments and agencies and from the private sector under section 2(c)(7) of this Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)(7)), to be available to the extent provided by appropriations Acts, for the purpose of strengthening United States manufacturing.

“(m) MEP Advisory Board

“(1) Establishment—There is established within the Institute a Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board.

“(2) Membership

“(A) Composition

“(i) In general—The MEP Advisory Board shall consist of not fewer than 10 members appointed by the Director and broadly representative of stakeholders.

“(ii) Requirements—Of the members appointed under clause (i)—

added “(I) at least 2 members shall be employed by or on an advisory board for a Center;

added “(II) at least 5 members shall be from United States small businesses in the manufacturing sector; and

added “(III) at least 1 member shall represent a community college.

removed “(I) at least 2 members shall be employed by or on an advisory board for a Center; and

removed “(II) at least 5 other members shall be from United States small businesses in the manufacturing sector.

“(iii) Limitation—No member of the MEP Advisory Board shall be an employee of the Federal Government.

“(B) Term—Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the term of office of each member of the MEP Advisory Board shall be 3 years.

“(C) Vacancies—Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term.

“(D) Serving consecutive terms—Any person who has completed 2 consecutive full terms of service on the MEP Advisory Board shall thereafter be ineligible for appointment during the 1-year period following the expiration of the second such term.

“(3) Meetings—The MEP Advisory Board shall—

“(A) meet not less than biannually; and

“(B) provide to the Director—

“(i) advice on the activities, plans, and policies of the Program;

“(ii) assessments of the soundness of the plans and strategies of the Program; and

“(iii) assessments of current performance against the plans of the Program.

“(4) FACA applicability

“(A) In general—In discharging its duties under this subsection, the MEP Advisory Board shall function solely in an advisory capacity, in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).

“(B) Exception—Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the MEP Advisory Board.

“(5) Annual report

added “(A) In general—At a minimum, the MEP Advisory Board shall transmit an annual report to the Secretary for transmittal to Congress not later than 30 days after the submission to Congress of the President’s annual budget under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code.

removed “(A) In general—At a minimum, the MEP Advisory Board shall transmit an annual report to the Secretary for transmittal to Congress not later than 30 days after the submission to Congress of the President’s annual budget request in each year.

“(B) Contents—The report shall address the status of the Program and describe the relevant sections of the programmatic planning document and updates thereto transmitted to Congress by the Director under subsections (c) and (d) of section 23 (15 U.S.C. 278i).

“(n) Small manufacturers

“(1) Evaluation of obstacles—As part of the Program, the Director shall—

“(A) identify obstacles that prevent small manufacturers from effectively competing in the global market;

“(B) implement a comprehensive plan to train the Centers to address the obstacles identified in paragraph (2); and

“(C) facilitate improved communication between the Centers to assist such manufacturers in implementing appropriate, targeted solutions to the obstacles identified in paragraph (2).

“(2) Development of open access resources—As part of the Program, the Secretary shall develop open access resources that address best practices related to inventory sourcing, supply chain management, manufacturing techniques, available Federal resources, and other topics to further the competitiveness and profitability of small manufacturers.”

“25A. Competitive awards program

“(a) Establishment—The Director shall establish within the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership under section 25 (15 U.S.C. 278k) and section 26 (15 U.S.C. 278l) a program of competitive awards among participants described in subsection (b) of this section for the purposes described in subsection (c).

“(b) Participants—Participants receiving awards under this section shall be Centers, or a consortium of Centers.

“(c) Purpose, themes, and reimbursement

“(1) Purpose—The purpose of the program established under subsection (a) is to add capabilities to the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, including the development of projects to solve new or emerging manufacturing problems as determined by the Director, in consultation with the Director of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the MEP Advisory Board, other Federal agencies, and small and medium-sized manufacturers.

added “(2) Themes—The Director may identify 1 or more themes for a competition carried out under this section, which may vary from year to year, as the Director considers appropriate after assessing the needs of manufacturers and the success of previous competitions.

removed “(2) Themes—The Director may identify one or more themes for a competition carried out under this section, which may vary from year to year, as the Director considers appropriate after assessing the needs of manufacturers and the success of previous competitions.

“(3) Reimbursement—Centers may be reimbursed for costs incurred by the Centers under this section.

“(d) Applications—Applications for awards under this section shall be submitted in such manner, at such time, and containing such information as the Director shall require in consultation with the MEP Advisory Board.

“(e) Selection

“(1) Peer review and competitively awarded—The Director shall ensure that awards under this section are peer reviewed and competitively awarded.

“(2) Geographic diversity—The Director shall endeavor to have broad geographic diversity among selected proposals.

added “(3) Criteria—The Director shall select applications to receive awards that the Director determines will achieve 1 or more of the following:

removed “(3) Criteria—The Director shall select applications to receive awards that the Director determines will achieve one or more of the following:

“(A) Improve the competitiveness of industries in the region in which the Center or Centers are located.

“(B) Create jobs or train newly hired employees.

“(C) Promote the transfer and commercialization of research and technology from institutions of higher education, national laboratories or other federally funded research programs, and nonprofit research institutes.

added “(D) Recruit a diverse manufacturing workforce, including through outreach to underrepresented populations, including individuals identified in section 33 or section 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b).

removed “(D) Recruit a diverse manufacturing workforce, including through outreach to women and minorities.

“(E) Such other result as the Director determines will advance the objective set forth in section 25(c) (15 U.S.C. 278k) or in section 26 (15 U.S.C. 278l).

“(f) Program contribution—Recipients of awards under this section shall not be required to provide a matching contribution.

“(g) Global marketplace projects—In making an award under this section, the Director, in consultation with the MEP Advisory Board and the Secretary, may take into consideration whether an application has significant potential for enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized United States manufacturers in the global marketplace.

“(h) Duration—The duration of an award under this section shall be for not more than 3 years.

“(i) Definitions—The terms used in this section have the meanings given the terms in section 25 (15 U.S.C. 278k).”