PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2969 

Public Law 114–329 

114th Congress 

An Act 

To invest in innovation through research and development, and to improve the 

competitiveness of the United States. 

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’’. 

(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act 

is as follows: 

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 

Sec. 2. Definitions. 

TITLE I—MAXIMIZING BASIC RESEARCH 

Sec. 101. Reaffirmation of merit-based peer review. 

Sec. 102. Transparency and accountability. 

Sec. 103. EPSCoR reaffirmation and update. 

Sec. 104. Cybersecurity research. 

Sec. 105. Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Update. 

Sec. 106. Physical sciences coordination. 

Sec. 107. Laboratory program improvements. 

Sec. 108. Standard Reference Data Act update. 

Sec. 109. NSF mid-scale project investments. 

Sec. 110. Oversight of NSF major multi-user research facility projects. 

Sec. 111. Personnel oversight. 

Sec. 112. Management of the U.S. Antarctic Program. 

Sec. 113. NIST campus security. 

Sec. 114. Coordination of sustainable chemistry research and development. 

Sec. 115. Misrepresentation of research results. 

Sec. 116. Research reproducibility and replication. 

Sec. 117. Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative. 

TITLE II—ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY BURDEN REDUCTION 

Sec. 201. Interagency working group on research regulation. 

Sec. 202. Scientific and technical collaboration. 

Sec. 203. NIST grants and cooperative agreements update. 

Sec. 204. Repeal of certain obsolete reports. 

Sec. 205. Repeal of certain provisions. 

Sec. 206. Grant subrecipient transparency and oversight. 

Sec. 207. Micro-purchase threshold for procurement solicitations by research institutions. 

Sec. 208. Coordination of international science and technology partnerships. 

TITLE III—SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH 

EDUCATION 

Sec. 301. Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program update. 

Sec. 302. Space grants. 

Sec. 303. STEM Education Advisory Panel. 

Sec. 304. Committee on STEM Education. 

American 

Innovation and 

Competitiveness 

Act. 

42 USC 1861 

note. 

Jan. 6, 2017 

[S. 3084] 


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130 STAT. 2970 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

Sec. 305. Programs to expand STEM opportunities. 

Sec. 306. NIST education and outreach. 

Sec. 307. Presidential awards for excellence in STEM mentoring. 

Sec. 308. Working group on inclusion in STEM fields. 

Sec. 309. Improving undergraduate STEM experiences. 

Sec. 310. Computer science education research. 

Sec. 311. Informal STEM education. 

Sec. 312. Developing STEM apprenticeships. 

Sec. 313. NSF report on broadening participation. 

Sec. 314. NOAA science education programs. 

Sec. 315. Hispanic-serving institutions undergraduate program update. 

TITLE IV—LEVERAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR 

Sec. 401. Prize competition authority update. 

Sec. 402. Crowdsourcing and citizen science. 

Sec. 403. NIST director functions update. 

Sec. 404. NIST Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology update. 

TITLE V—MANUFACTURING 

Sec. 501. Hollings manufacturing extension partnership improvements. 

TITLE VI—INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER 

Sec. 601. Innovation corps. 

Sec. 602. Translational research grants. 

Sec. 603. Optics and photonics technology innovations. 

Sec. 604. United States chief technology officer. 

Sec. 605. National research council study on technology for emergency notifications 

on campuses. 

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 

In this Act, unless expressly provided otherwise: 

(1) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS.—The term 

‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means the Committee 

on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and 

the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 

of Representatives. 

(2) FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCY.—The term ‘‘Federal science 

agency’’ has the meaning given the term in section 103 of 

the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 

U.S.C. 6623). 

(3) FOUNDATION.—The term ‘‘Foundation’’ means the 

National Science Foundation. 

(4) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has the meaning given the term 

in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 

U.S.C. 1001(a)). 

(5) NIST.—The term ‘‘NIST’’ means the National Institute 

of Standards and Technology. 

(6) STEM.—The term ‘‘STEM’’ has the meaning given the 

term in section 2 of the American COMPETES Reauthorization 

Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note). 

(7) STEM EDUCATION.—The term ‘‘STEM education’’ has 

the meaning given the term in section 2 of the STEM Education 

Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note). 

TITLE I—MAXIMIZING BASIC RESEARCH 

SEC. 101. REAFFIRMATION OF MERIT-BASED PEER REVIEW. 

(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) sustained, predictable Federal funding of basic research 

is essential to United States leadership in science and technology; 

42 USC 1862s. 

42 USC 1862s 

note. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2971 

(2) the Foundation’s intellectual merit and broader impacts 

criteria are appropriate for evaluating grant proposals, as concluded by the 2011 National Science Board Task Force on 

Merit Review; 

(3) evaluating proposals on the basis of the Foundation’s 

intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria should be used 

to assure that the Foundation’s activities are in the national 

interest as these reviews can affirm that— 

(A) the proposals funded by the Foundation are of 

high quality and advance scientific knowledge; and 

(B) the Foundation’s grants address societal needs 

through basic research findings or through related activities; and 

(4) as evidenced by the Foundation’s contributions to scientific advancement, economic growth, human health, and 

national security, its peer review and merit review processes 

have identified and funded scientifically and societally relevant 

basic research and should be preserved. 

(b) MERIT REVIEW CRITERIA.—The Foundation shall maintain 

the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria, among other 

specific criteria as appropriate, as the basis for evaluating grant 

proposals in the merit review process. 

(c) UPDATES.—If after the date of enactment of this Act a 

change is made to the merit-review process, the Director shall 

submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress not 

later than 30 days after the date of the change. 

SEC. 102. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. 

(a) FINDINGS.— 

(1) building the understanding of and confidence in investments in basic research is essential to public support for sustained, predictable Federal funding; 

(2) the Foundation has improved transparency and accountability of the outcomes made through the merit review process, 

but additional transparency into individual grants is valuable 

in communicating and assuring the public value of federally 

funded research; and 

(3) the Foundation should commit to transparency and 

accountability and to clear, consistent public communication 

regarding the national interest for each Foundation-awarded 

grant and cooperative agreement. 

(b) GUIDANCE.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Foundation shall 

issue and periodically update, as appropriate, policy guidance 

for both Foundation staff and other Foundation merit review 

process participants on the importance of transparency and 

accountability to the outcomes made through the merit review 

process. 

(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The guidance under paragraph (1) 

shall require that each public notice of a Foundation-funded 

research project justify the expenditure of Federal funds by— 

(A) describing how the project— 

(i) reflects the statutory mission of the Foundation, 

as established in the National Science Foundation Act 

of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.); and 

(ii) addresses the Foundation’s intellectual merit 

and broader impacts criteria; and 

42 USC 1862s–1. 

Deadline. 


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130 STAT. 2972 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(B) clearly identifying the research goals of the project 

in a manner that can be easily understood by both technical 

and non-technical audiences. 

(c) BROADER IMPACTS REVIEW CRITERION UPDATE.—Section 

526(a) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 

(42 U.S.C. 1862p–14(a)) is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘(a) GOALS.—The Foundation shall apply a broader impacts 

review criterion to identify and demonstrate project support of 

the following goals: 

‘‘(1) Increasing the economic competitiveness of the United 

States. 

‘‘(2) Advancing of the health and welfare of the American 

public. 

‘‘(3) Supporting the national defense of the United States. 

‘‘(4) Enhancing partnerships between academia and 

industry in the United States. 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(6) Improving public scientific literacy and engagement 

with science and technology in the United States. 

‘‘(7) Expanding participation of women and individuals from 

underrepresented groups in STEM.’’. 

SEC. 103. EPSCOR REAFFIRMATION AND UPDATE. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Section 517(a) of the America COMPETES 

Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p–9(a)) is amended— 

(1) in paragraph (1)— 

(A) by striking ‘‘The National’’ and inserting ‘‘the 

National’’; and 

(B) by striking ‘‘education,’’ and inserting ‘‘education’’; 

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘with 27 States’’ and 

all that follows through the semicolon at the end and inserting 

‘‘with 28 States and jurisdictions, taken together, receiving 

only about 12 percent of all National Science Foundation 

research funding;’’; 

(3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: 

‘‘(3) each of the States described in paragraph (2) receives 

only a fraction of 1 percent of the Foundation’s research dollars 

each year;’’; and 

(4) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(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; 

Applicability. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2973 

‘‘(7) EPSCoR proposals are evaluated through a rigorous 

and competitive 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.’’. 

(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(A) since maintaining the Nation’s scientific and economic leadership requires the participation of talented 

individuals nationwide, EPSCoR investments into State 

research and education capacities are in the Federal 

interest and should be sustained; and 

(B) EPSCoR should maintain its experimental component by supporting innovative methods for improving 

research capacity and competitiveness. 

(2) DEFINITION OF EPSCOR.—In this subsection, the term 

‘‘EPSCoR’’ has the meaning given the term in section 502 

of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 

U.S.C. 1862p note). 

(c) AWARD STRUCTURE UPDATES.—Section 517 of the America 

COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p–9) is 

amended by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(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 EPSCoReligible 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; 


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130 STAT. 2974 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

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

‘‘(C) to harmonize metrics across participating Federal 

agencies, as appropriate.’’. 

(d) REPORTS.— (1) CONGRESSIONAL REPORTS.—Section 517 of the America 

COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p– 

9), as amended, is further amended— 

(A) by striking subsection (c); 

(B) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as 

subsections (c) through (f), respectively; 

(C) in subsection (c), as redesignated— 

(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Experimental Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research’’ and 

inserting ‘‘EPSCoR’’; and 

(ii) in paragraph (2)— 

(I) in subparagraphs (A) and (E), by striking 

‘‘EPSCoR and Federal EPSCoR-like programs’’ and 

inserting ‘‘each EPSCoR’’; 

(II) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘EPSCoR 

and other Federal EPSCoR-like programs’’ and 

inserting ‘‘each EPSCoR’’; 

(III) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘EPSCoR 

or Federal EPSCoR-like programs’’ and inserting 

‘‘each EPSCoR’’; and 

(IV) in subparagraph (G), by striking ‘‘EPSCoR 

programs’’ and inserting ‘‘each EPSCoR’’; and 

(D) by amending subsection (d), as redesignated, to 

read as follows: 

‘‘(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.’’; and 

(E) in subsection (e)(1), as redesignated, by striking 

‘‘Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 

or a program similar to the Experimental Program to 

Stimulate Competitive Research’’ and inserting ‘‘EPSCoR’’. 

(2) RESULTS OF AWARD STRUCTURE PLAN.—Not later than 

1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the EPSCoR 

Interagency Coordinating Committee shall brief the appropriate 

Deadline. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2975 

committees of Congress on the updates made to the award 

structure under 517(f) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p–9(f)), as amended by this 

subsection. 

(e) DEFINITION OF EPSCOR.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 502 of the America COMPETES 

Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p note) is amended 

by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: 

‘‘(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.’’. 

(2) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 

113 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 

1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g) is amended— 

(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘EXPERIMENTAL’’ and 

inserting ‘‘ESTABLISHED’’; 

(B) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘an Experimental 

Program to Stimulate Competitive Research’’ and inserting 

‘‘a program to stimulate competitive research (known as 

the ‘Established Program to Stimulate Competitive 

Research’)’’; and 

(C) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘the program’’ and 

inserting ‘‘the Program’’. 

SEC. 104. CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH. 

(a) FOUNDATION CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH.—Section 4(a)(1) of 

the Cyber Security Research and Development Act, as amended 

(15 U.S.C. 7403(a)(1)) is amended— 

(1) in subparagraph (O), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 

(2) in subparagraph (P), by striking the period at the end 

and inserting a semicolon; and 

(3) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(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.’’. 

(b) NIST CYBERSECURITY PRIORITIES.— 

(1) CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AWARENESS.—The Director 

of NIST shall continue to raise public awareness of the voluntary, industry-led cybersecurity standards and best practices 

for critical infrastructure developed under section 2(c)(15) of 

the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 

U.S.C. 272(c)(15)). 

(2) QUANTUM COMPUTING.—Under section 2(b) of the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 

272(b)) and section 20 of that Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–3), the 

Director of NIST shall— 

(A) research information systems for future cybersecurity needs; and 

(B) coordinate with relevant stakeholders to develop 

a process— 

(i) to research and identify or, if necessary, develop 

cryptography standards and guidelines for future 

15 USC 272 note. 


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130 STAT. 2976 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

cybersecurity needs, including quantum-resistant 

cryptography standards; and 

(ii) to provide recommendations to Congress, Federal agencies, and industry consistent with the 

National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act 

of 1995 (Public Law 104–113; 110 Stat. 775), for a 

secure and smooth transition to the standards under 

clause (i). 

(3) FEDERAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND

DEVELOPMENT.—Section 20(d)(3) of the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–3(d)(3)) is 

amended to read as follows: 

‘‘(3) conduct research and analysis— 

‘‘(A) to determine the nature and extent of information 

security vulnerabilities and techniques for providing costeffective information security; 

‘‘(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 

‘‘(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;’’. 

(4) VOTING.—Section 2(c) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)) is amended— 

(A) by redesignating paragraphs (16) through (23) as 

paragraphs (17) through (24), respectively; and 

(B) by inserting after paragraph (15) the following: 

‘‘(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.’’. 

SEC. 105. NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH 

AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Networking 

and Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 2016’’. 

(b) FINDINGS.—Section 2 of the High-Performance Computing 

Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5501) is amended— 

(1) in paragraphs (2) and (5), by striking ‘‘high-performance 

computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology, including high-performance computing,’’; and 

(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology, 

including high-performance computing’’; 

(c) PURPOSES.—Section 3 of the High-Performance Computing 

Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5502) is amended— 

Networking and 

Information 

Technology 

Research and 

Development 

Modernization 

Act of 2016. 

15 USC 5501 

note. 

Evaluation. 

Review. 

Analysis. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2977 

(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘highperformance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and 

information technology’’; 

(2) in paragraph (1)— 

(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 

striking ‘‘expanding Federal support for research, development, and application of high-performance computing’’ and 

inserting ‘‘supporting Federal research, development, and 

application of networking and information technology’’; 

(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high-performance 

computing’’ both places it appears and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; 

(C) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D); 

(D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: 

‘‘(C) stimulate research on and promote more rapid 

development of high-end computing systems software and 

applications software;’’; 

(E) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (H) 

as subparagraphs (D) through (G), respectively; 

(F) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, by inserting 

‘‘high-end’’ after ‘‘the development of’’; 

(G) in subparagraphs (E) and (F), as redesignated, 

by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ each place it 

appears and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; and 

(H) in subparagraph (G), as redesignated, by striking 

‘‘high-performance’’ and inserting ‘‘high-end’’; and 

(3) in paragraph (2)— 

(A) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing and’’ and 

inserting ‘‘networking and information technology and’’; 

and 

(B) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing network’’ 

and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’. 

(d) DEFINITIONS.—Section 4 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5503) is amended— 

(1) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); 

(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (6), and (7) 

as paragraphs (2), (3), (5), (8), and (9), respectively; 

(3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the 

following: 

‘‘(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;’’; 

(4) in paragraph (3), as redesignated, by striking ‘‘highperformance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and 

information technology’’; 

(5) by inserting after paragraph (3), as redesignated, the 

following: 

‘‘(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 


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130 STAT. 2978 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

the capability of small- to medium-scale systems, including 

computing formerly known as high-performance computing;’’; 

(6) by inserting after paragraph (5), as redesignated, the 

following: 

‘‘(6) ‘networking and information technology’ means highend 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; 

‘‘(7) ‘participating agency’ means an agency described in 

section 101(a)(3)(C);’’; and 

(7) in paragraph (8), as redesignated, by striking ‘‘National 

High-Performance Computing Program’’ and inserting ‘‘Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program’’. 

(e) TITLE I HEADING.—The heading of title I of the HighPerformance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is 

amended by striking ‘‘HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING’’ 

and inserting ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY’’. 

(f) NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.—Section 101 of the High-Performance 

Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended— 

(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘NATIONAL HIGHPERFORMANCE COMPUTING PROGRAM’’ and inserting ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM’’; 

(2) in subsection (a)— 

(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘NATIONAL

HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING PROGRAM’’ and inserting 

‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

AND DEVELOPMENT’’; 

(B) in paragraph (1)— 

(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 

striking ‘‘National High-Performance Computing Program’’ and inserting ‘‘Networking and Information 

Technology Research and Development Program’’; 

(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing, including networking’’ and inserting 

‘‘networking and information technology’’; 

(iii) in subparagraphs (B) and (G), by striking 

‘‘high-performance’’ each place it appears and inserting 

‘‘high-end’’; 

(iv) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘highperformance computing and networking’’ and inserting 

‘‘high-end computing, distributed, and networking’’; 

(v) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows: 

‘‘(D) provide for efforts to increase software security 

and reliability;’’; 

(vi) in subparagraph (H)— 

(I) by inserting ‘‘support and guidance’’ after 

‘‘provide’’; and 

(II) by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 

(vii) in subparagraph (I)— 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2979 

(I) by striking ‘‘improving the security’’ and 

inserting ‘‘improving the security, reliability, and 

resilience’’; and 

(II) by striking the period at the end and 

inserting a semicolon; and 

(viii) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(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; 

‘‘(K) provide for research and development on humancomputer interactions, visualization, and big data; 

‘‘(L) provide for research and development on the 

enhancement of cybersecurity, including the human facets 

of cyber threats and secure cyber systems; 

‘‘(M) provide for the understanding of the science, 

engineering, policy, and privacy protection related to networking and information technology; 

‘‘(N) provide for the transition of high-end computing 

hardware, system software, development tools, and applications into development and operations; and 

‘‘(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.’’; 

(C) in paragraph (2)— 

(i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: 

‘‘(A) establish the goals and priorities for Federal networking and information technology research, development, 

education, and other activities;’’; 

(ii) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows: 

‘‘(C) provide for interagency coordination of Federal 

networking and information technology research, development, education, and other activities undertaken pursuant 

to the Program— 

‘‘(i) among the participating agencies; and 

‘‘(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;’’; 

(iii) by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows: 

‘‘(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’’; and 

(iv) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ and inserting ‘‘high-end’’; and 

(D) in paragraph (3)— 


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(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), 

and (E) as subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), and (G), respectively; 

(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: 

‘‘(B) provide a detailed description of the nature and 

scope of research infrastructure designated as such under 

the Program;’’; 

(iii) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated— 

(I) by amending clause (i) to read as follows: 

‘‘(i) the Department of Justice;’’; 

(II) by redesignating clauses (vii) through (xi) 

as clauses (viii) through (xii), respectively; 

(III) by inserting after clause (vi) the following: 

‘‘(vii) the Department of Homeland Security;’’; and 

(IV) by amending clause (viii), as redesignated, 

to read as follows: 

‘‘(viii) the National Archives and Records Administration;’’; 

(iv) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated— 

(I) by striking ‘‘is submitted,’’ and inserting 

‘‘is submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal 

year,’’; and 

(II) by striking ‘‘each Program Component 

Area;’’ and inserting ‘‘each Program Component 

Area and research area supported in accordance 

with section 102;’’; 

(v) by amending subparagraph (E), as redesignated, to read as follows: 

‘‘(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;’’; and 

(vi) by inserting after subparagraph (E), as redesignated, the following: 

‘‘(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’’; 

(3) in subsection (b)— 

(A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ both 

places it appears and inserting ‘‘networking and 

information technology’’; and 

(ii) after the first sentence, by inserting the following: ‘‘Each chair of the advisory committee shall 

meet the qualifications of committee membership and 

may be a member of the President’s Council of Advisors 

on Science and Technology.’’; 

(B) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking ‘‘high-performance 

computing, networking technology, and related software’’ 

and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; 

and 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2981 

(C) in paragraph (2)— 

(i) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘2’’ and 

inserting ‘‘3’’; 

(ii) by striking ‘‘Committee on Science and Technology’’ and inserting ‘‘Committee on Science, Space, 

and Technology’’; and 

(iii) by striking ‘‘The first report shall be due 

within 1 year after the date of enactment of the 

America COMPETES Act.’’; 

(4) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘high-performance 

computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; and 

(5) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(d) PERIODIC REVIEWS.—The heads of the participating agencies, working through the National Science and Technology Council 

and the Program, shall— 

‘‘(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 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(e) STRATEGIC PLANS.— 

‘‘(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— 

‘‘(A) emerging activities of Federal networking and 

information technology research and development; and 

‘‘(B) the activities described in subsection (a)(1). 

‘‘(2) UPDATES.—The heads of the participating agencies 

shall update the strategic plans as appropriate. 

‘‘(3) CONTENTS.—Each strategic plan shall— 

‘‘(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; 

‘‘(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; 

‘‘(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— 

‘‘(i) across Federal agencies; 

‘‘(ii) across Program Component Areas; and 

‘‘(iii) with industry, Federal and private research 

laboratories, research entities, institutions of higher 

education, relevant nonprofit organizations, and international partners of the United States; 

Assessment. 


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‘‘(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 

‘‘(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, longterm, and interdisciplinary information technology research 

and development. 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(5) RECOMMENDATIONS.—In developing and updating strategic plans, the heads of the participating agencies shall solicit 

recommendations and advice from— 

‘‘(A) the advisory committee under subsection (b); 

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

and 

‘‘(C) a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, 

academia, National Laboratories, and other relevant 

organizations and institutions. 

‘‘(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— 

‘‘(1) the strategic plans developed under subsection (e)(1); 

and 

‘‘(2) each update under subsection (e)(2).’’. 

(g) NATIONAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION NETWORK.—Section 

102 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 

5512) is repealed. 

(h) NEXT GENERATION INTERNET.—Section 103 of the HighPerformance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5513) is repealed. 

(i) GRAND CHALLENGES IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.— 

Title I of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 

5511 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘SEC. 102. GRAND CHALLENGES IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE. 

‘‘(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 

15 USC 5512. 

Repealed. 

Repealed. 

Strategic plans. 

Coordinate. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2983 

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. 

‘‘(b) CHARACTERISTICS.— 

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Research and development activities 

under this section shall— 

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

process; 

‘‘(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; 

‘‘(C) to the extent practicable, leverage Federal investments through collaboration with related State and private 

sector initiatives; and 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(2) COST-SHARING.—In selecting applications for support, 

the agencies may give special consideration to projects that 

include cost sharing from non-Federal sources.’’. 

(j) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES.—Section 201 

of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521) 

is amended— 

(1) in subsection (a)— 

(A) by striking ‘‘(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—’’; 

(B) in paragraph (1)— 

(i) by inserting ‘‘high-end’’ after ‘‘National Science 

Foundation shall provide’’; and 

(ii) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and 

all that follows through ‘‘networking;’’ and inserting 

‘‘networking and information technology; and’’; 

(C) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4); and 

(D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: 

‘‘(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).’’; and 

(2) by striking subsection (b). 

(k) NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES.—Section 202 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 

(15 U.S.C. 5522) is amended— 

(1) by striking ‘‘(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—’’; 

(2) by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting 

‘‘networking and information technology’’; and 

(3) by striking subsection (b). 

Plan. 

Recommendations. 


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130 STAT. 2984 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(l) DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ACTIVITIES.—Section 203 of the 

High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5523) is 

amended— 

(1) by striking ‘‘(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES.—’’; 

(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing and networking’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’; 

(3) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ and 

inserting ‘‘high-end’’; and 

(4) by striking subsection (b). 

(m) DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACTIVITIES.—Section 204 of 

the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524) 

is amended— 

(1) in subsection (a)(1)— 

(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high-performance 

computing systems and networks’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology systems and capabilities’’; 

(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘interoperability 

of high-performance computing systems in networks and 

for common user interfaces to systems’’ and inserting ‘‘interoperability and usability of networking and information 

technology systems’’; and 

(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘high-performance 

computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information 

technology’’; 

(2) in subsection (b)— 

(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘HIGH-PERFORMANCE

COMPUTING AND NETWORK’’ and inserting ‘‘NETWORKING

AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY’’; 

(B) by striking ‘‘Pursuant to the Computer Security 

Act of 1987 (Public Law 100–235; 101 Stat. 1724), the’’ 

and inserting ‘‘The’’; and 

(C) by striking ‘‘sensitive information in Federal computer systems’’ and inserting ‘‘Federal agency information 

and information systems’’; and 

(3) by striking subsections (c) and (d). 

(n) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACTIVITIES.—Section 

205 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 

5525) is repealed. 

(o) ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.—Section 206 

of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5526) 

is repealed. 

(p) MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.—Section 207 of the HighPerformance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5527) is amended— 

(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ‘‘paragraphs (1) through 

(5) of section 2315(a) of title 10’’ and inserting ‘‘section 

3552(b)(6)(A)(i) of title 44’’; and 

(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’. 

(q) REPEAL.—Section 208 of the High-Performance Computing 

Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5528) is repealed. 

(r) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RESEARCH.—Section 

4(b)(5)(K) of the Cyber Security Research and Development Act 

(15 U.S.C. 7403(b)(5)(K)) is amended by striking ‘‘high-performance 

computing’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2985 

(s) NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.—Section 13202(b) of the America 

Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C. 17912(b)) is 

amended by striking ‘‘National High-Performance Computing Program’’ and inserting ‘‘Networking and Information Technology 

Research and Development Program’’. 

(t) FEDERAL CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.— 

Section 201(a)(4) of the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 

(15 U.S.C. 7431(a)(4)) is amended— 

(1) by striking ‘‘clauses (i) through (x)’’ and inserting 

‘‘clauses (i) through (xi)’’; and 

(2) by striking ‘‘under clause (xi)’’ and inserting ‘‘under 

clause (xii)’’. 

(u) ADDITIONAL REPEAL.—Section 4 of the Department of 

Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 (15 U.S.C. 

5543) is repealed. 

SEC. 106. PHYSICAL SCIENCES COORDINATION. 

(a) HIGH-ENERGY PHYSICS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Physical Science Subcommittee of 

the National Science and Technology Council (referred to in 

this section as ‘‘Subcommittee’’) shall continue to coordinate 

Federal efforts related to high-energy physics research to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United States investment in high-energy physics. 

(2) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the Subcommittee 

include— 

(A) to advise and assist the Committee on Science 

and the National Science and Technology Council on United 

States policies, procedures, and plans in the physical 

sciences, including high-energy physics; and 

(B) to identify emerging opportunities, stimulate international cooperation, and foster the development of the 

physical sciences in the United States, including— 

(i) in high-energy physics research, including 

related underground science and engineering research; 

(ii) in physical infrastructure and facilities; 

(iii) in information and analysis; and 

(iv) in coordination activities. 

(3) RESPONSIBILITIES.—In regard to coordinating Federal 

efforts related to high-energy physics research, the Subcommittee shall, taking into account the findings and recommendations of relevant advisory committees— 

(A) provide recommendations on planning for construction and stewardship of large facilities participating in 

high-energy physics; 

(B) provide recommendations on research coordination 

and collaboration among the programs and activities of 

Federal agencies related to underground science, neutrino 

research, dark energy, and dark matter research; 

(C) establish goals and priorities for high-energy 

physics, related underground science, and research and 

development that will strengthen United States competitiveness in high-energy physics; 

Recommendations. 

Recommendations. 

Coordination. 

42 USC 6601 

note. 


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(D) propose methods for engagement with international, Federal, and State agencies and Federal laboratories not represented on the National Science and Technology Council to identify and reduce regulatory, logistical, 

and fiscal barriers that inhibit United States leadership 

in high-energy physics and related underground science; 

and 

(E) develop, and update as necessary, a strategic plan 

to guide Federal programs and activities in support of 

high-energy physics research, including— 

(i) the efforts taken in support of paragraph (2) 

since the last strategic plan; 

(ii) an evaluation of the current research needs 

for maintaining United States leadership in highenergy physics; and 

(iii) an identification of future priorities in the 

area of high-energy physics. 

(b) RADIATION BIOLOGY.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Subcommittee shall continue to 

coordinate Federal efforts related to radiation biology research 

to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United States 

investment in radiation biology. 

(2) RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RADIATION BIOLOGY.—In regard 

to coordinating Federal efforts related to radiation biology 

research, the Subcommittee shall— 

(A) advise and assist the National Science and Technology Council on policies and initiatives in radiation 

biology, including enhancing scientific knowledge of the 

effects of low dose radiation on biological systems to 

improve radiation risk management methods; 

(B) identify opportunities to stimulate international 

cooperation and leverage research and knowledge from 

sources outside of the United States; 

(C) ensure coordination between the Department of 

Energy Office of Science, Foundation, National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration, National Institutes of Health, 

Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Department of Homeland Security; 

(D) identify ongoing scientific challenges for understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on 

biological systems; and 

(E) formulate overall scientific goals for the future 

of low-dose radiation research in the United States. 

(c) FUSION ENERGY SCIENCES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Subcommittee shall continue to 

coordinate Federal efforts related to fusion energy research 

to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United States 

investment in fusion energy sciences. 

(2) RESPONSIBILITIES FOR FUSION ENERGY SCIENCES.—In 

regard to coordinating Federal efforts related to fusion energy 

sciences, the Subcommittee shall— 

(A) advise and assist the National Science and Technology Council on policies and initiatives in fusion energy 

sciences, including enhancing scientific knowledge of fusion 

energy science, plasma physics, and related materials 

sciences; 

Coordination. 

Coordination. 

Coordination. 

Strategic plan. 


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(B) identify opportunities to stimulate international 

cooperation and leverage research and knowledge from 

sources outside of the United States, including the ITER 

project; 

(C) ensure coordination between the Department of 

Energy Office of Science, National Nuclear Security 

Administration, Advanced Research Projects AgencyEnergy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 

Foundation, and Department of Defense regarding fusion 

energy sciences and plasma physics; and 

(D) formulate overall scientific goals for the future 

of fusion energy sciences and plasma physics. 

SEC. 107. LABORATORY PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of NIST, acting through the 

Associate Director for Laboratory Programs, shall develop and 

implement a comprehensive strategic plan for laboratory programs 

that expands— 

(1) interactions with academia, international researchers, 

and industry; and 

(2) commercial and industrial applications. 

(b) OPTIMIZING COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS.— 

In accordance with the purpose under section 1(b)(3) of the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271(b)(3)), 

the comprehensive strategic plan shall— 

(1) include performance metrics for the dissemination of 

fundamental research results, measurements, and standards 

research results to industry, including manufacturing, and 

other interested parties; 

(2) document any positive benefits of research on the 

competitiveness of the interested parties described in paragraph 

(1); 

(3) clarify the current approach to the technology transfer 

activities of NIST; and 

(4) consider recommendations from the National Academy 

of Sciences. 

SEC. 108. STANDARD REFERENCE DATA ACT UPDATE. 

Section 2 of the Standard Reference Data Act (15 U.S.C. 290a) 

is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 

‘‘For the purposes of this Act: 

‘‘(1) STANDARD REFERENCE DATA.—The term ‘standard reference data’ means data that is— 

‘‘(A) either— 

‘‘(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; 

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

‘‘(iii) engineering properties or performance 

characteristics of a system; or 

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

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

Strategic plan. 

15 USC 272. 

Coordination. 


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130 STAT. 2988 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

‘‘(II) to interpolate or extrapolate, or both, data 

described in subparagraph (A) through (C); and 

‘‘(B) that is critically evaluated as to its reliability 

under section 3 of this Act. 

‘‘(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary 

of Commerce.’’. 

SEC. 109. NSF MID-SCALE PROJECT INVESTMENTS. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 

(1) The Foundation funds major research facilities, infrastructure, and instrumentation that provide unique capabilities 

at the frontiers of science and engineering. 

(2) Modern and effective research facilities, infrastructure, 

and instrumentation are critical to maintaining United States 

leadership in science and engineering. 

(3) The costs of some proposed research instrumentation, 

equipment, and upgrades to major research facilities fall 

between programs currently funded by the Foundation, creating 

a gap between the established parameters of the Major 

Research Instrumentation and Major Research Equipment and 

Facilities Construction programs, including projects that have 

been identified as cost-effective additions of high priority to 

the advancement of scientific understanding. 

(4) The 2010 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey 

recommended a mid-scale innovations program. 

(b) MID-SCALE PROJECTS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Foundation shall evaluate the 

existing and future needs, across all disciplines supported by 

the Foundation, for mid-scale projects. 

(2) STRATEGY.—The Director of the Foundation shall 

develop a strategy to address the needs identified in paragraph 

(1). 

(3) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 

enactment of this Act, the Director of the Foundation shall 

provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress 

on the evaluation under paragraph (1) and the strategy under 

paragraph (2). 

(4) DEFINITION OF MID-SCALE PROJECTS.—In this subsection, 

the term ‘‘mid-scale projects’’ means research instrumentation, 

equipment, and upgrades to major research facilities or other 

research infrastructure investments that exceed the maximum 

award funded by the major research instrumentation program 

and are below the minimum award funded by the major 

research equipment and facilities construction program as 

described in section 507 of the AMERICA Competes Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–358; 124 Stat. 4008). 

SEC. 110. OVERSIGHT OF NSF MAJOR MULTI-USER RESEARCH 

FACILITY PROJECTS. 

(a) FACILITIES OVERSIGHT.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Foundation shall 

strengthen oversight and accountability over the full life-cycle 

of each major multi-user research facility project, including 

planning, development, procurement, construction, operations, 

and support, and shut-down of the facility, in order to maximize 

research investment. 

(2) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the 

Director shall— 

42 USC 1862s–2. 

Deadline. 

Evaluation. 

Definition. 


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(A) prioritize the scientific outcomes of a major multiuser research facility project and the internal management 

and financial oversight of the major multi-user research 

facility project; 

(B) clarify the roles and responsibilities of all organizations, including offices, panels, committees, and directorates, involved in supporting a major multi-user research 

facility project, including the role of the Major Research 

Equipment and Facilities Construction Panel; 

(C) establish policies and procedures for the planning, 

management, and oversight of a major multi-user research 

facility project at each phase of the life-cycle of the major 

multi-user research facility project; 

(D) ensure that policies for estimating and managing 

costs and schedules are consistent with the best practices 

described in the Government Accountability Office Cost 

Estimating and Assessment Guide, the Government 

Accountability Office Schedule Assessment Guide, and the 

Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance (2 

C.F.R. Part 200); 

(E) establish the appropriate project management and 

financial management expertise required for Foundation 

staff to oversee each major multi-user research facility 

project effectively, including by improving project management training and certification; 

(F) coordinate the sharing of the best management 

practices and lessons learned from each major multi-user 

research facility project; 

(G) continue to maintain a Large Facilities Office to 

support the research directorates in the development, 

implementation, and oversight of each major multi-user 

research facility project, including by— 

(i) serving as the Foundation’s primary resource 

for all policy or process issues related to the development, implementation, and oversight of a major multiuser research facility project; 

(ii) serving as a Foundation-wide resource on 

project management, including providing expert assistance on nonscientific and nontechnical aspects of 

project planning, budgeting, implementation, management, and oversight; 

(iii) coordinating and collaborating with research 

directorates to share best management practices and 

lessons learned from prior major multi-user research 

facility projects; and 

(iv) assessing each major multi-user research 

facility project for cost and schedule risk; and 

(H) appoint a senior agency official whose responsibility 

is oversight of the development, construction, and operations of major multi-user research facilities across the 

Foundation. 

(b) FACILITIES FULL LIFE-CYCLE COSTS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subsection (c)(1), the Director 

of the Foundation shall require that any pre-award analysis 

of a major multi-user research facility project includes the 

development and consideration of the full life-cycle cost (as 

defined in section 2 of the National Science Foundation 

Analysis. 

Appointment. 

Assessment. 

Coordination. 

Coordination. 

Procedures. 


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130 STAT. 2990 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

Authorization Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 1862k note)) in accordance 

with section 14 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n–4). 

(2) IMPLEMENTATION.—Based on the pre-award analysis 

described in paragraph (1), the Director of the Foundation 

shall include projected operational costs within the Foundation’s out-years as part of the President’s annual budget submission to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States 

Code. 

(c) COST OVERSIGHT.— (1) PRE-AWARD ANALYSIS.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Foundation and 

the National Science Board may not approve or execute 

any agreement to start construction on any proposed major 

multi-user research facility project unless— 

(i) an external analysis of the proposed budget 

has been conducted to ensure the proposal is complete 

and reasonable; 

(ii) the analysis under clause (i) follows the 

Government Accountability Office Cost Estimating and 

Assessment Guide; 

(iii) except as provided under subparagraph (C), 

an analysis of the accounting systems has been conducted; 

(iv) an independent cost estimate of the construction of the project has been conducted using the same 

detailed technical information as the project proposal 

estimate to determine whether the estimate is wellsupported and realistic; and 

(v) the Foundation and the National Science Board 

have considered the analyses under clauses (i) and 

(iii) and the independent cost estimate under clause 

(iv) and resolved any major issues identified therein. 

(B) AUDITS.—An external analysis under subparagraph 

(A)(i) may include an audit. 

(C) EXCEPTION.—The Director of the Foundation, at 

the Director’s discretion, may waive the requirement under 

subparagraph (A)(iii) if a similar analysis of the accounting 

systems was conducted in the prior years. 

(2) CONSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT.—The Director of the 

Foundation shall require for each major multi-user research 

facility project— 

(A) periodic external reviews on project management 

and performance; 

(B) adequate internal controls, policies, and procedures, 

and reliable accounting systems in preparation for the 

incurred cost audits under subparagraph (D); 

(C) annual incurred cost submissions of financial 

expenditures; and 

(D) an incurred cost audit of the major multi-user 

research facility project in accordance with Government 

Accountability Office Government Auditing Standards— 

(i) at least once during construction at a time 

determined based on risk analysis and length of the 

award, except that the length of time between audits 

may not exceed 3 years; and 

(ii) at the completion of the construction phase. 

Time period. 

Waiver authority. 

Estimate. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2991 

(3) OPERATIONS COST ANALYSIS.—The Director of the 

Foundation shall require an independent cost analysis of the 

operational proposal for each major multi-user research facility 

project. 

(d) CONTINGENCY.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Foundation shall 

strengthen internal controls to improve oversight of contingency 

on a major multi-user research facility project. 

(2) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the 

Director of the Foundation shall— 

(A) only include contingency amounts in an award 

in accordance with section 200.433 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to contingency provisions), or 

any successor regulation; 

(B) retain control over funds budgeted for contingency, 

except that the Director may disburse budgeted contingency 

funds incrementally to the awardee to ensure project stability and continuity; 

(C) track contingency use; and 

(D) ensure that contingency amounts allocated to the 

performance baseline are reasonable and allowable. 

(e) USE OF FEES.— 

(1) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(A) the use of taxpayer-funded award fees should be 

transparent and explicable; and 

(B) the Foundation should implement an award fee 

policy that ensures more transparency and accountability 

in the funding of necessary and appropriate expenses 

directly related to the construction and operation of major 

multi-user research facilities. 

(2) REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING.—The Director of the 

Foundation shall establish guidelines for awardees regarding 

inappropriate expenditures associated with all fee types used 

in cooperative agreements, including for alcoholic beverages, 

lobbying, meals or entertainment for non-business purposes, 

non-business travel, and any other purpose the Director determines is inappropriate. 

(f) OVERSIGHT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS.—The Director of 

the Foundation shall— 

(1) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 

of this Act, and periodically thereafter until the completion 

date, provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress on the response to or progress made toward implementation of— 

(A) this section; 

(B) all of the issues and recommendations identified 

in cooperative agreement audit reports and memoranda 

issued by the Inspector General of the Foundation in the 

last 5 years; and 

(C) all of the issues and recommendations identified 

by a panel of the National Academy of Public Administration in the December 2015 report entitled ‘‘National Science 

Foundation: Use of Cooperative Agreements to Support 

Large Scale Investment in Research’’; and 

(2) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 

this Act, notify the appropriate committees of Congress when 

Deadline. 

Notification. 

Time period. 

Deadlines. 

Briefings. 

Guidelines. 


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130 STAT. 2992 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

the Foundation has implemented the recommendations identified in a panel of the National Academy of Public Administration report issued December 2015. 

(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS.—The term 

‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means the Committee 

on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee 

on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 

Space, and Technology and the Committee on Appropriations 

of the House of Representatives. 

(2) MAJOR MULTI-USER RESEARCH FACILITY PROJECT.—The 

term ‘‘ ‘major multi-user research facility project’ ’’ means a 

science and engineering facility project that— 

(A) exceeds the lesser of— 

(i) 10 percent of a Directorate’s annual budget; 

or 

(ii) $100,000,000 in total project costs; or 

(B) is funded by the major research equipment and 

facilities construction account, or any successor account. 

SEC. 111. PERSONNEL OVERSIGHT. 

(a) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.—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.). 

(b) JUSTIFICATIONS.—The Deputy Director of the Foundation 

shall submit annually to the appropriate committees of Congress 

written justification for each rotator employed under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.), or other 

rotator employed, by the Foundation that year that is paid at 

a rate that exceeds the maximum rate of pay for the Senior Executive Service, including, if applicable, the level of adjustment for 

the certified Senior Executive Service Performance Appraisal 

System. 

(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 

of this Act, the Director of the Foundation shall submit to the 

appropriate committees of Congress a report on the Foundation’s 

efforts to control costs associated with employing rotators, including 

the results of and participation in the Foundation’s cost-sharing 

pilot program and the Foundation’s progress in responding to the 

findings and implementing the recommendations of the Office of 

Inspector General of the Foundation related to the employment 

of rotators. 

SEC. 112. MANAGEMENT OF THE U.S. ANTARCTIC PROGRAM. 

(a) REVIEW.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Foundation shall 

continue to review the efforts by the Foundation to sustain 

and strengthen scientific efforts in the face of logistical challenges for the United States Antarctic Program. 

(2) ISSUES TO BE EXAMINED.—In conducting the review, 

the Director shall examine, at a minimum, the following: 

(A) Implementation by the Foundation of issues and 

recommendations identified by— 

Review. 

42 USC 1862 

note. 

Deadline. 

Procedures. 

42 USC 1862s–3. 


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(i) the Inspector General of the National Science 

Foundation in audit reports and memoranda on the 

United States Antarctic Program in the last 4 years; 

(ii) the U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel 

report, More and Better Science in Antarctica through 

Increased Logistical Effectiveness, issued July 23, 

2012; and 

(iii) the National Research Council report, Future 

Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern 

Ocean, issued September 2011. 

(B) Efforts by the Foundation to track its progress 

in addressing the issues and recommendations under 

subparagraph (A). 

(C) Efforts by the Foundation to address other 

opportunities and challenges, including efforts on scientific 

research, coordination with other Federal agencies and 

international partners, logistics and transportation, health 

and safety of participants, oversight and financial management of awardees and contractors, and resources and policy 

challenges. 

(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall brief the appropriate committees 

of Congress on the ongoing review, including findings and any 

recommendations. 

SEC. 113. NIST CAMPUS SECURITY. 

(a) SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY.—The Department of Commerce 

Office of Security shall directly manage the law enforcement and 

site security programs of NIST through an assigned Director of 

Security for NIST without increasing the number of full-time 

equivalent employees of the Department of Commerce, including 

NIST. 

(b) REPORTS.—The Director of Security for NIST shall provide 

an activities and security report on a quarterly basis for the first 

year after the date of enactment of this Act, and on an annual 

basis thereafter, to the Under Secretary for Standards and Technology and the appropriate committees of Congress. 

SEC. 114. COORDINATION OF SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY RESEARCH 

AND DEVELOPMENT. 

(a) IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY.—It is the sense 

of Congress that— 

(1) the science of chemistry is vital to improving the quality 

of human life and plays an important role in addressing critical 

global challenges, including water quality, energy, health care, 

and agriculture; 

(2) sustainable chemistry can reduce risks to human health 

and the environment, reduce waste, improve pollution prevention, promote safe and efficient manufacturing, and promote 

efficient use of resources in developing new materials, processes, and technologies that support viable long-term solutions 

to a significant number of challenges; 

(3) sustainable chemistry can stimulate innovation, encourage new and creative approaches to problems, create jobs, and 

save money; and 

(4) a coordinated effort on sustainable chemistry will allow 

for a greater return on research investment in this area. 

42 USC 1862p–3 

note. 

15 USC 278e 

note. 

Deadline. 


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130 STAT. 2994 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(b) SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY BASIC RESEARCH.—Subject to the 

availability of appropriated funds, the Director of the Foundation 

may continue to carry out the Sustainable Chemistry Basic 

Research program authorized under section 509 of the National 

Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p– 

3). 

SEC. 115. MISREPRESENTATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS. 

(a) PROHIBITION.—The Director of the Foundation may revise 

the regulations under part 689 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to research misconduct) to ensure that the findings 

and conclusions of any article authored by a principal investigator, 

using the results of research conducted under a Foundation grant, 

that is published in a peer-reviewed publication, made publicly 

available, or incorporated in an application for a research grant 

or grant extension from the Foundation, does not contain any falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism. 

(b) INTERAGENCY COMMUNICATION.—Upon a finding that 

research misconduct has occurred, the Foundation shall, in addition 

to any possible final action under section 689.3 of title 45, Code 

of Federal Regulations, notify other Federal science agencies of 

the finding. 

SEC. 116. RESEARCH REPRODUCIBILITY AND REPLICATION. 

(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) the gold standard of good science is the ability of a 

researcher or research laboratory to reproduce a published 

research finding, including methods; 

(2) there is growing concern that some published research 

findings cannot be reproduced or replicated, which can negatively affect the public’s trust in science; 

(3) there are a complex set of factors affecting reproducibility and replication; and 

(4) the increasing interdisciplinary nature and complexity 

of scientific research may be a contributing factor to issues 

with research reproducibility and replication. 

(b) REPORT.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 45 days after the date 

of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Foundation shall 

enter into an agreement with the National Research Council— 

(A) to assess research and data reproducibility and 

replicability issues in interdisciplinary research; 

(B) to make recommendations for improving rigor and 

transparency in scientific research; and 

(C) to submit to the Director of the Foundation a 

report on the assessment, including its findings and recommendations, not later than 1 year after the date of 

enactment of this Act. 

(2) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 60 days after 

the date the Director of the Foundation receives the report 

under paragraph (1)(C), the Director shall submit the report 

to the appropriate committees of Congress, including a response 

from the Director of the Foundation and the Chair of the 

National Science Board as to whether they agree with each 

of the findings and recommendations in the report. 

Recommendations. 

Assessment. 

Contracts. 

Notification. 

42 USC 1870 

note. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2995 

SEC. 117. BRAIN RESEARCH THROUGH ADVANCING INNOVATIVE 

NEUROTECHNOLOGIES INITIATIVE. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Foundation shall support research activities related to the interagency Brain Research through Advancing 

Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative. 

(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 

the Foundation should work in conjunction with the Interagency 

Working Group on Neuroscience established by the National Science 

and Technology Council, Committee on Science to determine how 

to use the data infrastructure of the Foundation and other 

applicable Federal science agencies to help neuroscientists collect, 

standardize, manage, and analyze the large amounts of data that 

result from research attempting to understand how the brain functions. 

TITLE II—ADMINISTRATIVE AND 

REGULATORY BURDEN REDUCTION 

SEC. 201. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON RESEARCH REGULATION. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Research 

and Development Efficiency Act’’. 

(b) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 

(1) Scientific and technological advancement have been the 

largest drivers of economic growth in the last 50 years, with 

the Federal Government being the largest investor in basic 

research. 

(2) Substantial and increasing administrative burdens and 

costs in Federal research administration, particularly in the 

higher education sector where most federally funded research 

is performed, are eroding funds available to carry out basic 

scientific research. 

(3) Federally funded grants are increasingly competitive, 

with the Foundation funding only approximately 1 in every 

5 grant proposals. 

(4) Progress has been made over the last decade in streamlining the pre-award grant application process through the 

Federal Government’s Grants.gov website. 

(5) Post-award administrative costs have increased as Federal research agencies have continued to impose agency-unique 

compliance and reporting requirements on researchers and 

research institutions. 

(6) Researchers spend as much as 42 percent of their time 

complying with Federal regulations, including administrative 

tasks such as applying for grants or meeting reporting requirements. 

(c) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) administrative burdens faced by researchers may be 

reducing the return on investment of federally funded research 

and development; and 

(2) it is a matter of critical importance to United States 

competitiveness that administrative costs of federally funded 

research be streamlined so that a higher proportion of federal 

funding is applied to direct research activities. 

Research and 

Development 

Efficiency Act. 

42 USC 6604. 

42 USC 1862s–4. 


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130 STAT. 2996 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(d) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Director of the Office of Management 

and Budget, in coordination with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall establish an interagency working group 

(referred to in this section as the ‘‘Working Group’’) for the purpose 

of reducing administrative burdens on federally funded researchers 

while protecting the public interest through the transparency of 

and accountability for federally funded activities. 

(e) RESPONSIBILITIES.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Working Group shall— 

(A) regularly review relevant, administration-related 

regulations imposed on federally funded researchers; 

(B) recommend those regulations or processes that may 

be eliminated, streamlined, or otherwise improved for the 

purpose described in subsection (d); 

(C) recommend ways to minimize the regulatory burden on United States institutions of higher education performing federally funded research while maintaining 

accountability for federal funding; and 

(D) recommend ways to identify and update specific 

regulations to refocus on performance-based goals rather 

than on process while achieving the outcome described 

in subparagraph (C). 

(2) GRANT REVIEW.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—The Working Group shall— 

(i) conduct a comprehensive review of Federal 

science agency grant proposal documents; and 

(ii) develop, to the extent practicable, a simplified, 

uniform grant format to be used by all Federal science 

agencies. 

(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing the uniform grant 

format, the Working Group shall consider whether to implement— 

(i) procedures for preliminary project proposals in 

advance of peer-review selection; 

(ii) increased use of ‘‘Just-In-Time’’ procedures for 

documentation that does not bear directly on the scientific merit of a proposal; 

(iii) simplified initial budget proposals in advance 

of peer review selection; and 

(iv) detailed budget proposals for applicants that 

peer review selection identifies as likely to be funded. 

(3) CENTRALIZED RESEARCHER PROFILE DATABASE.— 

(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Working Group shall establish, to the extent practicable, a secure, centralized database for investigator biosketches, curriculum vitae, licenses, 

lists of publications, and other documents considered relevant by the Working Group. 

(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In establishing the centralized 

profile database under subparagraph (A), the Working 

Group shall consider incorporating existing investigator 

databases. 

(C) GRANT PROPOSALS.—To the extent practicable, all 

grant proposals shall utilize the centralized investigator 

profile database established under subparagraph (A). 

(D) REQUIREMENTS.—Each investigator shall— 

(i) be responsible for ensuring the investigator’s 

profile is current and accurate; and 

Coordination. 


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(ii) be assigned a unique identifier linked to the 

database and accessible to all Federal funding agencies. 

(4) CENTRALIZED ASSURANCES REPOSITORY.—The Working 

Group shall— 

(A) establish a central repository for all of the assurances required for Federal research grants; and 

(B) provide guidance to institutions of higher education 

and Federal science agencies on the use of the centralized 

assurances repository. 

(5) COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The Working Group shall— 

(i) conduct a comprehensive review of the mandated progress reports for federally funded research; 

and 

(ii) develop a strategy to simplify investigator 

progress reports. 

(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing the strategy, the 

Working Group shall consider limiting progress reports 

to performance outcomes. 

(f) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out its responsibilities under 

subsection (e)(1), the Working Group shall consult with academic 

researchers outside the Federal Government, including— 

(1) federally funded researchers; 

(2) non-federally funded researchers; 

(3) institutions of higher education and their representative 

associations; 

(4) scientific and engineering disciplinary societies and 

associations; 

(5) nonprofit research institutions; 

(6) industry, including small businesses; 

(7) federally funded research and development centers; and 

(8) members of the public with a stake in ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability in the performance of scientific research. 

(g) REPORTS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 

of this Act, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Working Group 

shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 

on its responsibilities under this section, including a discussion 

of the considerations described in paragraphs (2)(B), (3)(B), and 

(5)(B) of subsection (e) and recommendations made under subsection 

(e)(1). 

SEC. 202. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COLLABORATION. 

(a) DEFINITION OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL WORKSHOP.— 

In this section, the term ‘‘scientific and technical workshop’’ means 

a symposium, seminar, or any other organized, formal gathering 

where scientists or engineers working in STEM research and 

development fields assemble to coordinate, exchange and disseminate information or to explore or clarify a defined subject, problem 

or area of knowledge in the STEM fields. 

(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) the United States should encourage broad dissemination 

of Federal research findings and engagement of Federal 

researchers with the scientific and technical community; and 

(2) laboratory, test center, and field center directors and 

other similar heads of offices should approve scientific and 

technical workshop attendance if— 

Guidance. 


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130 STAT. 2998 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(A) that attendance would meet the mission of the 

laboratory or test center; and 

(B) sufficient laboratory or test center funds are available for that purpose. 

(c) ATTENDANCE POLICIES.—Not later than 180 days after the 

date of enactment of this Act, the heads of the Federal science 

agencies shall each develop an action plan for the implementation 

of revisions and updates to their policies on attendance at scientific 

and technical workshops. 

(d) NIST WORKSHOPS.—Section 2(c) of the National Institute 

of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)), as amended 

by section 104 of this Act, is further amended— 

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (19) through (24) as paragraphs (22) through (27), respectively; and 

(2) by inserting after paragraph (18) the following: 

‘‘(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;’’. 

SEC. 203. NIST GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS UPDATE. 

Section 8(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation 

Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3706(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘The total 

amount of any such grant or cooperative agreement may not exceed 

75 percent of the total cost of the program.’’. 

SEC. 204. REPEAL OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE REPORTS. 

(a) REPEAL OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE REPORTS.— (1) NIST REPORTS.— (A) REPORT ON DONATION OF EDUCATIONALLY USEFUL

FEDERAL EQUIPMENT TO SCHOOLS.—Section 6(b) of the Technology Administration Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) 

is amended— 

(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— ’’ and indenting appropriately; and 

(ii) by striking paragraph (2). 

(B) THREE-YEAR PROGRAMMATIC PLANNING DOCU- MENT.— (i) IN GENERAL.—Section 23 of the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 

278i) is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d). 

(ii) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 10(h)(1) of 

the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Act (15 U.S.C. 278(h)(1)) is amended by striking the 

last sentence. 

(2) MULTIAGENCY REPORT ON INNOVATION ACCELERATION

RESEARCH.—Section 1008 of the America COMPETES Act (42 

U.S.C. 6603) is amended— 

(A) by striking subsection (c); and 

(B) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c). 

(3) NSF REPORTS.— 

(A) FUNDING FOR SUCCESSFUL STEM EDUCATION PROGRAMS; REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Section 7012 of the America 

Deadline. 

Action plan. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 2999 

COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o–4) is amended by 

striking subsection (c). 

(B) ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION; EVALUATION AND

REPORT.—Section 7031 of the America COMPETES Act 

(42 U.S.C. 1862o–11) is amended by striking subsection 

(b). 

(C) MATH AND SCIENCE PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

COORDINATION REPORT.—Section 9(c) of the National 

Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 

1862n(c)) is amended— 

(i) by striking paragraph (4); and 

(ii) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph 

(4). 

(b) NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE REPORTS.—The 21st 

Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 

7501 et seq.) is amended— 

(1) by amending section 2(c)(4) (15 U.S.C. 7501(c)(4)) to 

read as follows: 

‘‘(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; 

‘‘(B) the anticipated schedule for achieving the nearterm 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;’’; 

(2) by amending section 4(d) (15 U.S.C. 7503(d)) to read 

as follows: 

‘‘(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 its assessments under 

subsection (c) and its recommendations for ways to improve the 

Program.’’; and 

(3) in section 5 (15 U.S.C. 7504)— 

(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘TRIENNIAL’’ and 

inserting ‘‘QUADRENNIAL’’; 

(B) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 

(1), by striking ‘‘triennial’’ and inserting ‘‘quadrennial’’; 

(C) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘triennial’’ and 

inserting ‘‘quadrennial’’; 

(D) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘triennial’’ and 

inserting ‘‘quadrennial’’; and 

(E) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows: 

‘‘(d) REPORT.— 

Assessments. 

Recommendations. 

Strategic plan. 


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130 STAT. 3000 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

‘‘(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.’’. 

(c) MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUC- TION.—Section 14 of the National Science Foundation Authorization 

Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n–4) is amended— 

(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(2) CRITERIA.—The Director shall include in the criteria 

for developing the list under paragraph (1) the 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. 

‘‘(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.’’; 

(2) by striking subsection (e); 

(3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 

(b) and (c), respectively; and 

(4) by amending subsection (c), as redesignated, to read 

as follows: 

‘‘(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.’’. 

SEC. 205. REPEAL OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS. 

(a) TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PROGRAM.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 28 of the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n) is repealed. 

(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 

(A) ADDITIONAL AWARD CRITERIA.—Section 4226(b) of 

the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (15 U.S.C. 278n note) 

is repealed. 

(B) MANAGEMENT COSTS.—Section 2(d) of the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 

Lists. 

Records. 

Assessments. 

Recommendations. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3001 

272(d)) is amended by striking ‘‘sections 25, 26, and 28’’ 

and inserting ‘‘sections 25 and 26’’. 

(C) ANNUAL AND OTHER REPORTS TO SECRETARY AND

CONGRESS.—Section 10(h)(1) of the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278(h)(1)) is 

amended by striking ‘‘, including the Program established 

under section 28,’’. 

(b) TEACHERS FOR A COMPETITIVE TOMORROW.—Sections 6111 

through 6116 of the America COMPETES Act (20 U.S.C. 9811, 

9812, 9813, 9814, 9815, 9816) and the items relating to those 

sections in the table of contents under section 2 of that Act (Public 

Law 110–69; 121 Stat. 572) are repealed. 

SEC. 206. GRANT SUBRECIPIENT TRANSPARENCY AND OVERSIGHT. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Foundation shall 

prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 

an audit of the Foundation’s policies and procedures governing 

the monitoring of pass-through entities with respect to subrecipients. 

(b) CONTENTS.—The audit shall include the following: 

(1) Information regarding the Foundation’s process to oversee— 

(A) the compliance of pass-through entities under section 200.331 and subpart F of part 200 of chapter II of 

subtitle A of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, and 

the other requirements of that title for subrecipients; 

(B) whether pass-through entities have processes and 

controls in place regarding financial compliance of subrecipients, where appropriate; and 

(C) whether pass-through entities have processes and 

controls in place to maintain approved grant objectives 

for subrecipients, where appropriate. 

(2) Recommendations, if necessary, to increase transparency and oversight while balancing administrative burdens. 

SEC. 207. MICRO-PURCHASE THRESHOLD FOR PROCUREMENT SOLICITATIONS BY RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS. 

(a) MICRO-PURCHASE THRESHOLD.—The micro-purchase 

threshold for procurement activities administered under sections 

6303 through 6305 of title 31, United States Code, awarded by 

the Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or the National Institute of Standards and Technology to 

institutions of higher education, or related or affiliated nonprofit 

entities, or to nonprofit research organizations or independent 

research institutes is— 

(1) $10,000 (as adjusted periodically to account for inflation); or 

(2) such higher threshold as determined appropriate by 

the head of the relevant executive agency and consistent with 

audit findings under chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code, 

internal institutional risk assessment, or State law. 

(b) UNIFORM GUIDANCE.—The Uniform Guidance shall be 

revised to conform with the requirements of this section. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term ‘‘Uniform Guidance’’ 

means the uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, 

and audit requirements for Federal awards contained in part 200 

of title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 

41 USC 1902 

note. 

Recommendations. 

Deadline. 

Audit. 


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130 STAT. 3002 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

SEC. 208. COORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2016’’. 

(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Director of the Office of Science and 

Technology Policy shall establish a body under the National Science 

and Technology Council with the responsibility to identify and 

coordinate international science and technology cooperation that 

can strengthen the United States science and technology enterprise, 

improve economic and national security, and support United States 

foreign policy goals. 

(c) NSTC BODY LEADERSHIP.—The body established under subsection (b) shall be co-chaired by senior level officials from the 

Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Department of 

State. 

(d) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The body established under subsection 

(b) shall— 

(1) plan and coordinate interagency international science 

and technology cooperative research and training activities and 

partnerships supported or managed by Federal agencies; 

(2) work with other National Science and Technology 

Council committees to help plan and coordinate the international component of national science and technology priorities; 

(3) establish Federal priorities and policies for aligning, 

as appropriate, international science and technology cooperative 

research and training activities and partnerships supported 

or managed by Federal agencies with the foreign policy goals 

of the United States; 

(4) identify opportunities for new international science and 

technology cooperative research and training partnerships that 

advance both the science and technology and the foreign policy 

priorities of the United States; 

(5) in carrying out paragraph (4), solicit input and recommendations from non-Federal science and technology stakeholders, including institutions of higher education, scientific 

and professional societies, industry, and other relevant 

organizations and institutions; and 

(6) identify broad issues that influence the ability of United 

States scientists and engineers to collaborate with foreign 

counterparts, including barriers to collaboration and access to 

scientific information. 

(e) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Director of the Office of Science 

and Technology Policy shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 

Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and 

Technology and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House 

of Representatives a biennial report on the requirements of this 

section. 

(f) WEBSITE.—The Director shall make each report available 

to the public on the Office of Science and Technology Policy website. 

(g) TERMINATION.—The body established under subsection (b) 

shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of 

enactment of this Act. 

(h) ADDITIONAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS.—The Director of the 

Office of Science and Technology Policy shall submit, not later 

than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act and annually 

Public 

information. 

International 

Science and 

Technology 

Cooperation Act 

of 2016. 

42 USC 6625. 

Coordination. 


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thereafter, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and 

the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report 

that lists and describes the details of all foreign travel by Office 

of Science and Technology Policy staff and detailees. 

TITLE III—SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, 

ENGINEERING, AND MATH EDUCATION 

SEC. 301. ROBERT NOYCE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM UPDATE. 

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— 

‘‘(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 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; 

‘‘(D) conducting research to better understand factors 

relevant to teacher service and 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.’’. 

SEC. 302. SPACE GRANTS. 

(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 

the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program has 

been an important program by which the Federal Government 

has partnered with universities, colleges, industry, and other 

organizations to provide hands-on STEM experiences, fostering of 

multidisciplinary space research, and supporting graduate fellowships in space-related fields, among other purposes. 

(b) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—Section 40303 of title 51, United 

States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 


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130 STAT. 3004 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

‘‘(d) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION COSTS.—In carrying out the 

provisions of this chapter, the Administrator— 

‘‘(1) shall maximize appropriated funds for grants and contracts made under section 40304 in each fiscal year; and 

‘‘(2) in each fiscal year, the Administrator shall limit its 

program administration costs to no more than 5 percent of 

funds appropriated for this program for that fiscal year. 

‘‘(e) REPORTS.—For any fiscal year in which the Administrator 

cannot meet the administration cost target under subsection (d)(2), 

if the Administration is unable to limit program costs under subsection (b), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 

committees of Congress a report, including— 

‘‘(1) a description of why the Administrator did not meet 

the cost target under subsection (d); and 

‘‘(2) the measures the Administrator will take in the next 

fiscal year to meet the cost target under subsection (d) without 

drawing upon other Federal funding.’’. 

SEC. 303. STEM EDUCATION ADVISORY PANEL. 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 

of enactment this Act, the Director of the Foundation, Secretary 

of Education, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration, and Administrator of the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration shall jointly establish an advisory 

panel (referred to in this section as the ‘‘STEM Education Advisory 

Panel’’) to advise the Committee on STEM Education of the National 

Science and Technology Council (referred to in this section as 

‘‘CoSTEM’’) on matters relating to STEM education. 

(b) MEMBERS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The STEM Education Advisory Panel 

shall be composed of not less than 11 members. 

(2) APPOINTMENT.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the 

Director of the Foundation, in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the heads of the Federal science 

agencies, shall appoint the members of the STEM Education Advisory Panel. 

(B) CONSIDERATION.—In selecting individuals to 

appoint under subparagraph (A), the Director of the 

Foundation shall seek and give consideration to recommendations from Congress, industry, the scientific 

community, including the National Academy of Sciences, 

scientific professional societies, academia, State and local 

governments, organizations representing individuals identified in section 33 or section 34 of the Science and 

Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 

1885b), and such other organizations as the Director considers appropriate. 

(C) QUALIFICATIONS.—Members shall— 

(i) primarily be individuals from academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry, including 

in-school, out-of-school, and informal education practitioners; and 

(ii) be individuals who are qualified to provide 

advice and information on STEM education research, 

development, training, implementation, interventions, 

42 USC 6621 

note. 

Deadline. 


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professional development, or workforce needs or concerns. 

(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The STEM Education Advisory Panel 

shall— 

(A) advise CoSTEM; 

(B) periodically assess CoSTEM’s progress in carrying 

out its responsibilities under section 101(b) of the America 

COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 

6621(b)); and 

(C) help identify any need or opportunity to update 

the strategic plan under section 101(b) of that Act. 

(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In its advisory role, the STEM Education Advisory Panel shall consider— 

(A) the management, coordination, and implementation 

of STEM education programs and activities across the Federal Government; 

(B) the appropriateness of criteria used by Federal 

agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of Federal STEM 

education programs and activities; 

(C) whether societal and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by current Federal STEM education programs and activities; 

(D) how Federal agencies can incentivize institutions 

of higher education to improve retention of STEM students; 

(E) ways to leverage private and nonprofit STEM 

investments and encourage public-private partnerships to 

strengthen STEM education and help build the STEM 

workforce pipeline; 

(F) ways to incorporate workforce needs into Federal 

STEM education programs and activities, particularly for 

specific employment fields of national interest and employment fields experiencing high unemployment rates; 

(G) ways to better vertically and horizontally integrate 

Federal STEM education programs and activities from prekindergarten through graduate study and the workforce, 

and from in-school to out-of-school in order to improve 

transitions for students moving through the STEM education and workforce pipelines; 

(H) the extent to which Federal STEM education programs and activities are contributing to recruitment and 

retention of individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 

of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act 

(42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b) in the STEM education and 

workforce pipelines; and 

(I) ways to encourage geographic diversity in the STEM 

education and the workforce pipelines. 

(3) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The STEM Education Advisory 

Panel shall make recommendations to improve Federal STEM 

education programs and activities based on each assessment 

under paragraph (1)(B). 

(d) FUNDING.—The Director of the Foundation, the Secretary 

of Education, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall jointly make funds available on an annual basis to support the activities of the STEM 

Education Advisory Panel. 


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130 STAT. 3006 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(e) REPORTS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 

of this Act, and after each assessment under subsection (c)(1)(B), 

the STEM Education Advisory Panel shall submit to the appropriate 

committees of Congress and CoSTEM a report on its assessment 

under that subsection and its recommendations under subsection 

(c)(3). 

(f) TRAVEL EXPENSES OF NON-FEDERAL MEMBERS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Non-Federal members of the STEM Education Advisory Panel, while attending meetings of the panel 

or while otherwise serving at the request of a co-chairperson 

away from their homes or regular places of business, may 

be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States 

Code, for individuals in the Government serving without pay. 

(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this subsection 

shall be construed to prohibit members of the STEM Advisory 

Panel who are officers or employees of the United States from 

being allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 

subsistence, in accordance with existing law. 

(g) TERMINATION.—The STEM Education Advisory Panel established under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 

5 years after the date that it is established. 

SEC. 304. COMMITTEE ON STEM EDUCATION. 

(a) RESPONSIBILITIES.—Section 101(b) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621(b)) is 

amended— 

(1) in paragraph (5)(D), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 

a semicolon; 

(2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end 

and inserting a semicolon; and 

(3) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(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.’’. 

(b) REPORTS.—Section 101 of the America COMPETES 

Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621) is amended— 

(1) by striking ‘‘(c) REPORT.—’’ and inserting ‘‘(d) 

REPORTS.—’’; 

(2) by striking ‘‘(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF OSTP.—’’ and 

inserting ‘‘(c) RESPONSIBILITIES OF OSTP.—’’; and 

(3) in subsection (d), as redesignated— 

(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 

a semicolon; 

(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the 

end and inserting a semicolon; and 

(C) by adding at the end the following: 


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‘‘(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.’’. 

SEC. 305. PROGRAMS TO EXPAND STEM OPPORTUNITIES. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 

(1) Economic projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 

indicate that by 2018, there could be 2,400,000 unfilled STEM 

jobs. 

(2) Women represent slightly more than half the United 

States population, and projections indicate that 54 percent of 

the population will be a member of a racial or ethnic minority 

group by 2050. 

(3) Despite representing half the population, women comprise only about 30 percent of STEM workers according to 

a 2015 report by the National Center for Science and 

Engineering Statistics. 

(4) A 2014 National Center for Education Statistics study 

found that underrepresented populations leave the STEM fields 

at higher rates than their counterparts. 

(5) The representation of women in STEM drops significantly at the faculty level. Overall, women hold only 25 percent 

of all tenured and tenure-track positions and 17 percent of 

full professor positions in STEM fields in our Nation’s universities and 4-year colleges. 

(6) Black and Hispanic faculty together hold about 6.5 

percent of all tenured and tenure-track positions and 5 percent 

of full professor positions. 

(7) Many of the numbers in the American Indian or Alaskan 

Native and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander categories for different faculty ranks were too small for the 

Foundation to report publicly without potentially compromising 

confidential information about the individuals being surveyed. 

(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) it is critical to our Nation’s economic leadership and 

global competitiveness that the United States educate, train, 

and retain more scientists, engineers, and computer scientists; 

(2) there is currently a disconnect between the availability 

of and growing demand for STEM-skilled workers; 

(3) historically, underrepresented populations are the 

largest untapped STEM talent pools in the United States; and 

(4) given the shifting demographic landscape, the United 

States should encourage full participation of individuals from 

underrepresented populations in STEM fields. 

(c) REAFFIRMATION.—The Director of the Foundation shall continue to support programs designed to broaden participation of 

underrepresented populations in STEM fields. 

(d) GRANTS TO BROADEN PARTICIPATION.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Foundation shall 

award grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to eligible 

42 USC 1862s–5. 


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130 STAT. 3008 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

entities to increase the participation of underrepresented populations in STEM fields, including individuals identified in section 33 or section 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal 

Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b). 

(2) CENTER OF EXCELLENCE.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Grants awarded under this subsection may include grants for the establishment of a 

Center of Excellence to collect, maintain, and disseminate 

information to increase participation of underrepresented 

populations in STEM fields. 

(B) PURPOSE.—The purpose of a Center of Excellence 

under this subsection is to promote diversity in STEM 

fields by building on the success of the INCLUDES programs, providing technical assistance, maintaining best 

practices, and providing related training at federally funded 

academic institutions. 

(e) ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISSEMINATION.— (1) EVALUATION.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 5 years after the 

date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Foundation shall evaluate the grants provided under this section. 

(B) REQUIREMENTS.—In conducting the evaluation 

under subparagraph (A), the Director shall— 

(i) use a common set of benchmarks and assessment tools to identify best practices and materials 

developed or demonstrated by the research; and 

(ii) to the extent practicable, combine the research 

resulting from the grant activity under subsection (e) 

with the current research on serving underrepresented 

students in grades kindergarten through 8. 

(2) REPORT ON EVALUATIONS.—Not later than 180 days 

after the completion of the evaluation under paragraph (1), 

the Director of the Foundation shall submit to the appropriate 

committees of Congress and make widely available to the public 

a report that includes— 

(A) the results of the evaluation; and 

(B) any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the 

program. 

(f) COORDINATION.—In carrying out this section, the Director 

of the Foundation shall consult and cooperate with the programs 

and policies of other relevant Federal agencies to avoid duplication 

with and enhance the effectiveness of the program under this section. 

SEC. 306. NIST EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. 

(a) REPEAL.—The National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is amended by striking section 

18 (15 U.S.C. 278g–1). 

(b) EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.—The National Institute of 

Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.), as amended, 

is further amended by inserting after section 17, the following: 

‘‘SEC. 18. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. 

‘‘(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, 

15 USC 278g–1. 

Consultation. 

Public 

information. 

Deadline. 


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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. 

‘‘(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— 

‘‘(1) to ensure corporate memory of and expertise in the 

fundamental ongoing work, and on developing new capabilities 

in priority areas; 

‘‘(2) to maintain high overall technical competence; 

‘‘(3) to improve staff diversity; 

‘‘(4) to balance emphases on the noncore and core areas; 

or 

‘‘(5) to improve the ability of the Institute to compete in 

the marketplace for qualified personnel. 

‘‘(c) VOLUNTEERS.— 

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director may establish a program 

to use volunteers in carrying out the programs of the Institute. 

‘‘(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— 

‘‘(A) is to be without compensation; and 

‘‘(B) will not be used to displace any current employee 

or act as a substitute for any future full-time employee 

of the Institute. 

‘‘(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). 

‘‘(d) RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS.— 

‘‘(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— 

‘‘(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 

‘‘(B) United States citizens for research and technical 

activities of the Institute, including programs. 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(e) EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH ACTIVITIES.—The Director may— 

Regulations. 

Coordination. 


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‘‘(1) facilitate education programs for undergraduate and 

graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and academic and 

industry employees; 

‘‘(2) sponsor summer workshops for STEM kindergarten 

through grade 12 teachers as appropriate; 

‘‘(3) develop programs for graduate student internships and 

visiting faculty researchers; 

‘‘(4) document publications, presentations, and interactions 

with visiting researchers and sponsoring interns as performance 

metrics for improving and continuing interactions with those 

individuals; and 

‘‘(5) facilitate laboratory tours and provide presentations 

for educational, industry, and community groups.’’. 

(c) POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.—Section 19 of the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 

278g–2) is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘SEC. 19. POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM. 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(b) ORGANIZATION.—The post-doctoral fellowship program shall 

include not less than 20 new fellows per fiscal year. 

‘‘(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.’’. 

(d) SAVINGS CLAUSES.— (1) RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSIST- ANCE TO STUDENTS AT INSTITUTES OF HIGHER EDUCATION.— The repeal made by subsection (a) of this section shall not 

affect any award of a research fellowship or other form of 

financial assistance made under section 18 of the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g– 

1) before the date of enactment of this Act. Such award shall 

continue to be subject to the requirements to which such funds 

were subject under that section before the date of enactment 

of this Act. 

(2) POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.—The amendment made by subsection (c) of this section shall not affect 

any award of a post-doctoral fellowship or other form of financial assistance made under section 19 of the National Institute 

of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–2) before 

the date of enactment of this Act. Such awards shall continue 

to be subject to the requirements to which such funds were 

subject under that section before the date of enactment of 

this Act. 

SEC. 307. PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN STEM MENTORING. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Foundation shall continue 

to administer awards on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to recognize outstanding mentoring in STEM fields. 

(b) ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS.—The Director of the Foundation shall provide Congress with a list of award recipients, including Lists. 

42 USC 1862s–6. 

15 USC 278g–2 

note. 

15 USC 278g–1 

note. 


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the name, institution, and a brief synopsis of the impact of the 

mentoring efforts. 

SEC. 308. WORKING GROUP ON INCLUSION IN STEM FIELDS. 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Office of Science and Technology 

Policy, in collaboration with Federal departments and agencies, 

shall establish an interagency working group to compile and 

summarize available research and best practices on how to promote 

diversity and inclusions in STEM fields and examine whether barriers exist to promoting diversity and inclusion within Federal 

agencies employing scientists and engineers. 

(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The working group shall be responsible 

for reviewing and assessing research, best practices, and policies 

across Federal science agencies related to the inclusion of individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineering 

Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b) in the Federal 

STEM workforce, including available research and best practices 

on how to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, 

including— 

(1) policies providing flexibility for scientists and engineers 

that are also caregivers, particularly on the timing of research 

grants; 

(2) policies to address the proper handling of claims of 

sexual harassment; 

(3) policies to minimize the effects of implicit bias and 

other systemic factors in hiring, promotion, evaluation and 

the workplace in general; and 

(4) other evidence-based strategies that the working group 

considers effective for promoting diversity and inclusion in the 

STEM fields. 

(c) STAKEHOLDER INPUT.—In carrying out the responsibilities 

under section (b), the working group shall solicit and consider 

input and recommendations from non-Federal stakeholders, 

including— 

(1) the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; 

(2) federally funded and non-federally funded researchers, 

institutions of higher education, scientific disciplinary societies, 

and associations; 

(3) nonprofit research institutions; 

(4) industry, including small businesses; 

(5) federally funded research and development centers; 

(6) non-governmental organizations; and 

(7) such other members of the public interested in promoting a diverse and inclusive Federal STEM workforce. 

(d) PUBLIC REPORTS.—Not later than 1 year after the date 

of enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter, the working 

group shall publish a report on the review and assessment under 

subsection (b), including a summary of available research and best 

practices, any recommendations for Federal actions to promote a 

diverse and inclusive Federal STEM workforce, and updates on 

the implementation of previous recommendations for Federal 

actions. 

(e) TERMINATION.—The interagency working group established 

under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 10 years 

after the date that it is established. 

Summary. 

Recommendations. 

Updates. 

Compilation. 

Summary. 

42 USC 6626. 


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130 STAT. 3012 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

SEC. 309. IMPROVING UNDERGRADUATE STEM EXPERIENCES. 

(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 

each Federal science agency should invest in and expand research 

opportunities for undergraduate students attending institutions of 

higher education during the undergraduate students’ first 2 academic years of postsecondary education. 

(b) IDENTIFICATION OF RESEARCH PROGRAMS.—Not later than 

1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the head of each 

Federal agency shall submit to the President recommendations 

regarding how the agency could best fulfill the goals described 

in subsection (a). 

SEC. 310. COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION RESEARCH. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that as the lead Federal agency 

for building the research knowledge base for computer science education, the Foundation is well positioned to make investments that 

will accelerate ongoing efforts to enable rigorous and engaging 

computer science throughout the Nation as an integral part of 

STEM education. 

(b) GRANT PROGRAM.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Foundation shall 

award grants to eligible entities to research computer science 

education and computational thinking. 

(2) RESEARCH.—The research described in paragraph (1) 

may include the development or adaptation, piloting or full 

implementation, and testing of— 

(A) models of preservice preparation for teachers who 

will teach computer science and computational thinking; 

(B) scalable and sustainable models of professional 

development and ongoing support for the teachers described 

in subparagraph (A); 

(C) tools and models for teaching and learning aimed 

at supporting student success and inclusion in computing 

within and across diverse populations, particularly poor, 

rural, and tribal populations and other populations that 

have been historically underrepresented in computer 

science and STEM fields; and 

(D) high-quality learning opportunities for teaching 

computer science and, especially in poor, rural, or tribal 

schools at the elementary school and middle school levels, 

for integrating computational thinking into STEM teaching 

and learning. 

(c) COLLABORATIONS.—In carrying out the grants established 

in subsection (b), eligible entities may collaborate and partner with 

local or remote schools to support the integration of computing 

and computational thinking within pre-kindergarten through grade 

12 STEM curricula and instruction. 

(d) METRICS.—The Director of the Foundation shall develop 

metrics to measure the success of the grant program funded under 

this section in achieving program goals. 

(e) REPORT.—The Director of the Foundation shall report, in 

the annual budget submission to Congress, on the success of the 

program as measured by the metrics in subsection (d). 

(f) DEFINITION OF ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—In this section, the term 

‘‘eligible entity’’ means an institution of higher education or a nonprofit research organization. 

42 USC 1862s–7. 

Deadline. 

Recommendations. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3013 

SEC. 311. INFORMAL STEM EDUCATION. 

(a) NATIONAL STEM PARTNERSHIP GRANTS.—Section 3(a) of 

the STEM Education Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 1862q(a)) is amended— 

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 

a semicolon; 

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end 

and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 

(3) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(3) a national partnership of institutions involved in 

informal STEM learning.’’. 

(b) USE OF FUNDS.—Section 3(b) of the STEM Education Act 

of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 1862q(b)) is amended— 

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting 

a semicolon; 

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end 

and inserting a semicolon; and 

(3) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(3) fostering on-going partnerships between institutions 

involved in informal STEM learning, institutions of higher education, and education research centers; and 

‘‘(4) developing, and making available informal STEM education activities and educational materials.’’. 

SEC. 312. DEVELOPING STEM APPRENTICESHIPS. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 

(1) The lack of data on the return on investment for United 

States employers using registered apprenticeships makes it 

difficult— 

(A) to communicate the value of these programs to 

businesses; and 

(B) to expand registered apprenticeships. 

(2) The lack of data on the value and impact of employerprovided worker training, which is likely substantial, hinders 

the ability of the Federal Government to formulate policy 

related to workforce training. 

(3) The Secretary of Commerce has initiated— 

(A) the first study on the return on investment for 

United States employers using registered apprenticeships 

through case studies of firms in various sectors, occupations, and geographic locations to provide the business 

community with data on employer benefits and costs; and 

(B) discussions with officials at relevant Federal agencies about the need to collect comprehensive data on— 

(i) employer-provided worker training; and 

(ii) existing tools that could be used to collect such 

data. 

(b) DEVELOPMENT OF APPRENTICESHIP INFORMATION.—The Secretary of Commerce shall continue to research the value to 

businesses of utilizing apprenticeship programs, including— 

(1) evidence of return on investment of apprenticeships, 

including estimates for the average time it takes a business 

to recover the costs associated with training apprentices; and 

(2) data from the United States Census Bureau and other 

statistical surveys on employer-provided training, including 

apprenticeships and other on-the-job training and industryrecognized certification programs. 

15 USC 3723 

note. 


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130 STAT. 3014 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(c) DISSEMINATION OF APPRENTICESHIP INFORMATION.—The Secretary of Commerce shall disseminate findings from research on 

apprenticeships to businesses and other relevant stakeholders, 

including— 

(1) institutions of higher education; 

(2) State and local chambers of commerce; and 

(3) workforce training organizations. 

(d) NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM STUDY.—The Secretary of 

Commerce may collaborate with the Secretary of Labor to study 

approaches for reducing the cost of creating new apprenticeship 

programs and hosting apprentices for businesses, particularly small 

businesses, including— 

(1) training sharing agreements; 

(2) group training models; and 

(3) pooling resources and best practices. 

(e) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION GRANTS.—The 

Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 

3701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘SEC. 28. STEM APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS. 

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Commerce may carry out 

a grant program to identify the need for skilled science, technology, 

engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this section as ‘STEM’) 

workers and to expand STEM apprenticeship programs. 

‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT DEFINED.—In this section, the term 

‘eligible recipient’ means— 

‘‘(1) a State; 

‘‘(2) an Indian tribe; 

‘‘(3) a city or other political subdivision of a State; 

‘‘(4) an entity that— 

‘‘(A) is a nonprofit organization, an institution of higher 

education, a public-private partnership, a science or 

research park, a Federal laboratory, or an economic 

development organization or similar entity; and 

‘‘(B) has an application that is supported by a State, 

a political subdivision of a State, or a native organization; 

or 

‘‘(5) a consortium of any of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (5). 

‘‘(c) NEEDS ASSESSMENT GRANTS.—The Secretary of Commerce 

may provide a grant to an eligible recipient to conduct a needs 

assessment to identify— 

‘‘(1) the unmet need of a region’s employer base for skilled 

STEM workers; 

‘‘(2) the potential of STEM apprenticeships to address the 

unmet need described in paragraph (1); and 

‘‘(3) any barriers to addressing the unmet need described 

in paragraph (1). 

‘‘(d) APPRENTICESHIP EXPANSION GRANTS.—The Secretary of 

Commerce may provide a grant to an eligible recipient that has 

conducted a needs assessment as described in subsection (c)(1) 

to develop infrastructure to expand STEM apprenticeship programs.’’. 

SEC. 313. NSF REPORT ON BROADENING PARTICIPATION. 

Section 204(e) of the National Science Foundation Authorization 

Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1885c(e)) is amended to read as follows: 

15 USC 3723. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3015 

‘‘(e) BIENNIAL REPORT.—Every 2 years, the Committee shall 

prepare and submit to the Director a report on its activities during 

the previous 2 years and proposed activities for the next 2 years. 

The Director shall submit to Congress the report, unaltered, 

together with such comments as the Director considers appropriate, 

including— 

‘‘(1) review data on the participation in Foundation activities of institutions serving populations that are underrepresented in STEM disciplines, including poor, rural, and tribal 

populations; and 

‘‘(2) recommendations regarding how the Foundation could 

improve outreach and inclusion of these populations in Foundation activities.’’. 

SEC. 314. NOAA SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4002(a) of the America COMPETES 

Act (33 U.S.C. 893a(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘agency, with consideration given to the goal of promoting the participation of individuals from underrepresented groups’’ and inserting ‘‘the agency, with 

consideration given 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)’’. 

(b) EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GOALS.—Section 4002(b)(4) of the 

America COMPETES Act (33 U.S.C. 893a(b)(4)) is amended— 

(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 

(2) by redesignating subparagraph (C) and subparagraph 

(D); 

(3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: 

‘‘(C) are designed considering the unique needs of 

underrepresented groups, translating such materials and 

other resources;’’; and 

(4) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(E) are promoted widely, especially among individuals 

identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and 

Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 

1885b); and’’. 

(c) METRICS.—Section 4002 of the America COMPETES Act 

(33 U.S.C. 893a) is amended— 

(1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 

(e) and (f), respectively; and 

(2) by adding after section (c) the following: 

‘‘(d) METRICS.—In executing the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration science education plan under subsection (c), the Administrator shall maintain a comprehensive 

system for evaluating the Administration’s educational programs 

and activities. In so doing, the Administrator shall ensure that 

such education programs have measurable objectives and milestones 

as well as clear, documented metrics for evaluating programs. For 

each such education program or portfolio of similar programs, the 

Administrator shall— 

‘‘(1) encourage the collection of evidence as relevant to 

the measurable objectives and milestones; and 

‘‘(2) ensure that program or portfolio evaluations focus on 

educational outcomes and not just inputs, activities completed, 

or the number of participants.’’. 

Evaluation. 

Recommendations. 

Review. 


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130 STAT. 3016 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

SEC. 315. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM UPDATE. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7033(a) of the America COMPETES 

Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o–12(a)) is amended as follows: 

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall award grants on a 

competitive, merit-reviewed basis to Hispanic-serving institutions 

(as defined in section 502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 

(20 U.S.C. 1101a)) to enhance the quality of undergraduate STEM 

education at such institutions and to increase the retention and 

graduation rates of students pursuing associate’s or baccalaureate 

degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.’’. 

(b) SAVINGS PROVISION.—The amendment made by subsection 

(a) of this section shall not affect any award of a grant or other 

form of financial assistance made under section 7033 of the America 

COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o–12) before the date of enactment 

of this Act. Such awards shall continue to be subject to the requirements to which such funds were subject under that section before 

the date of enactment of this Act. 

TITLE IV—LEVERAGING THE PRIVATE 

SECTOR 

SEC. 401. PRIZE COMPETITION AUTHORITY UPDATE. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Science 

Prize Competition Act’’. 

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

(1) in subsection (c)— 

(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘PRIZES’’ 

and by inserting ‘‘PRIZE COMPETITIONS’’; 

(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 

‘‘prize may be one or more of the following’’ and inserting 

‘‘prize competition may be 1 or more of the following types 

of activities’’; 

(C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘competition’’ after 

‘‘prize’’; and 

(D) in paragraphs (3) and (4), by striking ‘‘prizes’’ and 

inserting ‘‘prize competitions’’; 

(2) in subsection (f)— 

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 

‘‘in the Federal Register’’ and inserting ‘‘on a publicly accessible Government website, such as www.challenge.gov,’’; 

(B) in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), by inserting ‘‘prize’’ 

before ‘‘competition’’; and 

(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘prize’’ and inserting 

‘‘cash prize purse or non-cash prize award’’; 

(3) in subsection (g)— 

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 

‘‘prize’’ and inserting ‘‘cash prize purse’’; and 

(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘prize’’ before ‘‘competition’’; 

(4) in subsection (h), by inserting ‘‘prize’’ before ‘‘competition’’ each place it appears; 

(5) in subsection (i)— 

Science Prize 

Competition Act. 

15 USC 3701 

note. 

42 USC 1862o–12 

note. 

Grants. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3017 

(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ‘‘prize’’ before 

‘‘competition’’; 

(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ‘‘prize’’ before 

‘‘competition’’ each place it appears; 

(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); 

and 

(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: 

‘‘(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.’’; 

(6) in subsection (j)— 

(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘prize’’ before ‘‘competition’’; and 

(B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: 

‘‘(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.’’; 

(7) in subsection (k)— 

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘each competition’’ 

and inserting ‘‘each prize competition’’ each place it 

appears; 

(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ‘‘prize’’ before 

‘‘competition’’; and 

(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘prize’’ before ‘‘competitions’’ each place it appears; 

(8) in subsection (l), by striking ‘‘an agreement with’’ and 

all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 

‘‘a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement 

with a private sector for-profit or nonprofit entity or State 

or local government agency to administer the prize competition, 

subject to the provisions of this section.’’; 

(9) in subsection (m)— 

(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: 

‘‘(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.’’; 

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘prize awards’’ and 

inserting ‘‘cash prize purses or non-cash prize awards’’; 

(C) in paragraph (3)— 

(i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: 

‘‘(A) ANNOUNCEMENT.—No prize competition may be 

announced under subsection (f) until all the funds needed 


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130 STAT. 3018 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

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.’’; and 

(ii) in subparagraph (B)— 

(I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by 

striking ‘‘a prize’’ and inserting ‘‘a cash prize purse 

or non-cash prize award’’; 

(II) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘competition’’ 

after ‘‘prize’’; and 

(III) in clause (ii), by inserting ‘‘or State, 

United States territory, local, or tribal government’’ after ‘‘private’’; and 

(D) in paragraph (4)— 

(i) in subparagraph (A)— 

(I) by striking ‘‘a prize’’ and inserting ‘‘a cash 

prize purse or a non-cash prize award’’; and 

(II) by striking ‘‘Science and Technology’’ and 

inserting ‘‘Science, Space, and Technology’’; and 

(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘cash prizes’’ 

and inserting ‘‘cash prize purses or non-cash prize 

awards’’; 

(10) in subsection (n)— 

(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘SERVICE’’ and inserting 

‘‘SERVICES’’; 

(B) by striking ‘‘the date of the enactment of the 

America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010,’’ and 

inserting ‘‘the date of enactment of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act,’’; and 

(C) by inserting ‘‘for both for-profit and nonprofit entities and State, United States territory, local, and tribal 

government entities,’’ after ‘‘contract vehicle’’; 

(11) in subsection (o)(1), by striking ‘‘or providing a prize’’ 

and inserting ‘‘a prize competition or providing a cash prize 

purse or non-cash prize award’’; and 

(12) in subsection (p)— 

(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘ANNUAL’’ and inserting 

‘‘BIENNIAL’’; 

(B) in paragraph (1)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘each year’’ and inserting ‘‘every 

other year’’; 

(ii) by striking ‘‘Science and Technology’’ and 

inserting ‘‘Science, Space, and Technology’’; and 

(iii) by striking ‘‘fiscal year’’ and inserting ‘‘2 fiscal 

years’’; and 

(C) in paragraph (2)— 

(i) by striking ‘‘The report for a fiscal year’’ and 

inserting ‘‘A report’’; 

(ii) in subparagraph (C)— 

(I) in the heading, by striking ‘‘PRIZES’’ and 

inserting ‘‘PRIZE PURSES OR NON-CASH PRIZE

AWARDS’’; and 

(II) by striking ‘‘cash prizes’’ each place it 

appears and inserting ‘‘cash prize purses or noncash prize awards’’; and 

(iii) by adding at the end the following: 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3019 

‘‘(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.’’. 

SEC. 402. CROWDSOURCING AND CITIZEN SCIENCE. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the 

‘‘Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act’’. 

(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) the authority granted to Federal agencies under the 

America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 

111–358; 124 Stat. 3982) to pursue the use of incentive prizes 

and challenges has yielded numerous benefits; 

(2) crowdsourcing and citizen science projects have a 

number of additional unique benefits, including accelerating 

scientific research, increasing cost effectiveness to maximize 

the return on taxpayer dollars, addressing societal needs, providing hands-on learning in STEM, and connecting members 

of the public directly to Federal science agency missions and 

to each other; and 

(3) granting Federal science agencies the direct, explicit 

authority to use crowdsourcing and citizen science will encourage its appropriate use to advance Federal science agency missions and stimulate and facilitate broader public participation 

in the innovation process, yielding numerous benefits to the 

Federal Government and citizens who participate in such 

projects. 

(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) CITIZEN SCIENCE.—The term ‘‘citizen science’’ means 

a form of open collaboration in which individuals or organizations participate voluntarily in the scientific process in various 

ways, including— 

(A) enabling the formulation of research questions; 

(B) creating and refining project design; 

(C) conducting scientific experiments; 

(D) collecting and analyzing data; 

(E) interpreting the results of data; 

(F) developing technologies and applications; 

(G) making discoveries; and 

(H) solving problems. 

(2) CROWDSOURCING.—The term ‘‘crowdsourcing’’ means a 

method to obtain needed services, ideas, or content by soliciting 

voluntary contributions from a group of individuals or organizations, especially from an online community. 

(3) PARTICIPANT.—The term ‘‘participant’’ means any individual or other entity that has volunteered in a crowdsourcing 

or citizen science project under this section. 

(d) CROWDSOURCING AND CITIZEN SCIENCE.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The head of each Federal science agency, 

or the heads of multiple Federal science agencies working 

cooperatively, may utilize crowdsourcing and citizen science 

to conduct projects designed to advance the mission of the 

respective Federal science agency or the joint mission of Federal 

science agencies, as applicable. 

(2) VOLUNTARY SERVICES.—Notwithstanding section 1342 

of title 31, United States Code, the head of a Federal science 

agency may accept, subject to regulations issued by the Director 

Crowdsourcing 

and Citizen 

Science Act. 

15 USC 3724. 

Time period. 


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130 STAT. 3020 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

of the Office of Personnel Management, in coordination with 

the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, 

services from participants under this section if such services— 

(A) are performed voluntarily as a part of a 

crowdsourcing or citizen science project authorized under 

paragraph (1); 

(B) are not financially compensated for their time; 

and 

(C) will not be used to displace any employee of the 

Federal Government. 

(3) OUTREACH.—The head of each Federal science agency 

engaged in a crowdsourcing or citizen science project under 

this section shall make public and promote such project to 

encourage broad participation. 

(4) CONSENT, REGISTRATION, AND TERMS OF USE.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Each Federal science agency shall 

determine the appropriate level of consent, registration, 

or acknowledgment of the terms of use that are required 

from participants in crowdsourcing or citizen science 

projects under this section on a per-project basis. 

(B) DISCLOSURES.—In seeking consent, conducting registration, or developing terms of use for a project under 

this subsection, a Federal science agency shall disclose 

the privacy, intellectual property, data ownership, compensation, service, program, and other terms of use to 

the participant in a clear and reasonable manner. 

(C) MODE OF CONSENT.—A Federal agency or Federal 

science agencies, as applicable, may obtain consent electronically or in written form from participants under this 

section. 

(5) PROTECTIONS FOR HUMAN SUBJECTS.—Any 

crowdsourcing or citizen science project under this section that 

involves research involving human subjects shall be subject 

to part 46 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (or any 

successor regulation). 

(6) DATA.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—A Federal science agency shall, 

where appropriate and to the extent practicable, make 

data collected through a crowdsourcing or citizen science 

project under this section available to the public, in a 

machine readable format, unless prohibited by law. 

(B) NOTICE.—As part of the consent process, the Federal science agency shall notify all participants— 

(i) of the expected uses of the data compiled 

through the project; 

(ii) if the Federal science agency will retain ownership of such data; 

(iii) if and how the data and results from the 

project would be made available for public or third 

party use; and 

(iv) if participants are authorized to publish such 

data. 

(7) TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS.—Federal science 

agencies shall endeavor to make technologies, applications, 

code, and derivations of such intellectual property developed 

through a crowdsourcing or citizen science project under this 

section available to the public. 

Public 

information. 

Public 

information. 

Determination. 

Public 

information. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3021 

(8) LIABILITY.—Each participant in a crowdsourcing or citizen science project under this section shall agree— 

(A) to assume any and all risks associated with such 

participation; and 

(B) to waive all claims against the Federal Government 

and its related entities, except for claims based on willful 

misconduct, for any injury, death, damage, or loss of property, revenue, or profits (whether direct, indirect, or consequential) arising from participation in the project. 

(9) RESEARCH MISCONDUCT.—Federal science agencies 

coordinating crowdsourcing or citizen science projects under 

this section shall make all practicable efforts to ensure that 

participants adhere to all relevant Federal research misconduct 

policies and other applicable ethics policies. 

(10) MULTI-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS.—The head of each Federal science agency engaged in crowdsourcing or citizen science 

under this section, or the heads of multiple Federal science 

agencies working cooperatively, may enter into a contract or 

other agreement to share administrative duties for such projects 

with— 

(A) a for profit or nonprofit private sector entity, 

including a private institution of higher education; 

(B) a State, tribal, local, or foreign government agency, 

including a public institution of higher education; or 

(C) a public-private partnership. 

(11) FUNDING.—In carrying out crowdsourcing and citizen 

science projects under this section, the head of a Federal science 

agency, or the heads of multiple Federal science agencies 

working cooperatively— 

(A) may use funds appropriated by Congress; 

(B) may publicize projects and solicit and accept funds 

or in-kind support for such projects, to be available to 

the extent provided by appropriations Acts, from— 

(i) other Federal agencies; 

(ii) for profit or nonprofit private sector entities, 

including private institutions of higher education; or 

(iii) State, tribal, local, or foreign government agencies, including public institutions of higher education; 

and 

(C) may not give any special consideration to any entity 

described in subparagraph (B) in return for such funds 

or in-kind support. 

(12) FACILITATION.— 

(A) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANCE.— 

The Administrator of the General Services Administration, 

in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel 

Management and the Director of the Office of Science and 

Technology Policy, shall, at no cost to Federal science agencies, identify and develop relevant products, training, and 

services to facilitate the use of crowdsourcing and citizen 

science projects under this section, including by specifying 

the appropriate contract vehicles and technology and 

organizational platforms to enhance the ability of Federal 

science agencies to carry out the projects under this section. 

(B) ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE.—The head of each Federal 

science agency engaged in crowdsourcing or citizen science 

under this section may— 

Coordination. 

Waiver. 


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130 STAT. 3022 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(i) consult any guidance provided by the Director 

of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, 

including the Federal Crowdsourcing and Citizen 

Science Toolkit; 

(ii) designate a coordinator for that Federal science 

agency’s crowdsourcing and citizen science projects; 

and 

(iii) share best practices with other Federal agencies, including participation of staff in the Federal 

Community of Practice for Crowdsourcing and Citizen 

Science. 

(e) REPORT.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the date 

of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 

Science and Technology Policy shall include, as a component 

of an annual report required under section 24(p) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 

3719(p)), a report on the projects and activities carried out 

under this section. 

(2) INFORMATION INCLUDED.—The report required under 

paragraph (1) shall include— 

(A) a summary of each crowdsourcing and citizen 

science project conducted by a Federal science agency 

during the most recently completed 2 fiscal years, including 

a description of the proposed goals of each crowdsourcing 

and citizen science project; 

(B) an analysis of why the utilization of a 

crowdsourcing or citizen science project summarized in 

subparagraph (A) was the preferable method of achieving 

the goals described in subparagraph (A) as opposed to 

other authorities available to the Federal science agency, 

such as contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and 

prize competitions; 

(C) the participation rates, submission levels, number 

of consents, and any other statistic that might be considered relevant in each crowdsourcing and citizen science 

project; 

(D) a detailed description of— 

(i) the resources, including personnel and funding, 

that were used in the execution of each crowdsourcing 

and citizen science project; 

(ii) the project activities for which such resources 

were used; and 

(iii) how the obligations and expenditures relating 

to the project’s execution were allocated among the 

accounts of the Federal science agency, including a 

description of the amount and source of all funds, 

private, public, and in-kind, contributed to each 

crowdsourcing and citizen science project; 

(E) a summary of the use of crowdsourcing and citizen 

science by all Federal science agencies, including interagency and multi-sector partnerships; 

(F) a description of how each crowdsourcing and citizen 

science project advanced the mission of each participating 

Federal science agency; 

(G) an identification of each crowdsourcing or citizen 

science project where data collected through such project 

Summary. 

Analysis. 

Summary. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3023 

was not made available to the public, including the reasons 

for such action; and 

(H) any other information that the Director of the 

Office of Science and Technology Policy considers relevant. 

(f) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this section may be construed— 

(1) to affect the authority to conduct crowdsourcing and 

citizen science authorized by any other provision of law; or 

(2) to displace Federal Government resources allocated to 

the Federal science agencies that use crowdsourcing or citizen 

science authorized under this section to carry out a project. 

SEC. 403. NIST DIRECTOR FUNCTIONS UPDATE. 

Section 2(b) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(b)), as amended by section 403 of this 

Act, is further amended— 

(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 

‘‘authorized to take’’ and inserting ‘‘authorized to serve as the 

President’s principal adviser on standards policy pertaining 

to the Nation’s technological competitiveness and innovation 

ability and to take’’; 

(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘compare standards’’ and 

all that follows through ‘‘Federal Government’’ and inserting 

‘‘facilitate standards-related information sharing and cooperation between Federal agencies’’; and 

(3) in paragraph (13), by striking ‘‘Federal, State, and 

local’’ and all that follows through ‘‘private sector’’ and inserting 

‘‘technical standards activities and conformity assessment 

activities of Federal, State, and local governments with private 

sector’’. 

SEC. 404. NIST VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 

UPDATE. 

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

(1) in subsection (a)— 

(A) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘15 members 

appointed by the Director, at least 10 of whom’’ and 

inserting ‘‘not fewer than 9 members appointed by the 

Director, a majority of whom’’; and 

(B) in the third sentence, by striking ‘‘National Bureau 

of Standards’’ and inserting ‘‘National Institute of Standards and Technology’’; and 

(2) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ‘‘, including the Program 

established under section 28,’’. 

TITLE V—MANUFACTURING 

SEC. 501. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act’’. 

(b) IN GENERAL.—Section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended to read 

as follows: 

Manufacturing 

Extension 

Partnership 

Improvement 

Act. 

15 USC 271 note. 


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130 STAT. 3024 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

‘‘SEC. 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 mediumsized companies; 

‘‘(4) the active dissemination of scientific, engineering, technical, and management information about manufacturing to 

industrial firms, including small and medium-sized manufacturing companies; 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3025 

‘‘(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; 

‘‘(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 

‘‘(8) the growth in employment and wages at United Statesbased 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 Institutesupported 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). 

‘‘(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; 

‘‘(D) criteria for determining qualified applicants; and 

Update. 

Procedures. 

Criteria. 


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130 STAT. 3026 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

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

‘‘(F) procedures for determining allowable cost share 

contributions; and 

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

‘‘(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— 

‘‘(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 

‘‘(iv) the type and percentage of funding and inkind commitment 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. 

Determination. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3027 

‘‘(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 

‘‘(C) such other criterion as considered 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). 

‘‘(C) CONTINUED SUPPORT DURING PERIOD OF PROBA- TION.— 

‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may continue to 

provide financial assistance under subsection (e) for 

a Center during the probation period. 

‘‘(ii) POST PROBATION.—After the period of probation, the Secretary shall not provide any financial 

Analysis. 

Deadlines. 

Time period. 

Review. 

Appointment. 


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130 STAT. 3028 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

assistance unless the Center has received a positive 

evaluation under subparagraph (B)(iii). 

‘‘(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 COMPETI- TION.—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. 

Establishment. 

Deadline. 

Evaluation. 

Competition. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3029 

‘‘(C) REQUIREMENTS.—The standards shall address— 

‘‘(i) membership; 

‘‘(ii) composition; 

‘‘(iii) term limits; 

‘‘(iv) conflicts of interest; and 

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

‘‘(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)— 

‘‘(I) at least 2 members shall be employed by 

or on an advisory board for a Center; 

‘‘(II) at least 5 members shall be from United 

States small businesses in the manufacturing 

sector; and 

‘‘(III) at least 1 member shall represent a 

community college. 

‘‘(iii) LIMITATION.—No member of the MEP 

Advisory Board shall be an employee of the Federal 

Government. 

Appointment. 


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130 STAT. 3030 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

‘‘(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.— 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(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.’’. 

Records. 

Plan. 

Assessments. 

Time period. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3031 

(c) COMPETITIVE AWARDS PROGRAM.—The National Institute 

of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is amended 

by inserting after section 25 the following: 

‘‘SEC. 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 mediumsized manufacturers. 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(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. 

‘‘(3) CRITERIA.—The Director shall select applications to 

receive awards that the Director determines will achieve 1 

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. 

‘‘(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). 

‘‘(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). 

Consultation. 

15 USC 278k–1. 


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130 STAT. 3032 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

‘‘(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).’’. 

(d) REPORTS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the date 

of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 

States, in consultation with the MEP Advisory Board (as 

defined in section 25 of the National Institute of Standards 

and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k)), shall submit to the 

appropriate committees of Congress a report analyzing— 

(A) the effectiveness of the changes in the cost share 

to Centers under section 25 of the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k); 

(B) the engagement in services and the characteristics 

of services provided by 2 types of Centers, including volume 

and type of service; and 

(C) whether the cost-sharing ratio has any effect on 

the services provided by either type of Center. 

(2) INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the 

date of submission of the report under paragraph (1), the 

Director of NIST shall contract with an independent 

organization to perform an assessment of the implementation of the reapplication competition process. 

(B) CONSULTATION.—The independent organization 

performing the assessment under subparagraph (A) may 

consult with the MEP Advisory Board (as defined in section 

25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Act (15 U.S.C. 278k)). 

(3) COMPARISON OF CENTERS.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the 

date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit 

to the appropriate committees of Congress a report providing information on the first and second years of operations for Centers (as defined in section 25 of the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k)) 

operating from new competitions or recompetition as compared to longstanding Centers. 

(B) CONTENTS.—The report shall provide detail on the 

engagement in services provided by Centers and the 

characteristics of services provided, including volume and 

type of services, so that the appropriate committees of 

Congress can evaluate whether the cost-sharing ratio has 

an effect on the services provided at Centers. 

(e) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 

(1) DEFINITIONS.—Section 2199(3) of title 10, United States 

Code, is amended— 

Contracts. 

Consultation. 

Analysis. 

Consultation. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3033 

(A) by striking ‘‘regional center’’ and inserting ‘‘manufacturing extension center’’; 

(B) by inserting ‘‘and best business practices’’ before 

‘‘referred’’; and 

(C) by striking ‘‘25(a)’’ and inserting ‘‘25(b)’’. 

(2) ENTERPRISE INTEGRATION INITIATIVE.—Section 3(a) of 

the Enterprise Integration Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 278g–5(a)) 

is amended by inserting ‘‘Hollings’’ before ‘‘Manufacturing 

Extension Partnership’’. 

(3) ASSISTANCE TO STATE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS.—Section 

26(a) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Act (15 U.S.C. 278l(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘Centers program 

created’’ and inserting ‘‘Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership’’. 

(f) SAVINGS PROVISIONS.—Notwithstanding the amendments 

made by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Secretary of 

Commerce may carry out section 25 of the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) as that section 

was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 

Act, with respect to existing grants, agreements, cooperative agreements, or contracts, and with respect to applications for such items 

that are received by the Secretary prior to the date of enactment 

of this Act. 

(g) PATENT RIGHTS.—The provisions of chapter 18 of title 35, 

United States Code, shall apply, to the extent not inconsistent 

with section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) and section 25 of that Act, to the 

promotion of technology from research by Centers under those 

sections, except for contracts for such specific technology extension 

or transfer services as may be specified by the Director of NIST 

or under other law. 

TITLE VI—INNOVATION AND 

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER 

SEC. 601. INNOVATION CORPS. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 

(1) The National Science Foundation Innovation Corps 

(referred to in this section as the ‘‘I-Corps’’) was established 

to foster a national innovation ecosystem by encouraging 

institutions, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to identify 

and explore the innovation and commercial potential of 

National Science Foundation-funded research well beyond the 

laboratory. 

(2) Through I-Corps, the Foundation invests in 

entrepreneurship and commercialization education, training, 

and mentoring that can ultimately lead to the practical deployment of technologies, products, processes, and services that 

improve the Nation’s competitiveness, promote economic 

growth, and benefit society. 

(3) By building networks of entrepreneurs, educators, mentors, institutions, and collaborations, and supporting specialized 

education and training, I-Corps is at the leading edge of a 

strong, lasting foundation for an American innovation ecosystem. 

42 USC 1862s–8. 

Applicability. 

15 USC 278k 

note. 

15 USC 278k 

note. 


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130 STAT. 3034 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

(4) By translating federally funded research to a commercial stage more quickly and efficiently, programs like the ICorps create new jobs and companies, help solve societal problems, and provide taxpayers with a greater return on their 

investment in research. 

(5) The I-Corps program model has a strong record of 

success that should be replicated at all Federal science agencies. 

(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) commercialization of federally funded research can 

improve the Nation’s competitiveness, grow the economy, and 

benefit society; 

(2) I-Corps is a useful tool in promoting the commercialization of federally funded research by training researchers funded 

by the Foundation in entrepreneurship and commercialization; 

(3) I-Corps should continue to build a network of entrepreneurs, educators, mentors, and institutions and support 

specialized education and training; 

(4) researchers other than those funded by the Foundation 

may also benefit from the education and training described 

in paragraph (3); and 

(5) I-Corps should continue to promote a strong innovation 

system by investing in and supporting female entrepreneurs 

through mentorship, education, and training because they are 

historically underrepresented in entrepreneurial fields. 

(c) I-CORPS PROGRAM.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—In order to promote a strong, lasting 

foundation for the national innovation ecosystem and increase 

the positive economic and social impact of federally funded 

research, the Director of the Foundation shall set forth eligibility requirements and carry out a program to award grants 

for entrepreneurship and commercialization education, training, 

and mentoring. 

(2) EXPANSION OF I-CORPS.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—The Director— 

(i) shall encourage the development and expansion 

of I-Corps and other training programs that focus on 

professional development, including education in 

entrepreneurship and commercialization; and 

(ii) may establish an agreement with another Federal science agency— 

(I) to make researchers, students, and institutions funded by that agency eligible to participate 

in the I-Corps program; or 

(II) to assist that agency with the design and 

implementation of its own program that is similar 

to the I-Corps program. 

(B) PARTNERSHIP FUNDING.—In negotiating an agreement with another Federal science agency under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Director shall require that Federal science 

agency to provide funding for— 

(i) the training for researchers, students, and 

institutions selected for the I-Corps program; and 

(ii) the locations that Federal science agency designates as regional and national infrastructure for 

science and engineering entrepreneurship. 

(3) FOLLOW-ON GRANTS.— 

Contracts. 

Grants. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3035 

(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the 

Director, in consultation with the Director of the Small 

Business Innovation Research Program, shall make funds 

available for competitive grants, including to I-Corps 

participants, to help support— 

(i) prototype or proof-of-concept development; and 

(ii) such activities as the Director considers necessary to build local, regional, and national infrastructure for science and engineering entrepreneurship. 

(B) LIMITATION.—Grants under subparagraph (A) shall 

be limited to participants with innovations that because 

of the early stage of development are not eligible to participate in a Small Business Innovation Research Program 

or a Small Business Technology Transfer Program. 

(4) STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS.—The Director may 

engage in partnerships with State and local governments, economic development organizations, and nonprofit organizations 

to provide access to the I-Corps program to support 

entrepreneurship education and training for researchers, students, and institutions under this subsection. 

(5) REPORTS.—The Director shall submit to the appropriate 

committees of Congress a biennial report on I-Corps program 

efficacy, including metrics on the effectiveness of the program. 

Each Federal science agency participating in the I-Corps program or that implements a similar program under paragraph 

(2)(A) shall contribute to the report. 

(6) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection, the terms ‘‘Small 

Business Innovation Research Program’’ and ‘‘Small Business 

Technology Transfer Program’’ have the meanings given those 

terms in section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638). 

SEC. 602. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH GRANTS. 

(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) commercialization of federally funded research may benefit society and the economy; and 

(2) not-for-profit organizations support the commercialization of federally funded research by providing useful business 

and technical expertise to researchers. 

(b) COMMERCIALIZATION PROMOTION.—The Director of the 

Foundation shall continue to award grants on a competitive, meritreviewed basis to eligible entities to promote the commercialization 

of federally funded research results. 

(c) USE OF FUNDS.—Activities supported by grants under this 

section may include— 

(1) identifying Foundation-sponsored research and technologies that have the potential for accelerated commercialization; 

(2) supporting prior or current Foundation-sponsored investigators, institutions of higher education, and non-profit 

organizations that partner with an institution of higher education in undertaking proof-of-concept work, including development of prototypes of technologies that are derived from 

Foundation-sponsored research and have potential market 

value; 

(3) promoting sustainable partnerships between Foundation-funded institutions, industry, and other organizations 

42 USC 1862s–9. 

Consultation. 


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130 STAT. 3036 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

within academia and the private sector with the purpose of 

accelerating the transfer of technology; 

(4) developing multi-disciplinary innovation ecosystems 

which involve and are responsive to specific needs of academia 

and industry; and 

(5) providing professional development, mentoring, and 

advice in entrepreneurship, project management, and technology and business development to innovators. 

(d) ELIGIBILITY.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The following organizations may be 

eligible for grants under this section: 

(A) Institutions of higher education. 

(B) Public or nonprofit technology transfer organizations. 

(C) A nonprofit organization that partners with an 

institution of higher education. 

(D) A consortia of 2 or more of the organizations 

described under subparagraphs (A) through (C). 

(2) LEAD ORGANIZATIONS.—Any eligible organization under 

paragraph (1) may apply as a lead organization. 

(e) APPLICATIONS.—An eligible entity seeking a grant under 

this section shall submit an application to the Director at such 

time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 

Director may require. 

SEC. 603. OPTICS AND PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 

(1) The 1998 National Research Council Report, ‘‘Harnessing Light’’ presented a comprehensive overview on the 

importance of optics and photonics to various sectors of the 

United States economy. 

(2) In 2012, in response to increased coordination and 

investment by other nations, the National Research Council 

released a follow up study recommending a national photonics 

initiative to increase collaboration and coordination among 

United States industry, Federal and State government, and 

academia to identify and further advance areas of photonics 

critical to regaining United States competitiveness and 

maintaining national security. 

(3) Publicly-traded companies focused on optics and 

photonics in the United States enable more than $3 trillion 

in revenue annually. 

(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 

(1) optics and photonics research and technologies promote 

United States global competitiveness in industry sectors, 

including telecommunications and information technology, 

energy, healthcare and medicine, manufacturing, and defense; 

(2) Federal science agencies, industry, and academia should 

seek partnerships with each other to develop basic research 

in optics and photonics into more mature technologies and 

capabilities; and 

(3) each Federal science agency, as appropriate, should— 

(A) survey and identify optics and photonics-related 

programs within that Federal science agency and share 

results with other Federal science agencies for the purpose 

of generating multiple applications and uses; 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 130 STAT. 3037 

(B) partner with the private sector and academia to 

leverage knowledge and resources to maximize opportunities for innovation in optics and photonics; 

(C) explore research and development opportunities, 

including Federal and private sector-sponsored internships, 

to ensure a highly trained optics and photonics workforce 

in the United States; 

(D) encourage partnerships between academia and 

industry to promote improvement in the education of optics 

and photonics technicians at the secondary school level, 

undergraduate level, and 2-year college level, including 

through the Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program; and 

(E) assess existing programs and explore alternatives 

to modernize photonics laboratory equipment in undergraduate institutions in the United States to facilitate critical hands-on learning. 

SEC. 604. UNITED STATES CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘United 

States Chief Technology Officer Act’’. 

(b) IN GENERAL.—Section 203 the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 

6612) is amended— 

(1) by inserting ‘‘(b) ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS.—’’ before ‘‘The 

President is authorized’’ and indenting appropriately; 

(2) by inserting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—’’ before ‘‘There shall 

be’’ and indenting appropriately; and 

(3) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(c) CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.—Subject to subsection (b), 

the President is authorized to designate 1 of the Associate Directors 

under that subsection as a United States Chief Technology Officer.’’. 

SEC. 605. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL STUDY ON TECHNOLOGY 

FOR EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS ON CAMPUSES. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of 

enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science and 

Technology Policy shall enter into an arrangement with the 

National Research Council to conduct and complete a study to 

identify and review technologies employed at institutions of higher 

education to provide notifications to students, faculty, and other 

personnel during emergency situations in accordance with law. 

(b) CONTENTS.—The study shall address— 

(1) the timeliness of notifications provided by the technologies during emergency situations; 

(2) the durability of the technologies in delivering the 

notifications to students, faculty, and other personnel; and 

(3) the limitations exhibited by the technologies to successfully deliver the notifications not more than 30 seconds after 

the institution of higher education transmits the notifications. 

(c) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 1 year after the date 

that the National Research Council enters into the arrangement 

under subsection (a), the Director of the Office of Science and 

Technology Policy shall submit to Congress a report on the study, 

Recommendations. 

Deadline. 

Contracts. 

President. 

Designation. 

United States 

Chief Technology 

Officer Act. 

42 USC 6601 

note. 


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130 STAT. 3038 PUBLIC LAW 114–329—JAN. 6, 2017 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 3084: 

SENATE REPORTS: No. 114–389 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and Transportation). 

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 162 (2016): 

Dec. 9, considered and passed Senate. 

Dec. 16, considered and passed House. 

Æ 

including recommendations for addressing any limitations identified 

under subsection (b)(3). 

Approved January 6, 2017. 


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