Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 2016

To amend the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to authorize activities for support of networking and information technology research, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 2016 2. Purposes Section 3 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 ( 15 U.S.C. 5502 (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking high-performance computing 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 supporting Federal research, development, and application of networking and information technology (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking high-performance computing 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 so redesignated, by inserting high-end the development of (G) in subparagraphs (E) and (F), as so redesignated, by striking high-performance computing networking and information technology (H) in subparagraph (G), as so redesignated, by striking high-performance high-end (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking high-performance computing and networking and information technology and (B) by striking high-performance computing network networking and information technology 3. Definitions Section 4 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 ( 15 U.S.C. 5503 (1) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (2), (3), (5), (7), and (8), respectively; (3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph: (1) cyber-physical systems ; (4) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by striking high-performance computing networking and information technology (5) by inserting after paragraph (3), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph: (4) high-end computing ; (6) by inserting after paragraph (5), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph: (6) networking and information technology ; and (7) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by striking National High-Performance Computing Program Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program 4. Title I heading The heading of title I of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq. High-Performance Computing Networking and Information Technology 5. Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program Section 101 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 ( 15 U.S.C. 5511 (1) in the section heading, by striking National High-Performance Computing Program Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program (2) in subsection (a)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking National High-Performance Computing Program 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 Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking high-performance computing, including networking networking and information technology (iii) in subparagraphs (B) and (G), by striking high-performance high-end (iv) in subparagraph (C), by striking high-performance computing and networking 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 provide (II) by striking and (vii) in subparagraph (I)— (I) by striking improving the security improving the security, reliability, and resilience (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (viii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: (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 human-computer interactions, visualization, and big data; (L) provide for research and development on the enhancement of cybersecurity; and (M) provide for a research framework to leverage cyber-physical systems, high capacity and high speed communication networks, and large-scale data analytics to integrate city-scale information technology and physical infrastructures. ; (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; ; (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 plan under subsection (e) is developed and executed effectively and that the objectives of the Program are met; and ; and (iv) in subparagraph (F), by striking high-performance high-end (D) in paragraph (3)— (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (J), respectively; (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraphs: (B) provide, as appropriate, a list of the senior steering groups and strategic plans that are planned or underway as addressed under section 104; (C) provide a description of workshops and other activities conducted under section 104, including participants and findings; (D) provide a detailed description of the nature and scope of research infrastructure designated as such under the Program; ; (iii) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated— (I) by redesignating clauses (vii) through (xi) as clauses (viii) through (xii), respectively; and (II) by inserting after clause (vi) the following: (vii) the Department of Homeland Security; ; (iv) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated— (I) by striking is submitted, is submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal year, (II) by striking each Program Component Area; each Program Component Area and research area supported in accordance with section 103; (v) by amending subparagraph (G), as so redesignated, to read as follows: (G) describe the levels of Federal funding for each agency and department participating in the Program, 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 (G), as so redesignated, the following: (H) include a description of how the objectives for each Program Component Area, and the objectives for activities that involve multiple Program Component Areas, relate to the objectives of the Program identified in the strategic plan required under subsection (e); (I) include— (i) a description of the funding required by the National Coordination Office to perform the functions specified under section 102(b) for the current fiscal year; (ii) a description of the estimated funding required by such Office to perform the functions specified under section 102(b) for the next fiscal year; and (iii) the amount of funding provided for such Office for the current fiscal year by each agency participating in the Program; and ; (3) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking high-performance computing networking and information technology (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 networking and information technology (C) in paragraph (2)— (i) in the second sentence, by striking 2 3 (ii) by striking Committee on Science and Technology Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (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 networking and information technology (5) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (d) Periodic reviews The agencies identified in subsection (a)(3)(B) shall— (1) periodically assess and update, as appropriate, the contents, scope, and funding levels of the Program Component Areas and work through the National Science and Technology Council and with the assistance of the National Coordination Office described under section 102 to restructure the Program when warranted, taking into consideration any relevant recommendations of the advisory committee established under subsection (b); and (2) working through the National Science and Technology Council and with the assistance of the National Coordination Office described under section 102, ensure that the Program includes large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research and development activities, including activities described in section 103. (e) Strategic plan (1) In general The agencies identified in subsection (a)(3)(B), working through the National Science and Technology Council and with the assistance of the National Coordination Office described under section 102, shall develop, within 12 months after the date of enactment of the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 2016 (2) Contents The strategic plan shall specify near-term and long-term cross-cutting objectives for the Program, the anticipated time frame for achieving the near-term objectives, the metrics to be used for assessing progress toward the objectives, and how the Program will— (A) address long-term challenges of national importance for which solutions require large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research and development; (B) encourage and support mechanisms for interdisciplinary research and development in networking and information technology and for Grand Challenges, including through collaborations across agencies, across Program Component Areas, with industry, with Federal laboratories (as defined in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 ( 15 U.S.C. 3703 (C) foster the 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; (D) provide for cyberinfrastructure needs, as appropriate, across federally funded large-scale research facilities that produce or will produce large amounts of data that will need to be stored, curated, and made publicly available; (E) strengthen all levels of networking and information technology education and training programs to ensure an adequate, well-trained workforce; and (F) attract individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a and 1885b) to networking and information technology fields. (3) Recommendations The entities involved in developing the strategic plan under paragraph (1) shall take into consideration the recommendations— (A) of the advisory committee established under subsection (b); (B) of the Committee on Science and relevant subcommittees of the National Science and Technology Council; and (C) of the stakeholders whose input was solicited by the National Coordination Office, as required under section 102(b)(3). (4) Report to Congress The Director of the National Coordination Office shall transmit the strategic plan required under paragraph (1) to the advisory committee, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. . 6. National Coordination Office Section 102 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5512 102. National Coordination Office (a) Office The Director shall maintain a National Coordination Office with a Director and full-time staff. (b) Functions The National Coordination Office shall— (1) provide technical and administrative support to— (A) the agencies participating in planning and implementing the Program, including such support as needed in the development of the strategic plan under section 101(e); and (B) the advisory committee established under section 101(b), as appropriate; (2) serve as the primary point of contact on Federal networking and information technology activities for government organizations, academia, industry, professional societies, State computing and networking technology programs, interested citizen groups, and others to exchange technical and programmatic information; (3) solicit input and recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders during the development of each strategic plan required under section 101(e) and the scope of the Program Component Areas through the convening of at least one workshop with invitees from academia, industry, Federal laboratories, and other relevant organizations and institutions; (4) conduct and increase outreach, including to academia, industry, other relevant organizations and institutions, and the public, in order to increase awareness of the Program and the benefits of the Program and to increase potential opportunities for collaboration between agencies participating in the Program and the private sector; and (5) promote access to and early application of the technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program activities to agency missions and systems across the Federal Government and to United States industry. (c) Source of funding (1) In general The operation of the National Coordination Office shall be supported by funds from each agency participating in the Program. (2) Specifications The portion of the total budget of such Office that is provided by each agency for each fiscal year shall be in the same proportion as each such agency’s share of the total budget for the Program for the previous fiscal year, as specified in the report required under section 101(a)(3). (3) Waiver As appropriate, the Director may consider and approve a reduction or waiver of an agency contribution requirement under paragraph (2). . 7. Next Generation Internet Section 103 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5513 8. Grand challenges in areas of national importance Title I of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq. 103. Grand challenges in areas of national importance (a) In general The Program shall encourage agencies identified in section 101(a)(3)(E) to support large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research and development activities in networking and information technology directed toward agency mission areas that have the potential for significant contributions to national economic competitiveness and for other significant societal benefits. Such activities, ranging from basic research to the demonstration of technical solutions, shall be designed to advance the development of fundamental discoveries. The advisory committee established under section 101(b) shall make recommendations to the Program for candidate research and development areas for support under this section. (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) involve collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher education and industry, and may involve nonprofit research institutions and Federal laboratories, as appropriate; (C) 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. (3) Agency collaboration If two or more agencies identified in section 101(a)(3)(E), or other appropriate agencies, are working on large-scale networking and information technology research and development activities in the same area of national importance, then such agencies shall strive to collaborate through joint solicitation and selection of applications for support and subsequent funding of projects. (4) Interdisciplinary research centers Research and development activities under this section may be supported through interdisciplinary research centers that are organized to investigate basic research questions and carry out technology demonstration activities in areas described in subsection (a). Research may be carried out through existing interdisciplinary centers. . 9. Workshops and senior steering groups Title I of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq. 104. Addressing emerging issues (a) In general In order to address emerging issues, the Director of the National Coordination Office may conduct workshops and other activities on research areas of emerging importance, which may include the grand challenge areas identified under section 103, with participants from institutions of higher education, Federal laboratories, and industry, in order to help guide Program investments and strategic planning in those areas, including areas identified in subsection (b). (b) Focus areas In selecting research areas under subsection (a), the Director of the National Coordination Office shall consider the following topics: (1) Data analytics to identify the current and future state of performing inference, prediction, and other forms of analysis of data, and methods for the collection, management, preservation, and use of data. (2) The current and future state of the science, engineering, policy, and social understanding of privacy protection. (3) The current and future state of fundamental research on the systems and science of the interplay of people and computing as well as the coordination and support being undertaken in areas such as social computing, human-robot interaction, privacy, and health-related aspects in human-computer systems. (c) Functions The participants in the workshops shall, as appropriate— (1) develop options for models for research and development partnerships among institutions of higher education, Federal laboratories, and industry, including mechanisms for the support of research and development carried out under these partnerships; (2) develop options for research and development for the specific issue areas that would be addressed through such partnerships; (3) propose guidelines for assigning intellectual property rights and for the transfer of research results to the private sector; and (4) make recommendations for how Federal agencies participating in the Program can help support research and development partnerships for the specific issue areas. (d) Participants The Director of the National Coordination Office shall ensure that the participants in the workshops— (1) are individuals with knowledge and expertise in the specific issue areas; and (2) represent a broad mix of relevant stakeholders, including academic and industry researchers and, as appropriate, Federal agencies. (e) Senior steering groups and strategic plans As appropriate, the Director of the National Coordination Office shall establish senior steering groups and develop focused strategic plans to coordinate and guide activities under the research areas identified under this section, taking into consideration the findings and recommendations from any workshops carried out on those research topics. . 10. National Science Foundation activities Section 201 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5521 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting high-end National Science Foundation shall provide (ii) by striking high-performance computing networking; networking and information technology; and (B) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (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). 11. National Aeronautics and Space Administration activities Section 202 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5522 (1) by striking subsection (b); (2) by striking (a) General Responsibilities.— (3) by striking high-performance computing networking and information technology 12. Department of Energy activities Section 203 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5523 (1) by striking subsection (b); (2) by striking (a) General Responsibilities.— (3) in paragraph (1), by striking high-performance computing and networking networking and information technology (4) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking high-performance high-end 13. Department of Commerce activities Section 204 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5524 (1) in subsection (a)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking high-performance computing systems and networks 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 interoperability and usability of networking and information technology systems (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking high-performance computing networking and information technology (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in the heading, by striking High-Performance Computing and Network Networking and Information Technology (B) by striking Pursuant to the Computer Security Act of 1987 ( Public Law 100–235 The (C) by striking sensitive (3) by striking subsections (c) and (d). 14. Environmental Protection Agency activities Section 205 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5525 (1) by striking subsection (b); (2) by striking (a) General Responsibilities.— (3) by striking basic and applied (4) by striking computational networking and information technology (5) by inserting All software and code, along with any subsequent updates to the software and code, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Program and used in conducting scientific research shall be made publically available. In cases where the underlying software or code is proprietary or contains confidential business information, the Agency shall disclose only the name and vendor of the software and code used for all proprietary or confidential business information portions of the software or code. The Environmental Protection Agency shall ensure that the research conducted under the Program does not duplicate the scope or aims of similar research and initiatives at other Federal agencies. No Environmental Protection Agency funds shall be used towards research that duplicates the scope or aims of similar research and initiatives at other Federal agencies. dynamics models. 15. Role of the Department of Education Section 206 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5526 (1) by striking subsection (b); (2) by striking (a) General Responsibilities.— (3) by striking to conduct basic software capabilities to support programs and activities to improve the teaching and learning of networking and information technology fields and contribute to the development of a skilled networking and information technology workforce 16. Miscellaneous provisions Section 207(b) of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5527(b) high-performance computing networking and information technology 17. Repeal Section 208 of such Act ( 15 U.S.C. 5528 18. Additional repeal Section 4 of the Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 ( 15 U.S.C. 5543 June 13, 2016 Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

Summary: Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 2016 (Sec. 5) This bill amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to rename the National High-Performance Computing program as the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program. The program, in addition to its current requirements, shall: promote increased understanding of the scientific principles of cyber-physical systems and improve methods available for the design, development, and operation of those that are characterized by high reliability, safety, and security; conduct or arrange for research and development on human-computer interactions, visualization, and big data, as well as the enhancement of cybersecurity; and create a research framework to leverage cyber-physical systems, high capacity and high speed communication networks, and large-scale data analytics to integrate city-scale information technology and physical infrastructures. The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall encourage and monitor the efforts of agencies participating in the program to allocate the resources and management attention necessary to ensure that the strategic plan is executed effectively and that program objectives are met. Annual reports on the implementation of the program shall, among other things, furnish: a list of the senior steering groups and strategic plans that address research areas of emerging importance, and a description of the workshops and other activities conducted. Each chair of the advisory committee on networking and information technology (currently on high-performance computing) shall meet membership qualifications, and may be a member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Participating federal agencies, working through the National Science and Technology Council and with the assistance of the National Coordination Office (established by this bill), shall develop, and update every five years, a strategic plan for the program. The plan shall specify near-term and long-term objectives and how the program will accomplish other specified objectives, including by: fostering the transfer of research and development (R&D) results into new technologies and applications for the benefit of society, encouraging and supporting mechanisms for interdisciplinary R&D in networking and information technology, and promote cyberinfrastructure needs across federally funded large-scale research facilities that produce or will produce large amounts of data that will need to be stored, curated, and made available to the public. (Sec. 6) The bill replaces the National Research and Education Network with a National Coordination Office, which the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall maintain, and which shall give technical and administrative support to participating federal agencies and, as appropriate, the advisory committee. The National Coordination Office shall: serve as the primary point of contact on federal networking and information technology activities; through at least one workshop solicit recommendations from stakeholders during the development of each strategic plan; conduct outreach to relevant organizations and the public in order to increase awareness of the program and its benefits, and potential opportunities for collaboration between the participating agencies and the private sector; and promote access to and early application of the technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from program activities to agency missions and systems across the federal government and to U.S. industry. The operation of the National Coordination Office shall be supported by funds from participating agencies. (Sec. 7) The bill repeals the authorization for a Next Generation Internet program. (Sec. 8) The program shall encourage participating agencies to support large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary R&D activities in networking and information technology designed to advance the development of fundamental discoveries, and directed toward agency grand challenge mission areas with the potential for significant contributions to national economic competitiveness and other significant societal benefits. Such R&D activities shall: include projects based on applications selected through a competitive, merit-based process; involve collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher education and industry, and may involve nonprofit research institutions and federal laboratories; leverage federal investments through collaboration with related state and private sector initiatives; and include a plan for fostering the transfer of research discoveries and the results of technology demonstration activities to industry for commercial development. Participating agencies may give special consideration to projects that include cost-sharing from nonfederal sources. R&D activities may be supported through existing or new interdisciplinary research centers organized to investigate basic research questions and carry out technology demonstration activities. (Sec. 9) The National Coordination Office may conduct workshops and other activities on research areas of emerging importance, which may include grand challenge areas, to help guide program investments and strategic planning in those areas. Workshop participants shall: develop options for models for R&D partnerships among institutions of higher education, federal laboratories, and industry; develop R&D options for specific issues addressed through those partnerships; and propose guidelines for assigning intellectual property rights and for transferring research results to the private sector. The National Coordination Office shall: ensure that workshop participants have knowledge and expertise in the specific issue areas and represent a broad mix of relevant stakeholders; and establish senior steering groups and develop focused strategic plans to coordinate and guide activities under the identified research areas. (Sec. 10) The National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Education shall each engage in specified research and development activities in conjunction with the program.