H. R. 4346—339 
(1) facilitate the sharing of information on best practices 
for successful operation of clean energy technology transfer 
programs; 
(2) coordinate resources and improve cooperation among 
clean energy technology transfer programs; 
(3) facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and start- 
up companies and the variety of programs related to clean 
energy technology transfer under the Department; and 
(4) facilitate the development of metrics to measure the 
impact of clean energy technology transfer programs on— 
(A) advancing the development, demonstration, and 
commercial application of clean energy technologies; 
(B) increasing the competitiveness of United States 
in the clean energy sector, including in manufacturing; 
and 
(C) commercial application of clean energy technologies 
being developed by entrepreneurs from under-represented 
backgrounds. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the activities 
in this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 
2027. 
PART 2—SUPPORTING TECHNOLOGY DEVEL-
OPMENT AT THE NATIONAL LABORATORIES 
SEC. 10716. LAB PARTNERING SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM. 
Section 9002 of division Z of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260) is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary $2,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2023 through 2025 to carry out subsections (a), (b), and 
(c), and $1,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2025 
for National Laboratory employees to provide services under sub-
section (d).’’. 
SEC. 10717. LAB-EMBEDDED ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall competitively award 
grants to National Laboratories for the purpose of establishing 
or supporting Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Programs. 
(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of such programs are to provide 
entrepreneurial fellows with access to National Laboratory research 
facilities, National Laboratory expertise, and mentorship to perform 
research and development and gain expertise that may be required 
or beneficial for the commercial application of research ideas. 
(c) ENTREPRENEURIAL FELLOWS.—An entrepreneurial fellow 
participating in a program described in subsection (a) shall be 
provided with— 
(1) opportunities for entrepreneurial training, professional 
development, and exposure to leaders from academia, industry, 
government, and finance who may serve as advisors to or 
partners of the fellow; 
(2) financial and technical support for research, develop-
ment, and commercial application activities;
H. R. 4346—340 
(3) fellowship awards to cover costs of living, health insur-
ance, and travel stipends for the duration of the fellowship; 
and 
(4) any other resources determined appropriate by the Sec-
retary. 
(d) PROGRAM
ACTIVITIES.—Each National Laboratory that 
receives funding under this section shall support entrepreneurial 
fellows by providing— 
(1) access to facilities and expertise within the National 
Laboratory; 
(2) engagement with external stakeholders; and 
(3) market and customer development opportunities. 
(e) ADMINISTRATION.—National Laboratories that receive grants 
under this section shall prioritize the support and success of the 
entrepreneurial fellow with regards to professional development 
and development of a relevant technology. 
(f) 
PARTNERSHIPS.—In 
carrying 
out 
a 
Lab-Embedded 
Entrepreneurship Program, a National Laboratory may partner 
with an external entity, including— 
(1) a nonprofit organization; 
(2) an institution of higher education; 
(3) a federally-owned corporation; or 
(4) a consortium of 2 or more entities described in para-
graphs (1) through (3). 
(g) METRICS.—The Secretary shall support the development 
of short-term and long-term metrics to assess the effectiveness 
of programs receiving a grant under subsection (a) in achieving 
the purposes of the program in subsection (a). 
(h) EVALUATION.—In accordance with section 9007 of division 
Z of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116– 
260), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate an 
evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs under subsection 
(a) based on the metrics developed pursuant to subsection (g). 
(i) COORDINATION.—The Secretary shall oversee the planning 
and coordination of grants under subsection (a) and shall identify 
and disseminate best practices for achieving the purposes of sub-
section (a) to National Laboratories that receive grants under this 
section. 
(j) INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION.—The Secretary shall collabo-
rate with other executive branch agencies, including the Depart-
ment of Defense and other agencies with Federal laboratories, 
regarding opportunities to partner with National Laboratories 
receiving a grant under subsection (a). 
(k) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the activities 
authorized in this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 
through 2027. 
SEC. 10718. SMALL BUSINESS VOUCHER PROGRAM. 
Section 1003 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16393) 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
‘‘, and may require the Director of a single-purpose research
H. R. 4346—341 
facility,’’ and inserting ‘‘(as defined in section 2) and the 
Director of each single-purpose research facility’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘increase’’ and inserting ‘‘encourage’’; 
and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘collaborative research,’’ and 
inserting ‘‘research, development, demonstration, and 
commercial application activities, including product 
development,’’; 
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘procurement and 
collaborative 
research’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘the 
activities 
described in paragraph (1)’’; 
(D) in paragraph (3)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘facilities,’’ before ‘‘training’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘procurement and collaborative 
research activities’’ and inserting ‘‘the activities 
described in paragraph (1)’’; and 
(E) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘for the program 
under subsection (b)’’ and inserting ‘‘and metrics for the 
programs under subsections (b) and (c)’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
(d) and (e), respectively; 
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: 
‘‘(c) SMALL BUSINESS VOUCHER PROGRAM.— 
‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
‘‘(A) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘Director’ means— 
‘‘(i) the Director of each National Laboratory; and 
‘‘(ii) the Director of each single-purpose research 
facility. 
‘‘(B) NATIONAL LABORATORY.—The term ‘National Lab-
oratory’ has the meaning given the term in section 2. 
‘‘(C) PROGRAM.—The term ‘program’ means the pro-
gram established under paragraph (2). 
‘‘(D) SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN.—The term ‘small busi-
ness concern’ has the meaning given such term in section 
3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). 
‘‘(2) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary, acting through the 
Chief Commercialization Officer appointed under section 
1001(a), and in consultation with the Directors, shall establish 
a program to provide small business concerns with vouchers 
under paragraph (3)— 
‘‘(A) to achieve the goal described in subsection (a)(1); 
and 
‘‘(B) to improve the products, services, and capabilities 
of small business concerns in the mission space of the 
Department. 
‘‘(3) VOUCHERS.—Under the program, the Directors are 
authorized to provide to small business concerns vouchers to 
be used at National Laboratories and single-purpose research 
facilities for— 
‘‘(A) research, development, demonstration, technology 
transfer, skills training and workforce development, or 
commercial application activities; or 
‘‘(B) any other activities that the applicable Director 
determines appropriate.
H. R. 4346—342 
‘‘(4) EXPEDITED APPROVAL.—The Secretary, working with 
the Directors, shall establish a stream-lined approval process 
for financial assistance agreements signed between— 
‘‘(A) small business concerns selected to receive a 
voucher under the program; and 
‘‘(B) the National Laboratories and single-purpose 
research facilities. 
‘‘(5) COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT.—In carrying out the pro-
gram, the Secretary shall require cost-sharing in accordance 
with section 988. 
‘‘(6) REPORT.—In accordance with section 9007 of division 
Z of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 
116–260), the Secretary shall report annually on the progress 
and implementation of the small business voucher program 
established under this section, including the number and loca-
tions of small businesses that received grants under this pro-
gram.’’; and 
(4) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), by striking ‘‘for 
activities under this section’’ and inserting ‘‘for activities under 
subsection (b)’’ and inserting before the period at the end ‘‘and 
for activities under subsection (c) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2023 through 2027’’. 
SEC. 10719. ENTREPRENEURIAL LEAVE PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall delegate to Directors 
the authority to carry out an entrepreneurial leave program 
(referred to in this section as the ‘‘program’’) to allow National 
Laboratory employees to take a full leave of absence from their 
position, with the option to return to that or a comparable position 
up to 3 years later, or a partial leave of absence, to advance 
the commercial application of energy and related technologies rel-
evant to the mission of the Department. 
(b) TERMINATION
AUTHORITY.—Directors shall retain the 
authority to terminate National Laboratory employees that partici-
pate in the program if such employees are found to violate terms 
prescribed by the National Laboratory at which such employee 
is employed. 
(c) LICENSING.—To reduce barriers to participation in the pro-
gram, the Secretary shall delegate to the Directors the requirement 
to establish streamlined mechanisms for facilitating the licensing 
of technology that is the focus of National Laboratory employees 
who participate in the program. 
(d) REPORT.—In accordance with section 9007 of division Z 
of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116– 
260), the Secretary shall report annually on the utilization of this 
authority at National Laboratories, including the number of 
employees who participate in this program at each National Labora-
tory and the number of employees who take a permanent leave 
from their positions at National Laboratories as a result of partici-
pating in this program. 
(e) FEDERAL ETHICS.—Nothing in this section shall affect 
existing Federal ethics rules applicable to Federal personnel. 
SEC. 10720. NATIONAL LABORATORY NON-FEDERAL EMPLOYEE OUT-
SIDE EMPLOYMENT AUTHORITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall delegate to Directors 
of National Laboratories the authority to allow their non-Federal 
employees—
H. R. 4346—343 
(1) to engage in outside employment, including start-up 
companies based on licensing technologies developed at 
National Laboratories and consulting in their areas of expertise, 
and receive compensation from such entities; and 
(2) to engage in outside activities related to their areas 
of expertise at the National Laboratory and may allow 
employees, in their employment capacity at such outside 
employment, to access the National Laboratories under the 
same contracting mechanisms as non-Laboratory employees and 
entities, in accordance with appropriate conflict of interest 
protocols. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—If a Director elects to use the authority 
granted by subsection (a) of this section, the Director, or their 
designee, shall— 
(1) require employees to disclose to and obtain approval 
from the Director or their designee prior to engaging in any 
outside employment; 
(2) develop and require appropriate conflict of interest 
protocols for employees that engage in outside employment; 
(3) maintain the authority to terminate employees engaging 
in outside employment if they are found to violate terms, 
including conflict of interest protocols, mandated by the 
Director; and 
(4) ensure that any such programs or activities are in 
conformance with the Department’s research security policies, 
including DOE Order 486.1. 
(c) ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.—Employees engaging in outside 
employment may not— 
(1) allow such activities to interfere with or impede their 
duties at the National Laboratory; 
(2) engage in activities related to outside employment using 
National Laboratory government equipment, property, or 
resources, unless such activities are performed under National 
Laboratory contracting mechanisms, such as Cooperative 
Research and Development Agreements or Strategic Partner-
ship Projects, whereby all conflicts of interest requirements 
apply; or 
(3) use their position at a National Laboratory to provide 
an unfair competitive advantage to an outside employer or 
start-up activity. 
(d) FEDERAL ETHICS.—Nothing in this section shall affect 
existing Federal ethics rules applicable to Federal personnel. 
PART 3—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 
MODERNIZATION 
SEC. 10722. OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSITIONS. 
Section 1001(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
16391) is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(6) HIRING AND MANAGEMENT.—To carry out the program 
authorized in this section, the Under Secretary for Science 
may appoint personnel using the authorities in section 10726 
of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation 
Act. 
‘‘(7) 
AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out
H. R. 4346—344 
the activities authorized in this section $20,000,000 for each 
of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.’’. 
SEC. 10723. MANAGEMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DEMONSTRA-
TION PROJECTS. 
Section 41201 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(42 U.S.C. 18861) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ‘‘including the Office 
of Technology Transitions, the Loan Program Office, and all 
applied program offices,’’ after ‘‘Department,’’; 
(2) in subsection (d), by inserting ‘‘, including by using 
the authorities in section 10726 of the Research and Develop-
ment, Competition, and Innovation Act,’’ after ‘‘personnel’’; 
(3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as sub-
sections (g), (h), and (i), respectively; 
(4) by adding after subsection (d) the following: 
‘‘(e) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY.—The Secretary may solicit, select, 
and manage covered projects directly through the program. 
‘‘(f) PROJECT TERMINATION.—Should an ongoing covered project 
receive an unfavorable review under subsection (c)(5), the Secretary 
or their designee may cease funding the covered project and reallo-
cate the remaining funds to new or existing covered projects carried 
out by that program office.’’; and 
(5) in subsection (h)(1) (as so redesignated), by striking 
‘‘The Secretary’’ and inserting ‘‘In accordance with section 9007 
of division Z of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 
(Public Law 116–260), the Secretary’’. 
SEC. 10724. STREAMLINING PRIZE COMPETITIONS. 
(a) REPORTING.—Section 1008 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 
(42 U.S.C. 16396) is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(h) REPORT.—In accordance with section 9007 of division Z 
of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116– 
260), the Secretary shall report annually on a description of any 
prize competitions carried out using the authority under this sec-
tion, the total amount of prizes awarded along with any private 
sector contributions, the methods used for solicitation and evalua-
tion, and a description of how each prize competition advanced 
the mission of the Department.’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Section 1008 of the Energy Policy 
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16396) is amended by redesignating the 
second subsection (e) (relating to authorization of appropriations) 
as subsection (f). 
SEC. 10725. COST-SHARE WAIVER EXTENSION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 
(42 U.S.C. 16352) is amended in subsection (b)(4)(B) by striking 
‘‘this paragraph’’ and inserting ‘‘the Research and Development, 
Competition, and Innovation Act’’. 
(b) REPORT.—Section 108(b) of the Department of Energy 
Research and Innovation Act is amended in subsection (b) by 
striking ‘‘this Act’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘the Research 
and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act’’.
H. R. 4346—345 
SEC. 
10726. 
SPECIAL 
HIRING 
AUTHORITY 
FOR 
SCIENTIFIC, 
ENGINEERING, 
AND 
PROJECT 
MANAGEMENT 
PER-
SONNEL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary for Science shall have 
the authority to— 
(1) make appointments of not more than 60 scientific, 
engineering, and professional personnel, without regard to civil 
service laws, to assist the Department in meeting specific 
project or research needs; 
(2) fix the basic pay of any employee appointed under 
this section at a rate to be determined by the Under Secretary 
at rates not in excess of Level II of the Executive Schedule 
(EX–II) under section 5311 of title 5, United States Code with-
out regard to the civil service laws; and 
(3) pay any employee appointed under this section pay-
ments in addition to basic pay, except that the total amount 
of additional payments paid to an employee under this sub-
section for any 12-month period shall not exceed the lesser 
of the following amounts: 
(A) $25,000. 
(B) The amount equal to 25 percent of the annual 
rate of basic pay of that employee. 
(C) The amount of the limitation that is applicable 
for a calendar year under section 5307(a)(1) of title 5, 
United States Code. 
(b) TERM.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The term of any employee appointed 
under this section shall not exceed 3 years unless otherwise 
authorized in law. 
(2) TERMINATION.—The Under Secretary for Science shall 
have the authority to terminate any employee appointed under 
this section at any time based on performance or changing 
project or research needs of the Department. 
SEC. 10727. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER REPORTS AND EVALUATION. 
Section 9007 of division Z of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260) is amended as follows: 
‘‘(a) ANNUAL REPORT.—As part of the updated technology 
transfer execution plan required each year under section 1001(h)(2) 
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16391(h)(2)), the Sec-
retary of Energy (in this section referred to as the ‘Secretary’) 
shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the progress 
and implementation of programs established under sections 9001, 
9002, 9003, 9004, and 9005 of this Act and under sections 10714, 
10718, 10719, 10720, and 10723 of the Research and Development, 
Competition, and Innovation Act. 
‘‘(b) EVALUATION.—Not later than 3 years after the enactment 
of this Act and every 3 years thereafter the Secretary shall submit 
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources of the Senate an evaluation on the extent to which 
programs established under sections 9001, 9002, 9003, 9004, and 
9005 of this Act and sections 10713, 10714, 10715, and 10717 
of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation
H. R. 4346—346 
Act are achieving success based on relevant short-term and long- 
term metrics.’’. 
Subtitle K—Micro Act 
SEC. 10731. MICROELECTRONICS RESEARCH FOR ENERGY INNOVA-
TION. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) CENTER.—The term ‘‘Center’’ means a Microelectronics 
Science Research Center established pursuant to subsection 
(d). 
(2) DEPARTMENT.—The term ‘‘Department’’ means the 
Department of Energy. 
(3) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means the Director 
of the Office of Science. 
(4) HISTORICALLY
BLACK
COLLEGE
OR
UNIVERSITY.—The 
term ‘‘historically Black college or university’’ has the meaning 
given the term ‘‘part B institution’’ in section 322 of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061). 
(5) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The term ‘‘institu-
tion 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)). 
(6) 
MICROELECTRONICS.—The 
term 
‘‘microelectronics’’ 
means— 
(A) a semiconductor and related materials; 
(B) processing chemistries; 
(C) design technologies; 
(D) fabrication technologies; 
(E) lithography technologies; 
(F) packaging technologies; 
(G) a sensor; 
(H) a device; 
(I) an integrated circuit; 
(J) a processor; 
(K) computing architecture; 
(L) modeling and simulation; 
(M) a software tool; and 
(N) any other related technology. 
(7) MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘minority- 
serving institution’’ means— 
(A) a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 
502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1101a(a))); 
(B) an Alaska Native-serving institution (as defined 
in section 317(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 1059d(b))); 
(C) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as defined 
in that section); 
(D) a Predominantly Black Institution (as defined in 
section 371(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1067q(c))); 
(E) an Asian American and Native American Pacific 
Islander-serving institution (as defined in that section); 
and
H. R. 4346—347 
(F) a Native American-serving nontribal institution (as 
defined in that section). 
(8) NATIONAL LABORATORY.—The term ‘‘National Labora-
tory’’ has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801). 
(9) PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘program’’ means the program 
established under subsection (c)(1). 
(10) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec-
retary of Energy. 
(11) SKILLED TECHNICAL WORKFORCE.—The term ‘‘skilled 
technical workforce’’ has the meaning given the term in section 
4(b)(3) of the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and 
Apprenticeships Act (42 U.S.C. 1862p note; Public Law 115– 
402). 
(12) TRIBAL COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY.—The term ‘‘Tribal 
College or University’’ has the meaning given the term in 
section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1059c). 
(13) 
WORK-BASED
LEARNING.—The 
term 
‘‘work-based 
learning’’ has the meaning given the term in section 3 of 
the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 
2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302). 
(b) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(1) the coming end of Moore’s Law presents major techno-
logical challenges and opportunities for the United States and 
has important implications for national security, economic 
competitiveness, and scientific discovery; 
(2) future progress and innovation in microelectronics, and 
the maintenance of a robust domestic microelectronics supply 
chain, will require an approach that advances relevant mate-
rials science, electronic and photonic device technologies, proc-
essing and packaging technologies, manufacturing technologies, 
circuit, chip, and system architecture, and software system 
and algorithm development in a codesign fashion; 
(3) the National Laboratories possess unique technical 
expertise and user facilities that are essential to— 
(A) overcoming foundational research challenges rel-
evant to the topics described in paragraph (2); and 
(B) translating and transferring research outcomes to 
industry; and 
(4) the expertise and user facilities of the National Labora-
tories described in paragraph (3) will enable the Department 
to drive advances in microelectronics that are essential to 
meeting future needs in areas critical to the missions of the 
Department and the future competitiveness of the domestic 
microelectronics industry, including high-performance com-
puting, emerging data-centric computing approaches and 
energy-efficient computing, optical sensors, sources, and wire-
less networks, and power electronics and electricity delivery 
systems. 
(c) MICROELECTRONICS RESEARCH PROGRAM.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall carry out a cross-
cutting program of research, development, and demonstration 
of microelectronics relevant to the missions of the Department 
to enable advances and breakthroughs that will—
H. R. 4346—348 
(A) accelerate underlying research and development 
for design, development, and manufacturability of next- 
generation microelectronics; and 
(B) ensure the global competitiveness of the United 
States in the field of microelectronics. 
(2) RESEARCH PROJECTS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the program, the 
Secretary shall provide financial assistance to eligible enti-
ties described in subparagraph (B) to carry out research 
projects in— 
(i) foundational science areas, including— 
(I) materials sciences, chemical sciences, and 
plasma science synthesis and fabrication; 
(II) novel microelectronics devices, including 
emerging memory and storage technologies; 
(III) diverse computing architectures and para-
digms, including analog computing and edge com-
puting; 
(IV) data-driven modeling and simulation; 
(V) integrated sensing, power harvesting, and 
communications; 
(VI) component integration and subsystems; 
(VII) photonic integration and packaging; and 
(VIII) development of codesign frameworks for 
all stages of microelectronics design, development, 
fabrication, and application; 
(ii) cybersecurity by design to result in trusted 
and resilient microelectronics; 
(iii) methods for leveraging advanced simulation 
and artificial intelligence to enhance codesign and dis-
covery in microelectronics; 
(iv) in consultation with the National Institute 
of Standards and Technology, fabrication and proc-
essing science and metrology associated with microelec-
tronics manufacturing, including lithography, pat-
terning, surface deposition, etching, and cleaning; 
(v) approaches for optimizing system-level energy 
efficiency of advanced computing systems, the electrical 
grid, power electronics, and other energy infrastruc-
ture; 
(vi) approaches for enhancing the durability and 
lifetime of radiation-hardened electronics; 
(vii) enhancement of microelectronics security, 
including the development of integrated devices, pack-
ages, and thermal management for severe environ-
ments and national security; 
(viii) in coordination with other relevant initiatives 
of the Department, methods to improve the lifetime, 
maintenance, recycling, reuse, and sustainability of 
microelectronics components and systems, including 
technologies and strategies that reduce the use of 
energy, water, critical materials, and other commod-
ities that the Secretary determines are vulnerable to 
disruption; and 
(ix) methods and techniques for domestic proc-
essing of materials for microelectronics and compo-
nents of microelectronics.
H. R. 4346—349 
(B) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—An eligible entity referred to 
in subparagraph (A) is— 
(i) an institution of higher education, including 
a historically Black college or university, a Tribal Col-
lege or University, and a minority-serving institution; 
(ii) a nonprofit research organization; 
(iii) a State research agency; 
(iv) a National Laboratory; 
(v) a private commercial entity; 
(vi) a partnership or consortium of 2 or more enti-
ties described in clauses (i) through (v); and 
(vii) any other entity that the Secretary determines 
appropriate. 
(C) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days after the 
Secretary provides financial assistance to an eligible entity 
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives a notification of 
the financial assistance provided, including— 
(i) the criteria used by the Secretary to select 
the eligible entity receiving the financial assistance; 
(ii) the manner in which the criteria described 
in clause (i) comport with the purposes of the program 
described in paragraph (1); and 
(iii) a description of the research project that the 
eligible entity will carry out using the financial assist-
ance. 
(3) TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.—In carrying out the program, 
the Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Office 
of Technology Transitions and in consultation with the private 
sector, shall— 
(A) support translational research and transfer of 
microelectronics technologies; and 
(B) identify emerging research and development needs 
of industry and government for the benefit of United States 
economic competitiveness. 
(4) WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.—In carrying out the pro-
gram, the Secretary shall support— 
(A) workforce development through existing authorities 
and mechanisms available to the Department, including 
internships, fellowships, individual investigator grants, and 
other activities the Secretary determines appropriate; and 
(B) in consultation with the National Science Founda-
tion, as appropriate, education and outreach activities— 
(i) to disseminate information and promote under-
standing of microelectronics and related fields among 
students at elementary school, secondary school, high 
school, undergraduate, and graduate levels; and 
(ii) that may include educational programming 
with an emphasis on experiential and project-based 
learning. 
(5) OUTREACH.—The Secretary shall conduct outreach to 
recruit applicants to the program and engage participants from 
all regions of the United States, especially individuals from 
underserved communities and groups historically underrep-
resented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
H. R. 4346—350 
(6) COORDINATION.—In carrying out the program, the Sec-
retary shall— 
(A) coordinate across all relevant programs and offices 
of the Department; and 
(B) coordinate the research carried out under the pro-
gram relating to microelectronics with activities carried 
out by other Federal agencies and programs relating to 
microelectronics research, development, manufacturing, 
and supply chain security, including the programs author-
ized under subsections (c) through (f) of section 9906 of 
the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4656). 
(7) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and 
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House 
of Representatives a report describing the goals, priorities, and 
anticipated outcomes of the program. 
(8) FUNDING.—There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Secretary to carry out this subsection— 
(A) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; 
(B) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; 
(C) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; 
(D) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and 
(E) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2027. 
(d) MICROELECTRONICS SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the program, subject to 
the availability of appropriations, the Director shall establish 
not more than 4 Microelectronics Science Research Centers, 
each comprising 1 or more eligible entities— 
(A) to conduct mission-driven research to address 
foundational challenges in the design, development, 
characterization, prototyping, demonstration, and fabrica-
tion of microelectronics; and 
(B) to facilitate the translation of research results to 
industry. 
(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—An eligible entity referred to in 
paragraph (1) is— 
(A) a National Laboratory; 
(B) an institution of higher education, including a 
historically Black college or university, a Tribal College 
or University, and a minority-serving institution; 
(C) a private commercial entity; 
(D) a research center; 
(E) a partnership or consortium of 2 or more entities 
described in subparagraphs (A) through (D); and 
(F) any other entity that the Secretary determines 
appropriate. 
(3) ACTIVITIES.—The activities of a Center shall include 
research, development, and demonstration activities for— 
(A) accelerating the development of new microelec-
tronics science and technology, including materials, devices, 
circuits, systems, architectures, fabrication tools, processes, 
diagnostics, modeling, synthesis, and, in consultation with 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
metrology;
H. R. 4346—351 
(B) advancing the sustainability and energy efficiency 
of new microelectronics devices, packages, and systems; 
(C) application-driven codesign and prototyping of 
novel devices to facilitate laboratory-to-fabrication transi-
tion; 
(D) advancing knowledge and experimental capabilities 
in surface and materials science, plasma science, and com-
putational and theoretical methods, including artificial 
intelligence, multiscale codesign, and advanced supercom-
puting capabilities to invent and manufacture revolutionary 
microelectronic devices; 
(E) creating technology testbeds for prototyping plat-
forms for validation and verification of new capabilities 
and sharing of ideas, intellectual property, and the unique 
facilities of the Department; 
(F) supporting development of cybersecurity capabili-
ties for computing architectures that measurably improve 
safety and security and are adaptable for existing and 
future applications; and 
(G) supporting long-term and short-term workforce 
development in microelectronics. 
(4) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS; MERIT REVIEW.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Director shall, at such time, 
in such manner, and containing such information as the 
Director determines to be appropriate, issue a request for 
proposals from eligible entities described in paragraph (2) 
seeking to be designated as a Center. 
(B) COMPETITIVE MERIT REVIEW.—The Director shall 
select eligible entities under subparagraph (A) through a 
competitive, merit-based process. 
(5) OPERATION.— 
(A) DURATION.— 
(i) IN
GENERAL.—Each Center shall operate for 
a period of not more than 5 years, unless renewed 
for an additional 5-year period in accordance with 
clause (ii). 
(ii) RENEWAL.— 
(I) INITIAL RENEWAL.—In the case of a Center 
that has operated for not more than 5 years, the 
Director may renew support for the Center on 
a merit-reviewed basis for a period of not more 
than 5 years. 
(II) 10-YEAR
OPERATION.—In the case of a 
Center that has operated for not less than 5 years 
but not more than 10 years, the Director may 
renew support for the Center on a competitive, 
merit-reviewed basis for a period of not more than 
5 years. 
(III) 15-YEAR
OPERATION.—In the case of a 
Center that has operated for not less than 10 
years but not more than 15 years, the Director 
may renew support for the Center on a merit- 
reviewed basis for a period of not more than 5 
years. 
(B) 
TERMINATION.—Consistent 
with 
the 
existing 
authorities of the Department, the Director may terminate 
an underperforming Center during the performance period.
H. R. 4346—352 
(6) TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.—The Director, in coordination 
with the Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, shall 
seek to enter into partnerships with industry groups to facilitate 
the translation and transfer of research results produced by 
the Centers. 
(7) COORDINATION.—The Secretary shall— 
(A) establish a coordinating network to coordinate 
cross-cutting research and foster communication and 
collaboration among the Centers; and 
(B) ensure coordination, and avoid unnecessary 
duplication, of the activities of each Center with the activi-
ties of— 
(i) other research entities of the Department, 
including— 
(I) the Nanoscale Science Research Centers; 
(II) 
the 
National 
Quantum 
Information 
Science Research Centers; 
(III) the Energy Frontier Research Centers; 
(IV) the Energy Innovation Hubs; 
(V) the National Laboratories; and 
(VI) other offices of the Department; 
(ii) the National Semiconductor Technology Center 
established under section 9906(c)(1) of the William M. 
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4656(c)(1)); 
(iii) institutions of higher education; 
(iv) industry; and 
(v) relevant research activities carried out by other 
Federal agencies. 
(8) WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.—Each Center shall support 
workforce development through— 
(A) 
incorporation 
of 
undergraduate 
students, 
postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and early career 
researchers, as well as elementary school, secondary school, 
and high school students, through opportunities such as 
dual-enrollment programs and work-based learning pro-
grams, as applicable; 
(B) hands-on research and equipment training pro-
grams; 
(C) technical training and certificate programs for the 
skilled technical workforce; 
(D) facilitation of engagement among academic, 
industry, and laboratory researchers; and 
(E) public outreach activities, including to students 
at elementary school, secondary school, high school, under-
graduate, and graduate levels, which may include edu-
cational programming with an emphasis on experiential 
and project-based learning. 
(9) OUTREACH.—The Director shall support the workforce 
development of Centers under paragraph (8) by conducting 
outreach to recruit applicants and engage participants from 
all regions of the United States, especially individuals from 
underserved communities and groups historically underrep-
resented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 
(10) INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.—The Secretary shall ensure 
that the intellectual property and value proposition created 
by the Centers are retained within the United States.