Increase America’s Research Capacity Act of 2023

To direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Comptroller General of the United States to study the feasibility of Historically Black Colleges and Universities achieving a certain classification. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Increase America’s Research Capacity Act of 2023 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Historically Black College or University The term Historically Black College or University 20 U.S.C. 1061(2) (2) R1 institution The term R1 institution 3. Comptroller General study on the feasibility of Historically Black Colleges and Universities achieving a certain classification (a) Study (1) In general The Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare a study on the institutional challenges and barriers hindering Historically Black Colleges and Universities from achieving, and the feasibility of the colleges and universities achieving, classification as an R1 institution. (2) Contents In preparing the study, the Comptroller General may— (A) examine topics including— (i) funding opportunities and resource allocation required for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to enhance their research infrastructure and capacity, focusing on the opportunities and resources of Federal research agencies, including the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology of the Department of Commerce, and similar offices of the Department of Commerce; (ii) strategies for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to recruit and retain highly qualified faculty with strong research backgrounds; (iii) best practices and successful models employed by R1 institutions (as of the date the study is completed) that Historically Black Colleges and Universities can adopt; and (iv) analyses of— (I) which Historically Black Colleges and Universities have transfer agreements for their graduates with R1 institutions, and how many graduates attend R1 institutions under those agreements; (II) which institutions of higher education are feeder institutions of Black students into programs at R1 institutions; and (III) what role undergraduate Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in preparing students to attend an R1 institution; and (B) prepare recommendations for Federal support and initiatives to facilitate the advancement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in research and innovation. (b) Report Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report containing the results of the study, and recommendations for such legislative and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines to be appropriate, to the appropriate committees of Congress and the Congressional Research Service.

Summary: Increase America’s Research Capacity Act of 2023 This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the institutional challenges and barriers that hinder historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) from achieving, and the feasibility of HBCUs achieving, classification as an R1 institution. R1 institution means an institution classified as an R1 doctoral university according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education framework.