American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006 - Title I: Office of Science and Technology Policy; Government-Wide Science - (Sec. 101) Directs the President to convene a National Science and Technology Summit to examine the health and direction of U.S. science and technology enterprises. Requires the: (1) President to issue a report on Summit results; and (2) Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to publish an annual report recommending areas of investment for federal research and technology programs.
(Sec. 102) Directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study to identify, and to review methods to mitigate, new forms of risk for businesses beyond conventional operational and financial risk that affect the ability to innovate. Authorizes appropriations.
(Sec. 103) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to rename the National Technology Medal as the National Technology and Innovation Medal.
(Sec. 104) Requires the OSTP Director to: (1) develop and issue a set of principles for the communication to the public of scientific information by government scientists, policy makers, and managers; and (2) ensure that all civilian federal agencies that conduct scientific research develop specific policies and procedures regarding the public release of scientific information consistent with the principles developed.
(Sec. 105) Expresses the sense of Congress that the OSTP should: (1) encourage all elementary and middle schools to observe a Math and Science Day twice in every school year to excite and inspire students to pursue math and science fields; (2) initiate a program to provide support mechanisms and tools to encourage federal employees with scientific, technological, engineering, or mathematical responsibilities to reach out to local classrooms on such Math and Science Days; and (3) promote Math and Science Days involvement by private sector and institutions of higher learning employees.
(Sec. 106) Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal government should better understand and respond strategically to the emerging vocation and learning discipline known as service science. Requires the OSTP Director to conduct a study on how the federal government should support the new discipline of service science through research, education, and training.
(Sec. 107) Requires the OSTP Director to: (1) review all provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, including tax provisions, compliance costs, and reporting requirements; and (2) report to Congress and the President on any such provisions that discourage or encourage innovation.
(Sec. 108) Directs the OSTP Director to review and report to Congress and the President on all federal regulations that discourage or encourage innovation.
Title II: Innovation Promotion - (Sec. 201) Directs the President to establish a President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness to, among other things: (1) monitor implementation of public laws and initiatives for promoting innovation; (2) develop a process to assess the impact of existing and proposed policies and rules that affect U.S. innovation capabilities; (3) measure federal government progress in improving conditions for innovation; (4) report to the President and Congress on such progress; and (5) develop a comprehensive agenda for strengthening the innovation and competitiveness capabilities of the federal government, state governments, academia, and the private sector.
(Sec. 202) Directs the President to: (1) establish the Innovation Acceleration Grants Program to support and promote innovation in the United States; and (2) ensure as a goal of each executive agency that finances research in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology the allocation of approximately eight percent of its total annual research and development budget to fund grants under the Program. Outlines grant requirements and conditions, including a three-year duration and grant evaluations.
Title III: National Science Foundation - (Sec. 301) Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY2007-FY2011. Requires the NSF Director to submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive, multiyear plan describing how the authorized funds will be used.
(Sec. 302) Requires the NSF Director, over the five-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program to include an additional 1,250 fellowships and grants for each program. Authorizes appropriations for each program.
(Sec. 303) Requires the NSF Director to: (1) establish a clearinghouse, in collaboration with four-year institutions of higher education and federal agencies that employ science-trained personnel, to share program elements used in successful professional science masters degree programs and other advanced degree programs related to science, mathematics, technology, and engineering; (2) make such clearinghouse available to institutions of higher education that are developing professional science masters degree programs; and (3) award grants for pilot programs to four-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the creation or improvement of such degree programs. Provides a grant preference to applicants that secure more than two-thirds of degree program funding from sources other than the federal government. Allows the award of up to 200 grants, each for a three-year period. Requires the NSF Director to evaluate the pilot program and report results to Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
(Sec. 304) Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2010 to carry out the physical science, mathematics, engineering, and technology talent expansion program of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002. Amends such Act to encourage students involved in such programs to conduct outreach at middle and secondary schools in order to increase student exposure to engineering and technology.
(Sec. 305) Requires the NSF Director, in considering NSF science research proposals and awards, to include consideration of the degree to which awards and research activities may assist in meeting critical national needs in innovation, competitiveness, the physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
(Sec. 306) Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011 for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research under the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988.
(Sec. 307) Requires the NSF Director to establish a program to provide: (1) mentors for women interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; and (2) grants to community colleges to provide apprenticeships and other appropriate training to allow women to enter into higher-paying technical jobs in fields related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Requires evaluations of each program.
(Sec. 308) Requires the NSF Director to develop and publish a plan that describes the current status of broadband access for scientific research in certain states and outlines actions which can be taken to ensure that such connections are available to enable participation in those NSF programs which rely heavily on high-speed networking and collaborations across institutions and regions.
(Sec. 309) States that nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to require or recommend that the NSF: (1) alter or modify its merit-review system or peer-review process; or (2) exclude the awarding of any proposal by means of the merit-review or peer-review process.
Title IV: National Aeronautics and Space Administration - (Sec. 401) Expresses the sense of Congress: (1) recognizing the critical role that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has played in stimulating excellence in the advancement of physical science and engineering disciplines and the pursuit of academic studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (2) that a robust and fully-funded NASA could attract and employ scientists, engineers, and technicians across a broad range of fields in such studies. Directs the NASA Administrator to fully participate in any interagency efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness through scientific research and development.
(Sec. 402) Directs the NASA Administrator to establish an Aeronautics Institute for Research to manage NASA aeronautics research.
(Sec. 403) Requires the NASA Administrator, the NSF Director, and the Secretaries of Energy, Defense, and Commerce to coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Directs the NASA Administrator to establish a Basic Research Executive Council to oversee the distribution and management of NASA programs and resources engaged in support of basic research activity.
(Sec. 404) Expresses the sense of Congress that the NASA Administrator should implement a program to address aging workforce issues in aerospace.
(Sec. 406) Requires the NASA Administrator to increase funding for basic science and research, including for the Explorer Program, for FY2007 by $160 million by transfer from other NASA accounts.
Title V: National Institute of Standards and Technology - (Sec. 501) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for FY2007-FY2011 for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.
(Sec. 502) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to eliminate within the Department of Commerce the Technology Administration and the position of Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology.
(Sec. 503) Requires the NIST Director to: (1) establish the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program to support and promote innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward research; and (2) set aside not less than eight percent of available NIST funds each fiscal year for the Program. Requires the NIST Director to issue an annual report on Program activities.
(Sec. 504) Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require any Regional Center for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology (established under such Act) that has not received a positive evaluation to be notified of its deficiencies and placed on probation for one year, after which the evaluation panel shall reevaluate such Center. Allows, after continuing deficiencies, the selection of a new Center operator or Center closure.
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce and the NIST Director to accept funds from other federal departments and agencies and the private sector for the purpose of strengthening U.S. manufacturing.
(Sec. 505) Requires the NIST Director to reestablish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. States that the purpose of such Program shall be to strengthen the technological competitiveness of those states that have historically received less federal research and development funding than the majority of states have received. Authorizes grants and cooperative agreements under the Program. Requires: (1) at least 50 percent non-federal matching funds for Program activities; and (2) a Program report from the NIST Director to the science committees.
(Sec. 506) Makes technical amendments to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act and other acts, including matters concerning NIST fellowships, NIST grants and cooperative agreements, and time and metric system definitions.
Title VI: Ocean and Atmospheric Programs - (Sec. 601) Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a coordinated program of ocean and atmospheric research and development, in collaboration with academic institutions and other nongovernmental entities, that focuses on the development of advanced technologies and analytical methods that will promote U.S. leadership in ocean and atmospheric science, as well as competitiveness in the applied uses of such knowledge.
(Sec. 602) Requires the NOAA Administrator to conduct, develop, support, promote, and coordinate formal and informal educational activities to enhance public awareness and understanding of ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science and stewardship by the general public and other coastal stakeholders, including underrepresented groups in ocean and atmospheric science and policy careers.
Requires the NOAA Administrator, appropriate NOAA programs, ocean and atmospheric science and education experts, and interested members of the public to: (1) develop a science education plan setting forth education goals and strategies for NOAA, as well as actions to carry out such goals and strategies over the next 20 years; and (2) evaluate and update such plan every five years.
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2802 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2802
To improve American innovation and competitiveness in the global
economy.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 15, 2006
Mr. Ensign (for himself, Mr. Stevens, and Mrs. Hutchison) introduced
the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To improve American innovation and competitiveness in the global
economy.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``American
Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2006''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY; GOVERNMENT-WIDE
SCIENCE
Sec. 101. National science and technology summit.
Sec. 102. Study on barriers to innovation.
Sec. 103. National innovation medal.
TITLE II--INNOVATION PROMOTION
Sec. 201. President's Council on Innovation and Competitiveness.
Sec. 202. Innovation acceleration grants.
Sec. 203. Regional economic development.
TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 302. Innovation-based experiential learning.
Sec. 303. Graduate fellowships and graduate traineeships.
Sec. 304. Professional science masters degree programs.
Sec. 305. Increased support for science education through the National
Science Foundation.
Sec. 306. Study of service science.
Sec. 307. Meeting critical national science needs.
Sec. 308. Experimental program to stimulate competitive research.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 401. NASA's contribution to innovation.
Sec. 402. Aeronautics Institute for Research.
Sec. 403. Basic research enhancement.
TITLE V--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 501. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 502. Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act
of 1980.
Sec. 503. Innovation acceleration.
Sec. 504. Development of advanced manufacturing systems.
Sec. 505. Collaborative manufacturing research pilot grants.
Sec. 506. Manufacturing extension.
Sec. 507. Experimental program to stimulate competitive technology.
Sec. 508. Technical amendments to the National Institute of Standards
and Technology Act and other technical
amendments.
TITLE I--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY; GOVERNMENT-WIDE
SCIENCE
SEC. 101. NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT.
(a) In General.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment of
this act, the President shall convene a National Science and Technology
Summit. The Summit shall include representatives of industry, small
business, academia, State government, and Federal research and
development agencies. The summit shall examine the health and direction
of the United States' science and technology enterprise.
(b) Report.--Within 90 days after the end of the Summit, the
President shall issue a report on the results of the Summit. The report
shall identify key research and technology challenges and
recommendations for areas of investment for Federal research and
technology programs over the next 5 years beginning after the report is
issued.
(c) Annual Evaluation.--Beginning with the first year ending after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall publish an annual report containing
recommendations for areas of investment for Federal research and
technology programs, together with a justification for each area
identified in the report. For the first 5 years after the Summit, the
report shall take into account recommendations of the Summit.
SEC. 102. STUDY ON BARRIERS TO INNOVATION.
(a) In General.--The National Academy of Sciences shall conduct and
complete a study to identify, and to review methods to mitigate, new
forms of risk for businesses beyond conventional operational and
financial risk that affect the ability to innovate, including studying
and reviewing--
(1) incentive and compensation structures that could
effectively encourage long-term value creation and innovation;
(2) methods of voluntary and supplemental disclosure by
industry of intellectual capital, innovation performance, and
indicators of future valuation;
(3) means by which government could work with industry to
enhance the legal and regulatory framework to encourage the
disclosures described in paragraph (2);
(4) practices that may be significant deterrents to United
States businesses engaging in innovation risk-taking compared
to foreign competitors, including tort litigation, the nature
and extent of any resulting defensive management practices, and
recommendations on practices to restore innovation risk-taking
and to overcome defensive practices;
(5) means by which industry, trade associations, and
universities could collaborate to support research on
management practices and methodologies for assessing the value
and risks of longer term innovation strategies; and
(6) means to encourage new, open, and collaborative
dialogue between industry associations, regulatory authorities,
management, shareholders, and other concerned interests to
encourage appropriate approaches to innovation risk-taking.
(b) Report Required.--The National Academy of Sciences shall, not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and every 4
years thereafter, submit to Congress a report on the study conducted
under subsection (a).
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Academy of Sciences $1,000,000 for fiscal
year 2007 for the purpose of carrying out the study required under this
section.
SEC. 103. NATIONAL INNOVATION MEDAL.
Section 16 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of
1980 (15 U.S.C. 3711) is amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``SEC.
16. NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY MEDAL; NATIONAL INNOVATION MEDAL.'';
(2) by striking ``is'' in subsection (a) and inserting
``are'';
(3) by striking ``Medal,'' in subsection (a) and inserting
``Medal and a National Innovation Medal'';
(4) by striking ``medal,'' in subsection (b) and inserting
``medals,'';
(5) by striking ``States.'' in subsection (b) and inserting
``States or by reason of their unique scientific and
engineering innovations in the National interest at the time
such innovation occurs.''; and
(6) by striking ``presentation of the award'' in subsection
(c) and inserting ``presentations of the awards''.
TITLE II--INNOVATION PROMOTION
SEC. 201. PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS.
(a) In General.--The President shall establish a President's
Council on Innovation and Competitiveness.
(b) Duties.--The Council's duties shall include--
(1) monitoring implementation of public laws and
initiatives for promoting innovation, including policies
related to research funding, taxation, immigration, trade, and
education that are proposed in this and other Acts;
(2) in consultation with the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget, developing a process for using metrics
to assess the impact of existing and proposed policies and
rules that affect innovation capabilities in the United States;
(3) identifying opportunities and making recommendations
for the heads of executive agencies to improve innovation,
monitoring, and reporting on the implementation of such
recommendations;
(4) developing metrics for measuring the progress of the
Federal Government with respect to improving conditions for
innovation, including through talent development, investment,
and infrastructure improvements; and
(5) submitting an annual report to the President and
Congress on such progress.
(c) Membership and Coordination.--
(1) Membership.--The Council shall be composed of the
Secretary or head of each of the following:
(A) The Department of Commerce.
(B) The Department of Defense.
(C) The Department of Education.
(D) The Department of Energy.
(E) The Department of Health and Human Services.
(F) The Department of Homeland Security.
(G) The Department of Labor.
(H) The Department of the Treasury.
(I) The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
(J) The Securities and Exchange Commission.
(K) The National Science Foundation.
(L) The Office of the United States Trade
Representative.
(M) The Office of Management and Budget.
(N) The Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(O) Any other department or agency designated by
the President.
(2) Chairperson.--The Secretary of Commerce shall serve as
chairperson of the Council.
(3) Coordination.--The chairperson of the Council shall
ensure appropriate coordination between the Council and the
National Economic Council, the National Security Council, and
the National Science and Technology Council.
(d) Development of Innovation Agenda.--
(1) In general.--The Council shall develop a comprehensive
agenda for strengthening the innovation and competitiveness
capabilities of the Federal Government and State governments,
academia, and the private sector in the United States.
(2) Consultation.--The comprehensive agenda required by
paragraph (1) shall be developed in consultation with
appropriate representatives of the private sector, scientific
organizations, and academic organizations.
(e) Technical Amendment.--Section 101(b) of the High-Performance
Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511(b)) is amended by striking ``an''
in the first sentence and inserting ``a distinct''.
SEC. 202. INNOVATION ACCELERATION GRANTS.
(a) Grant Program.--The President, through the head of each Federal
research agency, shall establish a grant program, to be known as the
``Innovation Acceleration Grants Program'', to support and promote
innovation in the United States. Priority in the awarding of grants
shall be given to projects that--
(1) meet fundamental technology challenges;
(2) involve multidisciplinary work and a high degree of
novelty;
(3) have the potential for yielding results with far-
ranging or wide-ranging implications but are considered too
novel or span too diverse a range of disciplines to fare well
in the traditional peer review process.
(b) Awarding of Grants Through Departments and Agencies.--
(1) Funding goals.--The President shall ensure that it is
the goal of each Executive agency (as defined in section 105 of
title 5, United States Code) that finances research in science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology to allocate
approximately 8 percent of the agency's total annual research
and development budget to funding grants under the Innovation
Acceleration Grants Program.
(2) Administration.--
(A) In general.--Each head of an Executive agency
awarding grants under paragraph (1) shall submit a plan
for implementing the grant program within such
Executive agency to the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy and the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget. The implementation
plan shall be submitted not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act. The implementation
plan may incorporate existing initiatives of the
Executive agencies that promote research in innovation
as described in subsection (a).
(B) Required metrics.--The head of each Executive
agency submitting an implementation plan pursuant to
this section shall include metrics upon which grant
funding decisions will be made and metrics for
assessing the success of the grants awarded.
(C) Grant duration and renewals.--
(i) In general.--Any grants issued by an
Executive agency under this section shall be
for a period not to exceed 3 years.
(ii) Evaluation.--Not later than 90 days
prior to the expiration of a grant issued under
this section, the Executive agency that
approved the grant shall complete an evaluation
of the effectiveness of the grant based on the
metrics established pursuant to subparagraph
(B). In its evaluation, the Executive agency
shall consider the extent to which the program
funded by the grant met the goals of quality
improvement and job creation.
(iii) Publication of review.--The Executive
agency shall publish and make available to the
public the review of each grant approved
pursuant to this section.
(iv) Failure to meet metrics.--Any grant
that the Executive agency awarding the grant
determines has failed to satisfy any of the
metrics developed pursuant to subparagraph (B),
shall not be eligible for a renewal.
(v) Renewal.--A grant issued under this
section that satisfies all of the metrics
developed pursuant to subparagraph (B), may be
renewed once for a period not to exceed 3
years. Additional renewals may be considered
only if the head of the Executive agency makes
a specific finding that the program being
funded involves a significant technology
advance that requires a longer timeframe to
complete critical research, and the research
satisfies all the metrics developed pursuant to
subparagraph (B).
(c) Definitions.--
(1) Federal research agency defined.--In this section, the
term ``Federal research agency'' means a major organizational
component of a department or agency of the Federal Government,
or other establishment of the Federal Government operating with
appropriated funds, that has as its primary purpose the
performance of scientific research.
(2) Major organizational component.--The term ``major
organizational component'', with respect to a department,
agency, or other establishment of the Federal Government, means
a component of the department, agency, or other establishment
that is administered by an individual whose rate of basic pay
is not less than the rate of basic pay payable under level V of
the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United
States Code.
SEC. 203. REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Development of Funding Strategy.--
(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary for Economic
Development of the Department of Commerce shall review Federal
programs that support local economic development and prepare
and implement a strategy to focus greater funding on
initiatives that improve the ability of communities to
participate successfully in the modern economy through
innovation. In preparing the strategy, priority should be given
to projects that--
(A) emphasize private sector cooperation with State
and local governments and nonprofit organizations
focused on regional economic development as the means
of achieving specific objectives related to the support
and promotion of innovation; and
(B) are the most successful in meeting the metrics
established under subsection (b).
(2) Coordination.--The Assistant Secretary shall coordinate
the development and implementation of the strategy with the
activities carried out by the Secretary of Commerce under
subsection (d).
(b) Evaluation of Programs.--The Assistant Secretary for Economic
Development of the Department of Commerce shall develop metrics to
measure the success of Federal programs in supporting and promoting
innovation at the local community level while minimizing bureaucracy
and overhead expenses.
(c) Promotion of Economic Development Opportunities.--The Assistant
Secretary for Economic Development of the Department of Commerce should
work with organizations focused on economic development to highlight
opportunities for such organizations to serve local communities through
grants focused on economic development and investment in companies
pursuing innovation.
(d) Regional Innovation Hot Spots.--
(1) Promotion of regional innovation hot spots.--The
Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate activities focused on
promoting innovation through the development of regional
innovation hot spots.
(2) Guide to developing successful regional innovation hot
spots.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Commerce, in consultation with representatives of
regional innovation hot spots, shall publish a report,
to be titled the ``Guide to Developing Successful
Regional Innovation Hot Spots'', that examines
successful regional innovation hot spots and includes
recommendations for establishing and fostering regional
innovation hot spots.
(B) Content.--The report required under
subparagraph (A) shall--
(i) include information on the evaluation
of human capital;
(ii) include information on the role of
sponsoring institutions, such as universities,
nonprofit organizations, and laboratories, in
establishing and fostering regional innovation
hot spots;
(iii) include information on the role of
State and local government leaders, leaders in
the research and business communities, and
community organizations in establishing and
fostering regional innovation hot spots;
(iv) discuss the importance of
collaboration by public and private sector
leaders;
(v) identify sources of funding for these
activities within Federal, State, and local
governments and the private sector; and
(vi) include recommendations for developing
strategic plans to stimulate innovation,
including recommendations relating to knowledge
transfer and commercialization, the support of
regional entrepreneurship and increased
innovation within existing regional firms, and
the linking of primary institutions engaged in
the innovation process.
(3) Regional innovation hot spot metrics.--
(A) Development of metrics.--In conjunction with
publishing the report required under paragraph (2), the
Secretary of Commerce shall develop the following sets
of metrics:
(i) Metrics to be considered for
identifying potential regional innovation hot
spots (in this subsection referred to as
``identifying metrics'').
(ii) Metrics to be considered for
evaluating the impact and effectiveness of
established regional innovation hot spots (in
this subsection referred to as ``evaluation
metrics'').
(B) Use of metrics.--The Secretary of Commerce
shall use the identifying metrics to conduct biannual
assessments of potential regional clusters and shall
use the evaluation metrics to assess the impact and
effectiveness of established regional innovation hot
spots in improving the regional economy and regional
job market. The Secretary shall also assess the cost
effectiveness of operating within each regional hot
spot. The Secretary shall report the biannual
assessments to Congress.
(e) Regional Innovation Hot Spots.--In this section, the term
``regional innovation hot spots'' means regions that are defined by a
high degree of innovation and the availability of talent, investment,
and infrastructure necessary to create and sustain such innovation.
TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
National Science Foundation--
(1) $6,440,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(2) $7,433,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(3) $8,577,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(4) $9,898,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
(5) $11,422,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
(b) Plan for Increased Research.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science
Foundation shall submit a comprehensive, multiyear plan that
describes how the funds authorized in subsection (a) would be
used, if appropriated, to the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation, the Senate Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House of Representatives
Committee on Science.
(2) Plan requirements.--The Director shall--
(A) develop the plan with a focus on strengthening
the Nation's lead in physical science and technology,
increasing overall workforce skills in physical
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at
all levels, and strengthening innovation by expanding
the focus of competitiveness and innovation policy at
the regional and local level; and
(B) emphasize spending increased research funds
appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) in areas of
investment for Federal research and technology programs
identified under section 101(c) of this Act.
SEC. 302. INNOVATION-BASED EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall establish a grant program under which grants are provided to
local educational agencies to enable the local educational agencies to
implement innovation-based experiential learning in a total of up to
500 secondary schools and up to 500 elementary or middle schools in the
United States.
(b) Applications.--A local educational agency desiring a grant
under this section shall submit an application at such time, in such
manner, and accompanied by such information as the Director of the
National Science Foundation may require.
(c) Experiential Learning Defined.--In this section, the term
``experiential learning'' means a teaching model that--
(1) begins with a relevant, real-world problem;
(2) requires a student to research and plan a solution to
the problem, and experiment with that solution; and
(3) follows the experiment with analysis, reflection,
discussion, and a redesign of the solution.
SEC. 303. GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS AND GRADUATE TRAINEESHIPS.
(a) Graduate Research Fellowship Program.--
(1) In general.--During the 5-year period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National
Science Foundation shall expand the Graduate Research
Fellowship Program of the Foundation so that an additional
1,250 fellowships are awarded to United States citizens under
the Program during that period.
(2) Extension of fellowship period.--The Director is
authorized to award fellowships under the Graduate Research
Fellowship Program for a period of up to 5 years.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--Within the amounts
authorized to be appropriated by section 301, there are
authorized to be appropriated $34,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2007 through 2011 to provide an additional 250
fellowships under the Graduate Research Fellowship Program
during each such fiscal year.
(b) Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship
Program.--
(1) In general.--During the 5-year period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall expand
the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship
program of the Foundation so that an additional 1,250 United
States citizens are awarded grants under the program during
that period.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--Within the amounts
authorized to be appropriated by section 301, there are
authorized to be appropriated $57,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2007 through 2011 to provide grants to an
additional 250 individuals under the Integrative Graduate
Education and Research Traineeship program during each such
fiscal year.
SEC. 304. PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMS.
(a) Clearinghouse.--
(1) Development.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall establish a clearinghouse, in collaboration
with 4-year institutions of higher education, including
applicable graduate schools and academic departments,
industries, and Federal agencies that employ science-trained
personnel, to share program elements used in successful
professional science masters degree programs.
(2) Availability.--The Director shall make the
clearinghouse of program elements developed under paragraph (1)
available to institutions of higher education that are
developing professional science masters degree programs.
(b) Pilot Programs.--
(1) Program authorized.--The Director shall award grants
for pilot programs to 4-year institutions of higher education
to facilitate the institutions' creation or improvement of
professional science master's degree programs.
(2) Application.--A 4-year institution of higher education
desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application
at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such
information as the Director may require. The application shall
include--
(A) a description of the professional science
masters degree program that the institution of higher
education will implement;
(B) the amount of funding from non-Federal sources,
including from private industries, that the institution
of higher education shall use to support the
professional masters degree program; and
(C) an assurance that the institution of higher
education shall encourage students in the professional
science master's degree program to apply for all forms
of Federal assistance available to such students,
including applicable graduate fellowships and student
financial assistance under title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).
(3) Preference for alternative funding sources.--The
Director shall give preference in making awards to 4-year
institutions of higher education seeking Federal funding to
support pilot professional science master's degree programs, to
those applicants that secure more than \2/3\ of the funding for
such professional science masters degree programs from sources
other than the Federal Government.
(4) Number of grants; time period of grants.--
(A) Number of grants.--Subject to the availability
of appropriated funds, the Director shall award grants
under paragraph (1) to a maximum of 200 4-year
institutions of higher education.
(B) Time period of grants.--Grants awarded under
this section shall be for one 3-year term. Grants may
be renewed only once for a maximum of 2 additional
years.
(5) Evaluation and reports.--
(A) Development of performance benchmarks.--Prior
to the start of the grant program, the National Science
Foundation, in collaboration with 4-year institutions
of higher education, shall develop performance
benchmarks to evaluate the pilot programs assisted by
grants under this section.
(B) Evaluation.--For each year of the grant period,
the Director, in consultation with 4-year institutions
of higher education, and Federal agencies that employ
science-trained personnel, shall complete an evaluation
of each pilot program assisted by grants under this
section. Any pilot program that fails to satisfy the
performance benchmarks developed under subparagraph (A)
shall not be eligible for further funding.
(C) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the
completion of an evaluation described in subparagraph
(A), the Director, in consultation with industries and
Federal agencies that employ science-trained personnel,
shall submit a report to Congress that includes--
(i) the results of the evaluation described
in subparagraph (A); and
(ii) recommendations for administrative and
legislative action that could optimize the
effectiveness of the pilot programs, as the
Director determines to be appropriate.
(c) Institution of Higher Education Defined.--In this section, the
term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Within the amounts authorized
by be appropriate by section 301, there are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2007
and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
SEC. 305. INCREASED SUPPORT FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION THROUGH THE NATIONAL
SCIENCE FOUNDATION.
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 301,
there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the physical
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology talent expansion
program under section 8(7) of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-368, 116 Stat. 3042)--
(1) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(2) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(3) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
(4) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
SEC. 306. STUDY OF SERVICE SCIENCE.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that, in order
to strengthen the competitiveness of United States enterprises and
institutions and to prepare the people of the United States for high-
wage, high-skill employment, the Federal Government should better
understand and respond strategically to the emerging vocation and
learning discipline known as service science.
(b) Study.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation, through
the National Academy of Sciences, shall conduct a study and report to
Congress regarding how the Federal Government should support, through
research, education, and training, the new discipline of service
science.
(c) Outside Resources.--In conducting the study under subsection
(b), the Director of the National Science Foundation shall consult with
leaders from 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education, as defined
in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001),
leaders from corporations, and other relevant parties.
(d) Service Science Defined.--In this section:
(1) In general.--The term ``service science'' means
curricula, research programs, and training regimens, including
service sciences, management, and engineering programs, to
teach individuals to apply technology, organizational process
management, and industry-specific knowledge to solve complex
problems.
(2) Service sciences, management, and engineering
programs.--The term ``service sciences, management, and
engineering programs'' means the discipline known as service
sciences, management, and engineering that--
(A) applies scientific, engineering, and management
disciplines to tasks that one organization performs
beneficially for others, generally as part of the
services sector of the economy; and
(B) integrates computer science, operations
research, industrial engineering, business strategy,
management sciences, and social and legal sciences, in
order to encourage innovation in how organizations
create value for customers and shareholders that could
not be achieved through such disciplines working in
isolation.
SEC. 307. MEETING CRITICAL NATIONAL SCIENCE NEEDS.
(a) In General.--In addition to assessing the degree to which
research award and grant proposals submitted to the Foundation, and
research activities initiated by the Foundation, sustain and strengthen
the nation's traditional commitment to long-term basic research that
have the potential to be transformational to maintain the flow of new
ideas that fuel the economy, provide security, and enhance the quality
of life, to developing and sustaining a world class scientific
workforce. and to fostering the scientific literacy of its citizens,
the Director of the National Science Foundation shall include
consideration of the degree to which such awards and such research
activities may assist in meeting critical national needs in the
physical sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
(b) Priority Treatment.--Proposed research activities, and grants
funded under the Foundation's Research and Related Activities Account,
which can be expected to make contributions in physical and natural
sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and other research
that underpins these areas, shall be given priority in the selection of
awards and in the allocation of Foundation resources.
(c) Application of Priority Treatment to Other Programs.--This
requirement shall be applied to other fellowship, grant or award
programs authorized in this title.
SEC. 308. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH.
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 301,
there are authorized to be appropriated to the National Science
Foundation for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research authorized under section 113 of the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g)--
(1) $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
(2) for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011, an amount
equal to $125,000,000 increased for each such year by an amount
equal to the percentage increase of the National Science
Foundation's budget request above the total amount appropriated
to the Foundation for fiscal year 2007.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 401. NASA'S CONTRIBUTION TO INNOVATION.
(a) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) since its establishment the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration has played an important role in
stimulating excellence in the advancement of physical science
and engineering disciplines and in providing opportunities and
incentives for the pursuit of academinc studies in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics;
(2) a balanced science program as authorized by section
101(d) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Act
2005 (Public Law 109-155) contributes significantly to
innovation in and the economic competitiveness of the United
States; and
(3) a robust National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
funded at the levels authorized under sections 202 and 203 of
that Act would offer a fair balance among science, aeronautics,
exploration, and human space flight programs, all of which can
attract and employ scientists, engineers, and technicians
across a broad range of fields in science, technology,
mathematics, and engineering.
(b) Participation in Innovation and Competitiveness Programs.--The
Administrator shall fully participate in any interagency efforts to
promote innovation and economic competitiveness through scientific
research and development.
SEC. 402. AERONAUTICS INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration shall establish within the Administration an
Aeronautics Institute for Research to manage the Aeronautics research
of the Administration. The Institute shall be headed by a director with
appropriate experience in aeronautics research and development.
(b) Duties.--The Institute shall implement the programs authorized
under Title IV of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-155).
(c) Cooperation With Other Agencies.--The Institute shall operate
in conjunction with relevant programs in the Department of
Transportation, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce,
and the Department of Homeland Security, including the activities of
the Joint Planning and Development Office established under the VISION
100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176). The
Director of the Institute may accept assistance, staff, and funding
from those Departments and other Federal agencies. Such funding shall
be in addition to funds authorized for aeronautics under the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public
Law 109-155). The Director of the Institute may utilize the Next
Generation Air Transportation Senior Policy Committee established under
section 710 of under the VISION 100--Century of Aviation
Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176) to coordinate its programs
with other Departments and agencies.
(d) Partnerships.--In developing and carrying out its plans, the
Institute shall consult with the public and ensure the participation of
experts from the private sector including representatives of commercial
aviation, general aviation, aviation labor groups, aviation research
and development entities, aircraft and air traffic control suppliers,
and the space industry.
SEC. 403. BASIC RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT.
(a) In General.--The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, the Director of the National Science Foundation,
the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of
Commerce shall, to the extent practicable, coordinate basic and
fundamental research activities related to physical sciences,
technology, engineering and mathematics.
(b) Establishment of Basic Research Executive Council.--In order to
ensure effective application of resources to basic science activity and
to facilitate cooperative basic and fundamental research activities
with other governmental organizations, the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall establish within
the Administration a Basic Research Executive Council to oversee the
distribution and management of programs and resources engaged in
support of basic research activity.
(c) Membership.--The membership of the Basic Research Executive
Council shall consist of the most senior agency official representing
each of the following areas of research:
(1) Space Science.
(2) Earth Science.
(3) Life and Microgravity Sciences.
(4) Aeronautical Research.
(d) Leadership.--The Council shall be chaired by an individual
appointed for that purpose who shall have, as a minimum, a appropriate
graduate degree in a recognizable discipline in the physical sciences,
and appropriate experience in the conduct and management of basic
research activity. The Chairman of the Council shall report directly to
the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
(e) Supporting Resources and Personnel.--The Chairman of the
Council shall be provided with adequate administrative staff support to
conduct the activity and functions of the Council.
(f) Duties.--The Basic Research Executive Council shall have, at
minimum, the following duties:
(1) To establish criteria for the identification of
research activity as basic in nature.
(2) To establish, in consultation with the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation,
the National Academy of Sciences, the National Institutes of
Health, and other appropriate external organizations, a
prioritization of fundamental research activity to be conducted
by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to be
reviewed and updated on an annual basis, taking into
consideration evolving national research priorities.
(3) To monitor, review, and evaluate all basic research
activity of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
for compliance with basic research priorities established under
paragraph (2).
(4) To make recommendations to the Administrator regarding
adjustments in the basic research activities of the
Administration to ensure consistency with the research
priorities established under this section.
(5) To provide an annual report to the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of
Representatives Committee on Science outlining the activities
of the Council during the preceding year and the status of
basic research activity within the Administration. The initial
such report, to serve as a baseline document, shall be provided
within 90 days after the establishment and initial operations
of the Council.
TITLE V--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 501. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of
Commerce for the use of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology--
(1) for fiscal year 2007, $639,646,000, of which
$106,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership Program;
(2) for fiscal year 2008, $703,611,000, of which
$106,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership Program;
(3) for fiscal year 2009, $773,972,000, of which
$106,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership Program;
(4) for fiscal year 2010, $851,369,000, of which
$106,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership Program; and
(5) for fiscal year 2011, $936,506,000, of which
$106,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership Program.
SEC. 502. AMENDMENTS TO THE STEVENSON-WYDLER TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION ACT
OF 1980.
(a) In General.--Section 5 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3704) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology''.
(2) Section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraphs (1) and (3); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (13) as
paragraphs (1) through (11), respectively.
(3) Section 21(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3713(a)) is amended--
(A) by striking out ``sections 5, 11(g), and 16''
in paragraph (1) and inserting ``sections 11(g) and
16'';
(B) by striking ``$500,000 is authorized only for
the purpose of carrying out the requirements of the
Japanese technical literature program established under
section 5(d) of this Act;''.
(4) Section 208 of the High-Performance Computing Act of
1991 (15 U.S.C. 5528 is amended by striking subsection (c) and
redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
(5) Section 6(b)(4)(B)(v) of the Assistive Technology Act
of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3005(b)(4)(B)(v)) is amended by striking
``the Technology Administration of the Department of
Commerce,'' and inserting ``the National Institute of Standards
and Technology,''.
SEC. 503. INNOVATION ACCELERATION.
(a) Grant Program.--In order to implement section 202 of this Act,
the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
shall--
(1) establish a program linked to the measurement
laboratories, to be known as the ``Standards and Technology
Acceleration Research Program'', to support and promote
innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward
research; and
(2) set aside not less than 8 percent of the funds
available to the Institute each fiscal year for the program.
(b) External Funding.--The Director shall ensure that at least 80
percent of the funds available for the program shall be used to award
competitive, merit-reviewed grants, cooperative agreements or contracts
to public or private entities, including businesses and universities.
In selecting these projects, the Director shall ensure that all
projects have scientific and technical merit and that any resulting
intellectual property shall vest in a company or companies incorporated
in the United States. Each external project shall involve at least one
small or medium-sized business and the Director shall give priority to
joint ventures between small or medium-sized businesses and educational
institutions. Any grant shall be for a period not to exceed 3 years.
(c) Competitions.--The Director shall solicit proposals annually to
address areas of national need for high-risk, high-reward research, as
identified by the Director.
(d) Annual Report.--Each year the Director shall issue an annual
report describing the program's activities, including include a
description of the metrics upon which grant funding decisions were made
in the previous fiscal year, any proposed changes to those metrics,
metrics for evaluating the success of ongoing and completed grants, and
an evaluation of ongoing and completed grants. The first annual report
shall include best practices for management of programs to stimulate
high-risk, high-reward research.
(e) Administrative Expenses.--No more than 5 percent of the finding
available to the program may be used for administrative expenses.
(f) High-Risk, High-Reward Research Defined.--In this section, the
term ``high-risk, high-reward research'' means research that--
(1) has the potential for yielding results with far-ranging
or wide-ranging implications; and
(2) addresses critical national needs related to
measurement standards and technology; but
(3) is too novel or spans too diverse a range of
disciplines to fare well in the traditional peer review
process.
SEC. 504. DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS.
(a) Research and Development.--The Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology shall support research and
development in collaboration with entities and organizations from the
industrial sector to supplement and support work in the private sector
on advanced manufacturing systems designed to increase productivity and
efficiency and to create competitive advantages for United States
businesses. These research and development activities should focus on
the following activities:
(1) Supporting industry efforts to develop innovative,
state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, advanced technologies
through interoperable standards, and related concepts,
including--
(A) advanced distributed and desktop manufacturing
linked to and made compatible with the extended
production enterprise system described in paragraph
(2);
(B) non-contact quality inspection processes linked
to and made compatible with the extended production
enterprise system;
(C) small lot manufacturing processes that are--
(i) as cost-effective as mass production
processes; and
(ii) linked to and compatible with the
extended production enterprise system; and
(D) the use of state-of-the-art materials and
processes at the nanotechnological level.
(2) Supporting industry efforts to develop an extended
production enterprise system that integrates key entities,
including entities engaged in product design and development,
manufacturing, sourcing, distribution, and user entities,
including through the development of--
(A) interoperable software and standards designed
to maximize the compatibility of the design, modeling,
and manufacturing stages of the manufacturing process;
and
(B) supply chain software.
(b) Coordination of Activities.--The Director shall coordinate
activities under subsection (a) with activities under--
(1) the Small Business Innovation Research Program (as
defined in section 2500(11) of title 10, United States Code);
(2) the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (as
defined in section 2500(12) of title 10, United States Code);
and
(3) the Manufacturing Technology Program established under
section 2521 of title 10, United States Code.
(c) Testing.--The Director shall support the work of entities and
organizations from the industrial sector in developing prototypes and
testing areas for testing and refining, in actual production
conditions, the processes, technologies, and extended production
enterprise system described in subsection (a)(2) in order to maximize
productivity gains and cost efficiencies.
(d) Development of Standards.--The Director, in coordination with
entities and organizations from the industrial sector and the
Manufacturing Technology Program, shall support standards to be used as
manufacturing performance criteria to accelerate the adoption of
improvements and innovative processes and protocols developed under
subsection (a).
(e) Pilot Test Beds of Excellence.--
(1) Establishment.--The Director shall, in collaboration
with entities and organizations from the industrial sector,
support not more than 3 pilot testbeds of excellence in
manufacturing fields important to advanced technologies
developed under subsection (a), such as nanotechnology or fuel
cell technology, to be used by the public and private sector.
The testbeds of excellence shall focus on production
development, particularly the invention, prototyping, and
engineering development stages of the manufacturing process.
(2) Competition.--The Director shall conduct a competition
to select the pilot testbeds of excellence based on criteria
and metrics established by the Secretary prior to the
competition.
(3) Funding.--The Director may provide the pilot testbeds
of excellence selected pursuant to the competition set forth in
paragraph (2) with an appropriate level of funding if and only
if the following conditions are satisfied:
(A) No more than \1/3\ of the funding of each
testbed of excellence is provided by the Federal
Government.
(B) At least \1/3\ of the cost of each testbed of
excellence is provided by participants from the private
sector.
(C) At least \1/3\ of the cost of each testbed of
excellence is provided by State or local governments.
(4) Review of funded testbeds.--Within 3 years of the start
of Federal funding for any testbed of excellence pursuant to
this section, the Director shall use the metrics established
pursuant to paragraph (2) and any additional review metrics
that the Director determines appropriate to assess the
performance of the federally funded testbeds of excellence. Any
testbed of excellence that fails to satisfy any of the
performance metrics will be ineligible for additional Federal
funding.
(5) Sunset provision.--Federal funding of any testbed of
excellence shall cease 5 years after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(f) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Focus on
Innovation.--The Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology shall ensure that the Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership program develops a focus on innovation, including through
technology diffusion, supply and distribution chain integration, and
the dissemination of the processes, technologies, and extended
production enterprise systems developed under this section.
(g) Extended Production Enterprise.--In this section the term
``extended production enterprise'' means a system in which key entities
in the manufacturing chain, including entities engaged in product
design and development, manufacturing, sourcing, distribution, and user
entities, are linked together through information technology and other
means to promote efficiency and productivity.
SEC. 505. COLLABORATIVE MANUFACTURING RESEARCH PILOT GRANTS.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Act is amended--
(1) by redesignating the first section 32 (15 U.S.C. 271
note) as section 34 and moving it to the end of the Act; and
(2) by inserting before the section moved by paragraph (1)
the following new section:
``SEC. 33. COLLABORATIVE MANUFACTURING RESEARCH PILOT GRANTS.
``(a) Authority.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Director shall establish a pilot
program of awards to partnerships among participants described
in paragraph (2) for the purposes described in paragraph (3).
Awards shall be made on a peer-reviewed, competitive basis.
``(2) Participants.--Such partnerships shall include at
least--
``(A) 1 manufacturing industry partner; and
``(B) 1 nonindustry partner.
``(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the program under this
section is to foster cost-shared collaborations among firms,
educational institutions, research institutions, State
agencies, and nonprofit organizations to encourage the
development of innovative, multidisciplinary manufacturing
technologies. Partnerships receiving awards under this section
shall conduct applied research to develop new manufacturing
processes, techniques, or materials that would contribute to
improved performance, productivity, and competitiveness of
United States manufacturing, and build lasting alliances among
collaborators.
``(b) Program Contribution.--Awards under this section shall
provide for not more than one-third of the costs of a partnership.
``(c) 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. Such applications shall
describe at a minimum--
``(1) how each partner will participate in developing and
carrying out the research agenda of the partnership;
``(2) the research that the grant would fund; and
``(3) how the research to be funded with the award would
contribute to improved performance, productivity, and
competitiveness of the United States manufacturing industry.
``(d) Selection Criteria.--In selecting applications for awards
under this section, the Director shall consider at a minimum--
``(1) the degree to which projects will have a broad impact
on manufacturing;
``(2) the novelty and scientific and technical merit of the
proposed projects; and
``(3) the demonstrated capabilities of the applicants to
successfully carry out the proposed research.
``(e) Distribution.--In selecting applications under this section
the Director shall ensure, to the extent practicable, a distribution of
overall awards among a variety of manufacturing industry sectors and a
range of firm sizes.
``(f) Duration.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall
run a single pilot competition to solicit and make awards. Each award
shall be for a 3-year period.''.
SEC. 506. MANUFACTURING EXTENSION.
(a) Manufacturing Center Evaluation.--Section 25(c)(5) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278k(c)(5)) is amended by inserting ``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
probation for one year, after which time the panel shall reevaluate the
Center. 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 to select an operator for the
Center or may close the Center.'' after ``at declining levels.''.
(b) Federal Share.--Strike section 25(d) of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(d)) and insert the
following:
``(d) Acceptance of Funds.--In addition to such sums as may be
appropriated to the Secretary and Director to operate the Centers
program, the Secretary and Director also may accept funds from other
Federal departments and agencies and under section 2(c)(7) from the
private sector for the purpose of strengthening United States
manufacturing. Such funds from the private sector, if allocated to a
Center or Centers, shall not be considered in the calculation of the
Federal share of capital and annual operating and maintenance costs
under subsection (c).''.
(c) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Center Competitive Grant
Program.--Section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsections:
``(e) Competitive Grant Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Director shall establish, within
the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program under
this section and section 26 of this Act, 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 develop projects to solve new or emerging
manufacturing problems as determined by the Director, in
consultation with the Director of the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership program, the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership National Advisory Board, and small and
medium-sized manufacturers. 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 shall be related to
projects associated with manufacturing extension activities,
including supply chain integration and quality management, or
extend beyond these traditional areas.
``(4) 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 Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership National Advisory Board.
``(5) Selection.--Awards under this subsection shall be
peer reviewed and competitively awarded. The Director shall
select proposals to receive awards--
``(A) that utilize innovative or collaborative
approaches to solving the problem described in the
competition;
``(B) that will improve the competitiveness of
industries in the region in which the Center or Centers
are located; and
``(C) that will contribute to the long-term
economic stability of that region.
``(6) Program contribution.--Recipients of awards under
this subsection may be required to provide a matching
contribution.
``(f) Audits.--A center that receives assistance under this section
shall submit annual audits to the Secretary in accordance with Office
of Management and Budget Circular A-133 and shall make such audits
available to the public on request.''.
(d) Programmatic and Operational Plan.--Not later than 120 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology shall transmit to the Committee
on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 3-year
programmatic and operational plan for the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership program under sections 25 and 26 of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 278l).
The plan shall include comments on the plan from the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership State partners and the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory Board.
SEC. 507. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE TECHNOLOGY.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Institutes of
Standards and Technology shall re-establish the Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Technology. The purpose of the program shall be
to strengthen the technological competitiveness of those States that
have historically received less Federal research and development funds
than a majority of the States have received.
(b) Arrangements.--In carrying out the program, the Director shall
cooperate with State, regional, or local science and technology-based
economic development organization and with representatives of small
business firms and other appropriate technology-based businesses.
(c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--In carrying out the
program, the Director may make grants or enter into cooperative
agreements to provide for--
(1) technology research and development;
(2) technology transfer from university research;
(3) technology deployment and diffusion; and
(4) the strengthening of technological and innovation
capabilities through consortia comprised of--
(A) technology-based small business firms;
(B) industries and emerging companies;
(C) institutions of higher education including
community colleges; and
(D) State and local development agencies and
entities.
(d) Requirements for Making Awards.--
(1) In general.--In making awards under this section, the
Director shall ensure that the awards are awarded on a
competitive basis that includes a review of the merits of the
activities that are the subject of the award, giving special
emphasis to those projects which will increase the
participation of women and underrepresented groups in science
and technology.
(2) Matching requirement.--The non-Federal share of the
activities (other than planning activities) carried out under
an award under this subsection shall be not less than 50
percent of the cost of those activities.
(e) Criteria for States.--The Director shall establish criteria for
achievement by each State that participates in the program. Upon the
achievement of all such criteria, a State shall cease to be eligible to
participate in the program.
(f) Coordination.--To the extent practicable, in carrying out this
subsection, the Director shall coordinate the program with other
programs of the Department of Commerce.
(g) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the enactment
of this act, the Director shall prepare and submit a report
that meets the requirements of this paragraph to the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the
House of Representatives Committee on Science.
(2) Requirements for report.--The report prepared under
this paragraph shall contain--
(A) a description of the structure and procedures
of the program;
(B) a management plan for the program;
(C) a description of the merit-based review process
to be used in the program;
(D) milestones for the evaluation of activities to
be assisted under the program in fiscal year 2008;
(E) an assessment of the eligibility of each State
that participates in the Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research of the National Science
Foundation to participate in the program under this
subsection; and
(F) the evaluation criteria with respect to which
the overall management and effectiveness of the program
will be evaluated.
SEC. 508. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS
AND TECHNOLOGY ACT AND OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) Research Fellowships.--Section 18 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-1) is amended by striking
``up to 1 per centum of the'' in the first sentence.
(b) Financial Agreements.--
(1) Clarification.--Section 2(b)(4) of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b)(4))
is amended by inserting ``and grants and cooperative
agreements,'' after ``arrangements,''.
(2) Memberships.--Section 2(c) of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon in
paragraph (21);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (22) as paragraph
(23); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (21) the
following:
``(22) notwithstanding subsection (b)(4) of this section,
the Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act (31 U.S.C. 6301-
6308), the Competition in Contracting Act (31 U.S.C. 3551-
3556), and the Federal Acquisition Regulations set forth in
title 48, Code of Federal Regulations, to expend appropriated
funds for National Institute of Standards and Technology
memberships in scientific organizations, registration fees for
attendance at conferences, and sponsorship of conferences in
furtherance of technology transfer; and''.
(c) Working Capital Fund.--Section 12 of the National Institute of
Standards and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 278b) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(g) Amount and Source of Transfers.--Not to exceed one-quarter
per centum of the amounts appropriated to the Institute for any fiscal
year may be transferred to the fund, in addition to any other transfer
authority. In addition, funds provided to the Institute from other
Federal agencies for the purpose of production of Standard Reference
Materials may be transferred to the fund.''.
(d) Outdated Specifications.--
(1) Redefinition of metric system.--The Metric System Act
of 1866 (15 U.S.C. 205; 14 Stat. 339, 340) is amended by
striking the text of section 2 and inserting the following:
``The metric system of measurement shall be defined as the
International System of Units as established in 1960, and subsequently
maintained, by the General Conference of Weights and Measures, and as
interpreted or modified for the United States by the Secretary of
Commerce.''.
(2) Repeal of redundant and obsolete authority.--The Act of
July 21, 1950, entitled, ``An Act To redefine the units and
establish the standards of electrical and photometric
measurements of 1950'' (15 U.S.C. 223, 224) is hereby repealed.
(3) Standard time.--The first section of the Act of March
19, 1918, (15 U.S.C 261; commonly known as the Calder Act) is
amended--
(A) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``For
the purpose'';
(B) by striking the second sentence and the extra
period after it and inserting ``Except as provided in
section 3(a) of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, the
standard time of the first zone shall be Coordinated
Universal Time retarded by 4 hours; that of the second
zone retarded by 5 hours; that of the third zone
retarded by 6 hours; that of the fourth zone retarded
by 7 hours; that of the fifth zone retarded 8 hours;
that of the sixth zone retarded by 9 hours; that of the
seventh zone retarded by 10 hours; that of the eighth
zone retarded by 11 hours; and that of the ninth zone
shall be Coordinated Universal Time advanced by 10
hours.''; and
(C) adding at the end the following:
``(b) Coordinated Universal Time Defined.--In this section, the
term `Coordinated Universal Time' means the time scale maintained
through the General Conference of Weights and Measures and interpreted
or modified for the United States by the Secretary of Commerce.'.
(e) Retention of Depreciation Surcharge.--Section 14 of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278d) is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``Within'';
and
(2) adding at the end the following:
``(b) Retention of Fees.--The Director is authorized to retain all
building use and depreciation surcharge fees collected pursuant to OMB
Circular A-25. Such fees shall be collected and credited to the
Construction of Research Facilities Appropriation Account for use in
maintenance and repair of National Institute of Standards and
Technology's existing facilities.''.
(f) Non-Energy Inventions Program.--Section 28 of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act, as redesignated by section
202 of this Act (formerly 15 U.S.C. 278m), is repealed.D23/
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Stevens with amendments. With written report No. 109-285.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Stevens with amendments. With written report No. 109-285.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 524.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line