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tions identify, assess, manage, and reduce their cyber-
security risk related to conducting research. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Director shall ensure 
that the resources disseminated pursuant to para-
graph (1)— 
(A) are generally applicable and usable by 
a wide range of qualifying institutions; 
(B) vary with the nature and size of the 
qualifying institutions, and the nature and sen-
sitivity of the data collected or stored on the in-
formation systems or devices of the qualifying 
institutions; 
(C) include elements that promote aware-
ness of simple, basic controls, a workplace cyber-
security culture, and third-party stakeholder re-
lationships, to assist qualifying institutions in 
mitigating common cybersecurity risks; 
(D) include case studies, examples, and sce-
narios of practical application; 
(E) are outcomes-based and can be imple-
mented using a variety of technologies that are 
commercial and off-the-shelf; and 
(F) to the extent practicable, are based on 
international technical standards.
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(3) NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AND 
EDUCATION
PROGRAM.—The Director shall ensure 
that the resources disseminated under paragraph (1) 
are consistent with the efforts of the Director under 
section 303 of the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 
2014 (15 U.S.C. 7443). 
(4) UPDATES.—The Director shall review peri-
odically and update the resources under paragraph 
(1) as the Director determines appropriate. 
(5) VOLUNTARY RESOURCES.—The use of the re-
sources disseminated under paragraph (1) shall be 
considered voluntary. 
(b) OTHER
FEDERAL
CYBERSECURITY
REQUIRE-
MENTS.—Nothing in this section may be construed to super-
sede, alter, or otherwise affect any cybersecurity require-
ments applicable to Federal agencies. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) 
QUALIFYING
INSTITUTIONS.—The 
term 
‘‘qualifying institutions’’ means institutions of higher 
education that are awarded in excess of $50,000,000 
per year in total Federal research funding. 
(2) RESOURCES.—The term ‘‘resources’’ means 
guidelines, tools, best practices, technical standards, 
methodologies, and other ways of providing informa-
tion.
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SEC. 10230. ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH. 
The National Institute of Standards and Technology 
Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating section 35 as section 36; 
and 
(2) by inserting after section 34 the following: 
‘‘SEC. 35. ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH ACTIVI-
TIES. 
‘‘(a) ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director, in consultation 
with the Assistant Secretary for Communications and 
Information, the Director of the National Science 
Foundation, and heads of other Federal agencies, as 
appropriate, shall carry out a program of measure-
ment research for advanced communications tech-
nologies. 
‘‘(2) RESEARCH
AREAS.—Research areas may 
include— 
‘‘(A) radio frequency emissions and inter-
ference, including technologies and techniques to 
mitigate such emissions and interference; 
‘‘(B) advanced antenna arrays and artifi-
cial intelligence systems capable of operating ad-
vanced antenna arrays; 
‘‘(C) artificial intelligence systems to enable 
internet of things networks, immersive tech-
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nology, and other advanced communications 
technologies; 
‘‘(D) network sensing and monitoring tech-
nologies; 
‘‘(E) technologies to enable spectrum flexi-
bility and agility; 
‘‘(F) optical and quantum communications 
technologies; 
‘‘(G) security of advanced communications 
systems; 
‘‘(H) public safety communications; 
‘‘(I) resilient internet of things applications 
for advanced manufacturing; and 
‘‘(J) other research areas determined nec-
essary by the Director. 
‘‘(3) TESTBEDS.—In coordination with the As-
sistant Secretary for Communications and Informa-
tion, the private sector, and other Federal agencies as 
appropriate, the Director may develop and manage 
testbeds for research and development of advanced 
communications technologies, avoiding duplication of 
existing testbeds run by other agencies or the private 
sector. 
‘‘(4) OUTREACH.—In carrying out the activities 
under this subsection, the Director shall seek input
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from other Federal agencies and from private sector 
stakeholders, on an ongoing basis, to help inform re-
search and development priorities, including through 
workshops and other multistakeholder activities. 
‘‘(5) TECHNICAL
ROADMAPS.—In carrying out 
the activities under this subsection, the Director shall 
convene industry, institutions of higher education, 
nonprofit organizations, Federal laboratories, and 
other Federal agencies engaged in advanced commu-
nications research and development to develop, and 
periodically update, coordinated technical roadmaps 
for advanced communications research in priority 
areas, such as those described in paragraph (2). 
‘‘(b) NATIONAL ADVANCED SPECTRUM AND COMMU-
NICATIONS TEST NETWORK.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director, in coordina-
tion with the Administrator of the National Tele-
communications and Information Administration 
and heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate, 
shall operate a national network of government, aca-
demic, and commercial test capabilities and facilities 
to be known as the National Advanced Spectrum and 
Communications Test Network (referred to in this sec-
tion as ‘NASCTN’).
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‘‘(2) PURPOSES.—NASCTN shall be for the pur-
poses of facilitating and coordinating the use of intel-
lectual capacity, modeling and simulation, laboratory 
facilities, and test facilities to meet national spectrum 
interests and challenges, including— 
‘‘(A) measurements and analyses of electro-
magnetic propagation, radio systems characteris-
tics, and operating techniques affecting the utili-
zation of the electromagnetic spectrum in coordi-
nation with specialized, related research and 
analysis performed by other Federal agencies in 
their areas of responsibility; 
‘‘(B) conducting research and analysis in 
the general field of telecommunications sciences 
in support of the Institute’s mission and in sup-
port of other Government agencies; 
‘‘(C) developing methodologies for testing, 
measuring, and setting guidelines for inter-
ference; 
‘‘(D) conducting interference tests to better 
understand the impact of current and proposed 
Federal and commercial spectrum activities; 
‘‘(E) conducting research and testing to im-
prove spectrum interference tolerance, flexibility, 
agility, and interference mitigation methods; and
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‘‘(F) other activities as determined nec-
essary by the Director.’’. 
SEC. 10231. NEUTRON SCATTERING. 
(a) STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE INSTITUTE NEUTRON 
REACTOR.—The Director shall develop a strategic plan for 
the future of the NIST Center for Neutron Research after 
the current neutron reactor is decommissioned, including— 
(1) a succession plan for the reactor, including 
a roadmap with timeline and milestones; 
(2) conceptual design of a new reactor and ac-
companying facilities, as appropriate; and 
(3) a plan to minimize disruptions to the user 
community during the transition. 
(b) COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EN-
ERGY.—The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall 
coordinate with the Secretary of Energy on issues related 
to Federal support for neutron science, including estimation 
of long-term needs for research using neutron sources, and 
planning efforts for future facilities to meet such needs. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 30 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall 
submit to Congress the plan required under subsection (a), 
and shall notify Congress of any substantial updates to such 
plan in subsequent years.
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SEC. 10232. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall continue to sup-
port the development of artificial intelligence and data 
science, and carry out the activities of the National Artifi-
cial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 authorized in divi-
sion E of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283), including through— 
(1) expanding the Institute’s capabilities, includ-
ing scientific staff and research infrastructure; 
(2) supporting measurement research and devel-
opment for advanced computer chips and hardware 
designed for artificial intelligence systems; 
(3) supporting the development of technical 
standards and guidelines that promote safe and trust-
worthy artificial intelligence systems, such as enhanc-
ing the accuracy, explainability, privacy, reliability, 
robustness, safety, security, and mitigation of harmful 
bias in artificial intelligence systems; 
(4) creating a framework for managing risks as-
sociated with artificial intelligence systems; and 
(5) developing and publishing cybersecurity 
tools, encryption methods, and best practices for arti-
ficial intelligence and data science. 
(b) AI TESTBEDS.—Section 22A of the National Insti-
tute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278h– 
1) is amended—
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(1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection 
(h); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following: 
‘‘(g) TESTBEDS.—In coordination with other Federal 
agencies as appropriate, the private sector, and institutions 
of higher education (as such term is defined in section 101 
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), 
the Director may establish testbeds, including in virtual en-
vironments, to support the development of robust and trust-
worthy artificial intelligence and machine learning sys-
tems, including testbeds that examine the vulnerabilities 
and conditions that may lead to failure in, malfunction of, 
or attacks on such systems.’’. 
SEC. 10233. SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AND EDU-
CATION. 
In accordance with section 263 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 9303), 
the Director shall carry out activities in support of sustain-
able chemistry, including coordinating and partnering with 
academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, and other en-
tities in activities to support clean, safe, and economic al-
ternatives, technologies, and methodologies to traditional 
chemical products and processes.
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SEC. 10234. PREMISE PLUMBING RESEARCH. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, acting through the 
Director, shall create a program, in consultation with the 
Environmental Protection Agency, for premise plumbing 
research, including to— 
(1) conduct metrology research on premise 
plumbing in relation to water safety, security, effi-
ciency, sustainability, and resilience; and 
(2) coordinate research activities with academia, 
the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and other 
Federal agencies. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section, the 
term ‘‘premise plumbing’’ means the water distribution sys-
tem located within the property lines of a property, includ-
ing all buildings and permanent structures on such prop-
erty. Such term includes building supply and distribution 
pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and 
water-using equipment, and all respective joints, connec-
tions, devices, and appurtenances. 
SEC. 10235. DR. DAVID SATCHER CYBERSECURITY EDU-
CATION GRANT PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORIZATION OF GRANTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of 
appropriations, the Director shall carry out the Dr. 
David Satcher Cybersecurity Education Grant Pro-
gram by—
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(A) awarding grants to assist institutions of 
higher education that have an enrollment of 
needy students, historically Black colleges and 
universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, 
and minority-serving institutions, to establish or 
expand cybersecurity programs, to build and up-
grade institutional capacity to better support 
new or existing cybersecurity programs, includ-
ing cybersecurity partnerships with public and 
private entities, and to support such institutions 
on the path to producing qualified entrants in 
the cybersecurity workforce or becoming a Na-
tional Center of Academic Excellence in Cyberse-
curity; and 
(B) awarding grants to build capacity at 
institutions of higher education that have an en-
rollment of needy students, historically Black col-
leges and universities, Tribal Colleges and Uni-
versities, and minority-serving institutions, to 
expand cybersecurity education opportunities, 
cybersecurity programs, cybersecurity research, 
and cybersecurity partnerships with public and 
private entities. 
(2) RESERVATION.—The Director shall award 
not less than 50 percent of the amount available for
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grants under this section to historically Black colleges 
and universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, 
and minority-serving institutions. 
(3) COORDINATION.—The Director shall carry 
out this section in coordination with appropriate 
Federal agencies, including the Departments of 
Homeland Security, Education, and Labor. 
(4) SUNSET.—The Director’s authority to award 
grants under paragraph (1) shall terminate on the 
date that is 5 years after the date the Director first 
awards a grant under paragraph (1). 
(b) APPLICATIONS.—An eligible institution seeking a 
grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to 
the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing 
such information as the Director may reasonably require, 
including a statement of how the institution will use the 
funds awarded through the grant to expand cybersecurity 
education opportunities at the eligible institution. 
(c) ACTIVITIES.—An eligible institution that receives 
a grant under this section may use the funds awarded 
through such grant for increasing research, education, tech-
nical, partnership, and innovation capacity, including 
for— 
(1) building and upgrading institutional capac-
ity to better support new or existing cybersecurity
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programs, including cybersecurity partnerships with 
public and private entities; 
(2) building and upgrading institutional capac-
ity to provide hands-on research and training experi-
ences for undergraduate and graduate students; and 
(3) outreach and recruitment to ensure students 
are aware of such new or existing cybersecurity pro-
grams, including cybersecurity partnerships with 
public and private entities. 
(d) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—Not later than— 
(1) one year after the effective date of this sec-
tion, as provided in subsection (f), and annually 
thereafter until the Director submits the report under 
paragraph (2), the Director shall prepare and submit 
to Congress a report on the status and progress of im-
plementation of the grant program under this section, 
including on the number and demographics of institu-
tions participating, the number and nature of stu-
dents served by cybersecurity programs at institutions 
receiving grants, as well as the number of certificates 
or degrees awarded through such cybersecurity pro-
grams, the level of funding provided to grant recipi-
ents, the types of activities being funded by the grants 
program, and plans for future implementation and 
development; and
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(2) five years after the effective date of this sec-
tion, as provided in subsection (f), the Director shall 
prepare and submit to Congress a report on the status 
of cybersecurity education programming and capac-
ity-building at institutions receiving grants under 
this section, including changes in the scale and scope 
of these programs, associated facilities, or in accredi-
tation status, and on the educational and employment 
outcomes of students participating in cybersecurity 
programs that have received support under this sec-
tion. 
(e) PERFORMANCE METRICS.—The Director shall es-
tablish performance metrics for grants awarded under this 
section. 
(f) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall take effect 1 
year after the date of enactment of this Act. 
Subtitle C—General Activities 
SEC. 10241. EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH AND SUPPORT FOR 
UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES. 
Section 18 of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–1) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), in the second sentence— 
(A) by striking ‘‘may’’ and inserting 
‘‘shall’’; and
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(B) by striking ‘‘academia’’ and inserting 
‘‘diverse types of institutions of higher education, 
including historically Black colleges and univer-
sities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and mi-
nority-serving institutions, and community col-
leges’’; and 
(2) in subsection (e)— 
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period 
at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by inserting after paragraph (5) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(6) conduct outreach to and develop research 
collaborations with historically Black colleges and 
universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and mi-
nority serving institutions, including through the re-
cruitment of students and faculty at such institutions 
to participate in programs developed under para-
graph (3); 
‘‘(7) conduct outreach to and develop research 
collaborations with community colleges, including 
through the recruitment of students and faculty at 
such institutions to participate in programs developed 
under paragraph (3);
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‘‘(8) carry out other activities to increase the 
participation of persons historically underrepresented 
in STEM in the Institute’s programs; and 
‘‘(9) conduct outreach to and develop collabora-
tions with nontraditional educational organizations, 
including those that offer training through nonprofit 
associations and professional associations or profes-
sional societies, to engage persons historically under-
represented in STEM through programs developed 
under this subsection.’’. 
SEC. 10242. OTHER TRANSACTIONS AUTHORITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (4) of section 2(b) of the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 
U.S.C. 272(b)) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(4) to enter into and perform such contracts, 
including cooperative research and development ar-
rangements and grants and cooperative agreements or 
other transactions, as may be necessary in the con-
duct of its work and on such terms as it may deter-
mine appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of 
this Act;’’. 
(b) REPORTING.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act and not less than annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Ap-
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propriations of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a report on the 
use of agreements, activities, and associated funding for 
transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, 
and grants) described in paragraph (4) of section 2(b) of 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (as 
amended by subsection (a)), including the following ele-
ments: 
(1) A description of when the other transactions 
authority described in such amended paragraph was 
used and for what purpose. 
(2) A description of why such other transactions 
authority was required. 
(3) Steps taken to ensure necessary and suffi-
cient oversight of Federal Government requirements 
implemented using such other transactions authority. 
SEC. 10243. REPORT TO CONGRESS ON COLLABORATIONS 
WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. 
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Director shall submit a report to the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Com-
mittee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate
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describing the Institute’s challenges with respect to collabo-
ration between the Institute and other Federal agencies. The 
report shall include, at a minimum— 
(1) an assessment of the challenges that arise 
with interagency collaboration, including transfer of 
funds with a limited period of availability to the In-
stitute and issues with sharing personnel, associates, 
facilities, and property with collaborating agencies; 
and 
(2) descriptions of projects that were disrupted 
due to the challenges outlined in paragraph (1). 
SEC. 10244. HIRING CRITICAL TECHNICAL EXPERTS. 
Section 6 of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 275) is amended to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘SEC. 6. HIRING CRITICAL TECHNICAL EXPERTS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The officers and employees of the 
Institute, except the director, shall be appointed by the Sec-
retary at such time as their respective services may become 
necessary. 
‘‘(b) HIRING CRITICAL TECHNICAL EXPERTS.—Not-
withstanding section 3104 of title 5 or the provisions of any 
other law relating to the appointment, number, classifica-
tion, or compensation of employees, the Secretary shall have 
the authority to make appointments of scientific, engineer-
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ing, and professional personnel, and to fix the basic pay 
of such personnel at a rate to be determined by the Sec-
retary at rates not in excess of the highest total annual com-
pensation payable at the rate determined under section 104 
of title 3, United States Code. The Director shall appoint 
not more than 15 personnel under this section. 
‘‘(c) SUNSET.—The authority under section (b) shall 
expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enact-
ment of this section.’’. 
SEC. 10245. INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress 
that— 
(1) the principles of openness, transparency, due 
process, balance of interests, appeals, and consensus 
in the development of international standards are 
critical; 
(2) voluntary consensus standards, developed 
through an industry-led process, serve as the corner-
stone of the United States standardization system and 
have become the basis of a sound national economy 
and the key to global market access; 
(3) strengthening the unique United States pub-
lic-private partnerships approach to standards devel-
opment is critical to United States economic competi-
tiveness; and
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(4) the United States Government should ensure 
cooperation and coordination across Federal agencies 
to partner with and support private sector stake-
holders to continue to shape international dialogues 
in regard to standards development for emerging tech-
nologies. 
(b) INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ENGAGEMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall lead infor-
mation exchange and coordination among Federal 
agencies and communication from Federal agencies to 
the private sector of the United States to ensure effec-
tive Federal engagement in the development and use 
of international technical standards. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—To support private sector- 
led engagement and ensure effective Federal engage-
ment in the development and use of international 
technical standards, the Director shall consider— 
(A) the role and needs of the Federal Gov-
ernment with respect to international technical 
standards; 
(B) organizations developing international 
technical standards of interest to the United 
States, United States representation and influ-
ence in these organizations, and key contributors
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for technical and leadership expertise in these or-
ganizations; 
(C) support for persons with domain subject 
matter expertise, especially from small businesses 
located in the United States, to influence and en-
gage in technical standards leadership positions, 
working groups and meetings; 
(D) opportunities for partnerships for sup-
porting international technical standards from 
across the Federal Government, Federally funded 
research and development centers, university-af-
filiated research centers, institutions of higher 
education, industry, industry associations, non-
profit organizations, and other key contributors; 
(E) support for activities to encourage the 
adoption of technical standards developed in the 
United States to be adopted by international 
standards organizations; and 
(F) other activities determined by the Direc-
tor to be necessary to support United States par-
ticipation in international standards develop-
ment, economic competitiveness, and national se-
curity in the development and use of inter-
national technical standards.
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(c) CAPACITY BUILDING GUIDANCE.—The Director 
shall support education and workforce development efforts 
to promote United States participation in international 
standards organizations. The Director shall— 
(1) identify and create, as appropriate, technical 
standards education and training resources for inter-
ested businesses, industry associations, academia, 
nonprofit organizations, Federal agencies, and other 
relevant standards contributors, including activities 
targeted at integrating standards content into under-
graduate and graduate curricula in science, engineer-
ing, business, public policy, and law; 
(2) conduct outreach, including to private sector 
leaders, to support engagement by more United States 
stakeholders in international technical standards de-
velopment; and 
(3) other activities determined necessary by the 
Director to support increased engagement, influence, 
and leadership of United States organizations in the 
development of international technical standards. 
(d) CAPACITY BUILDING PILOT PROGRAM.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director, in coordination 
with the Director of the National Science Foundation, 
and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, as 
appropriate, shall establish or enter into cooperative
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agreements with appropriate nongovernmental orga-
nizations to establish a 5-year pilot program to 
award grants, on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis, 
to private sector entities, institutions of higher edu-
cation, or nonprofit institutions based in the United 
States to support increased participation and leader-
ship by small business and academic interests in 
international standards organizations. 
(2) USE OF FUNDS.—Grants awarded to eligible 
entities under this subsection may be used to cover 
reasonable costs, up to a specified ceiling set by the 
Director, of activities to support increased engage-
ment and leadership of eligible entity employees in 
international standards organizations, which may in-
clude costs associated with— 
(A) travel; 
(B) education and training; 
(C) dues or fees related to participation in 
technical standards development activities; and 
(D) other such costs that the Director deter-
mines may reasonably support participation of 
the eligible entity in international standards or-
ganizations.
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(3) AWARD CRITERIA.—The Director shall ensure 
that award decisions made under this subsection take 
into account the extent to which the eligible entity— 
(A) employs full-time an individual or in-
dividuals who demonstrate deep technical stand-
ards expertise; 
(B) employs full-time an individual or in-
dividuals who demonstrate knowledge with the 
processes of the standards development organiza-
tion in which the eligible entity intends to en-
gage using grant funds; 
(C) proposes a feasible set of standard 
deliverables to be completed over the period of the 
grant; 
(D) explains how the eligible entity will 
fund additional standards-related activities nec-
essary to achieve the deliverables referred to in 
subparagraph (C) if the grant funds are insuffi-
cient to cover all costs of such activities; 
(E) commits personnel with appropriate ex-
pertise to regularly engage in relevant inter-
national organizations responsible for developing 
technical standards over the period of the grant; 
and
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(F) identifies a clearly defined current or 
anticipated market need or gap that would be 
addressed by their standards development pro-
posal. 
(4) ELIGIBILITY.—A small business concern (as 
such term is defined in section 3 of the Small Busi-
ness Act (15 U.S.C. 632) based in the United States, 
an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit in-
stitution (as such term is defined in section 4 of the 
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 
(15 U.S.C. 3703)) shall be eligible to receive grants 
under this program. 
(5) GUIDANCE
ON
APPLICATION
AND
AWARD 
PROCESS.—The Director shall develop, and periodi-
cally update, guidance, including eligibility, appli-
cant disclosure requirements, grant amount and du-
ration, the merit review process, priority areas for 
standards development, and any additional require-
ments for how grants are awarded under this sub-
section. 
(6) MERIT
REVIEW
PROCESS.—The Director 
shall ensure that grants under this subsection are 
awarded based on a competitive, merit review process 
including the use of merit review panels that may in-
clude experts from both government, the private sec-
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tor, and, as appropriate, academic, nonprofit, or 
other organizations as the Director determines appro-
priate. 
(7) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the pilot 
program established under this subsection, the Direc-
tor shall consult with other Federal agencies, private 
sector organizations, institutions of higher education, 
and nonprofit organizations to help inform the pilot 
program, including the guidance developed under 
paragraph (5). 
(8) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Director shall 
brief Congress after the second year of the pilot pro-
gram and each year following that includes the fol-
lowing: 
(A) An assessment of the effectiveness of the 
pilot program for improving the participation of 
United States small businesses, United States in-
stitutions of higher education, or other nonprofit 
research institutions in international standards 
organizations, including— 
(i) the type of activities supported, in-
cluding leadership roles; 
(ii) the international standards orga-
nizations participated in; and
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(iii) the technical areas covered by the 
activities. 
(B) If determined effective, a plan for per-
manent implementation of the pilot program. 
SEC. 10246. STANDARD TECHNICAL UPDATE. 
(a) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECH-
NOLOGY ACT UPDATES.—The National Institute of Stand-
ards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271) is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (a) of section 17 (15 
U.S.C. 278g) to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) The Secretary is authorized, notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, to expend such sums, within the 
limit of appropriated funds, as the Secretary may deter-
mine desirable through direct support for activities of inter-
national organizations and foreign national metrology in-
stitutes with which the Institute cooperates to advance 
measurement methods, technical standards, and related 
basic technologies, for official representation, to host official 
receptions, dinners, and similar events, and to otherwise ex-
tend official courtesies, including transportation of foreign 
dignitaries and representatives of foreign national metrol-
ogy institutes to and from the Institute, for the purpose of 
maintaining the standing and prestige of the Department 
of Commerce and the Institute, through the grant of fellow-
ships or other appropriate form of financial or logistical
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assistance or support to foreign nationals not in service to 
the Government of the United States while they are per-
forming scientific or engineering work at the Institute or 
participating in the exchange of scientific or technical in-
formation at the Institute.’’; and 
(2) in section 20 (15 U.S.C. 278g–3)— 
(A) in subsection (c), by amending para-
graph (3) to read as follows: 
‘‘(3) submit such standards and guidelines to the 
Secretary of Commerce for promulgation under sec-
tion 11331 of title 40;’’; and 
(B) in subsection (d)— 
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Di-
rector of the Office of Management and 
Budget’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of Com-
merce’’; and 
(ii) in paragraph (8), by striking ‘‘Di-
rector of Management and Budget with such 
standards submitted to the Director’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Secretary of Commerce with such 
standards submitted to the Secretary’’. 
(b) STEVENSON-WYDLER UPDATES.—The Stevenson- 
Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 
et seq.) is amended—
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(1) in paragraph (1) of section 17(c) (15 U.S.C. 
3711a(c))— 
(A) by moving each of subparagraphs (D) 
and (E) two ems to the left; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(G) Community.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (m) of section 26 (15 U.S.C. 
3721)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (2); 
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as 
paragraph (2); and 
(C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by 
striking ‘‘and the Comptroller General’s review 
under paragraph (2)’’. 
(c) AMERICAN INNOVATION
AND COMPETITIVENESS 
ACT UPDATE.—Section 113 of the American Innovation 
and Competitiveness Act (15 U.S.C. 278e note) is repealed. 
(d) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The item relating to sec-
tion 113 in the table of contents in section 1(b) of the Amer-
ican Innovation and Competitiveness Act is repealed. 
(e) FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT 
ACT UPDATE.—Section 4 of the Federal Energy Manage-
ment Improvement Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 5001) is amend-
ed—
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
(1) by striking ‘‘Secretary of Commerce’’ and 
‘‘Secretary’’ each place either such term appears and 
inserting ‘‘Consumer Product Safety Commission’’; 
(2) by redesignating the second subsection (c) as 
subsection (e); and 
(3) in subsection (g), by redesignating clauses (i) 
and (ii) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. 
(f) TITLE 40, UNITED STATES CODE.—Section 11331 
of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking sub-
sections (a) through (d) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.— 
‘‘(1) AUTHORITY TO PRESCRIBE.—Except as pro-
vided under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Com-
merce shall, on the basis of standards and guidelines 
developed by the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) of 
section 20(a) of the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–3(a)), prescribe 
standards and guidelines pertaining to Federal infor-
mation systems. 
‘‘(2) NATIONAL SECURITY SYSTEMS.—Standards 
and guidelines for national security systems shall be 
developed, prescribed, enforced, and overseen as other-
wise authorized by law and as directed by the Presi-
dent.
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‘‘(b) MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) AUTHORITY TO MAKE MANDATORY.—Except 
as provided under paragraph (2), the Secretary of 
Commerce shall make standards prescribed under sub-
section (a)(1) compulsory and binding to the extent 
determined necessary by the Secretary to improve the 
efficiency of operation or security of Federal informa-
tion systems. 
‘‘(2) REQUIRED MANDATORY STANDARDS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Standards prescribed 
under subsection (a)(1) shall include information 
security standards that— 
‘‘(i) provide minimum information se-
curity requirements as determined under 
section 20(b) of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 
278g–3(b)); and 
‘‘(ii) are otherwise necessary to im-
prove the security of Federal information 
and information systems. 
‘‘(B) REQUIREMENT.—Information security 
standards described in subparagraph (A) shall be 
compulsory and binding. 
‘‘(c) AUTHORITY TO DISAPPROVE OR MODIFY.—The 
President may disapprove or modify the standards and
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guidelines referred to in subsection (a)(1) if the President 
determines such action to be in the public interest. The 
President’s authority to disapprove or modify such stand-
ards and guidelines may not be delegated. Notice of such 
disapproval or modification shall be published promptly in 
the Federal Register. Upon receiving notice of such dis-
approval or modification, the Secretary of Commerce shall 
immediately rescind or modify such standards or guidelines 
as directed by the President. 
‘‘(d) EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY.—To ensure fiscal and 
policy consistency, the Secretary of Commerce shall exercise 
the authority conferred by this section subject to direction 
by the President and in coordination with the Director of 
the Office of Management and Budget. 
‘‘(e) APPLICATION
OF
MORE
STRINGENT
STAND-
ARDS.—The head of an executive agency may employ stand-
ards for the cost-effective information security for Federal 
information systems within or under the supervision of that 
agency that are more stringent than the standards the Sec-
retary prescribes under this section if the more stringent 
standards— 
‘‘(1) contain at least the applicable standards 
made compulsory and binding by the Secretary of 
Commerce; and
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‘‘(2) are otherwise consistent with policies and 
guidelines issued under section 3553 of title 44. 
‘‘(f) DECISIONS ON PROMULGATION OF STANDARDS.— 
The decision by the Secretary of Commerce regarding the 
promulgation of any standard under this section shall occur 
not later than 6 months after the submission of the proposed 
standard to the Secretary by the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, as provided under section 20 
of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act 
(15 U.S.C. 278g–3). 
‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) FEDERAL INFORMATION SYSTEM.—The term 
‘Federal information system’ means an information 
system used or operated by an executive agency, by a 
contractor of an executive agency, or by another orga-
nization on behalf of an executive agency. 
‘‘(2) INFORMATION SECURITY.—The term ‘infor-
mation security’ has the meaning given that term in 
section 3552(b)(3) of title 44. 
‘‘(3) NATIONAL
SECURITY
SYSTEM.—The term 
‘national security system’ has the meaning given that 
term in section 3552(b)(6) of title 44.’’. 
(g) TECHNICAL
AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT.— 
Paragraph (2) of section 20(a) of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–3(a)) is
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
amended by striking ‘‘section 3552(b)(5) of title 44, United 
States Code’’ and inserting ‘‘section 3552(b)(6) of title 44, 
United States Code’’. 
(h) NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TEAM ACT UP-
DATES.—Section 4 of the National Construction Safety 
Team Act (15 U.S.C. 7303) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(5) CIVIL SUITS.—Where practicable, a Team 
shall cooperate with civil litigants without compro-
mising a Team’s investigation or the evidence preser-
vation activities as described in this section.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking 
‘‘INTERAGENCY’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘INVESTIGA-
TION’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘or any 
civil suit or civil action’’ after ‘‘Federal agency’’. 
SEC. 10247. GAO STUDY OF NIST RESEARCH SECURITY POLI-
CIES AND PROTOCOLS. 
(a) EVALUATION.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall conduct a study of the Institute’s poli-
cies and protocols to protect its research and combat undue 
foreign influence.
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
(b) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The study conducted 
under subsection (a) shall include, to the extent practicable, 
the following: 
(1) An analysis of steps taken by the Institute to 
address foreign threats to Institute-funded research 
over the previous 5 years. 
(2) An analysis of the coordination and engage-
ment between the Department of Commerce’s Office of 
Inspector General, the Department of Commerce’s Of-
fice of Intelligence, the National Counterintelligence 
and Security Center of the Office of the Director of 
National Intelligence, and the Institute in identifying 
and addressing concerning findings. 
(3) An assessment of the Institute’s review proc-
ess for foreign national associates. 
(4) An assessment of the Institute’s policies as it 
relates to employees and associates participating in 
foreign talent recruitment programs. 
(5) An assessment of the Institute’s implementa-
tion of conflict of interest and disclosure policies and 
requirements, including the disclosure requirements 
authorized in section 223 of the National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 
116–283).
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
(6) An assessment of the Institute’s, the Depart-
ment of Commerce’s Office of Security, the Depart-
ment of Commerce’s Office of Intelligence, and the De-
partment of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General’s 
ability to monitor and enforce conflict of interest and 
disclosure policies and requirements, including the 
disclosure requirements authorized in section 223 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283). 
(7) An assessment of the Institute’s, the Depart-
ment of Commerce’s, and the Department of Com-
merce’s Office of Inspector General’s ability to con-
duct risk assessments of research and development 
award applications and disclosures to the Institute. 
(8) An assessment of the Institute’s research secu-
rity training programs for both internal and exter-
nally-supported researchers and associates, including 
training focused on international collaboration, and 
international travel, foreign interference, and rules 
for proper use of funds, disclosure, conflict of commit-
ment, and conflict of interest. 
(9) An analysis and summary of incidents of 
undue foreign influence at Institute-supported re-
search facilities and programs over the past 10 years.
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(10) Recommendations for the Institute to bolster 
its research security policies and protocols. 
(11) Other matters the Comptroller General de-
termines appropriate. 
(c) CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
General shall brief the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology and the Permanent Select Committee on Intel-
ligence of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
of Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Select 
Committee on Intelligence of the Senate on the findings 
available from the evaluation conducted under subsection 
(a). 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall sub-
mit to the congressional committees specified in subsection 
(c) a report on the findings and recommendations of the 
evaluation conducted under subsection (a). 
SEC. 10248. STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION 
GRANTS. 
(a) NONGOVERNMENTAL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT 
ORGANIZATION DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘non-
governmental standards development organization’’ means 
a nongovernmental standards development organization (as 
defined in section 2(e) of the Office of Management and
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
Budget Circular A–119 (relating to Federal participation 
in the development and use of voluntary consensus stand-
ards in conformity assessment activities), or any successor 
document) that adheres to the American National Stand-
ards Institute (ANSI) Essential Requirements for Due 
Process for American National Standards. 
(b) GRANT AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Commerce, 
acting through the Director, shall establish a competitive 
program of grants for nongovernmental standards develop-
ment organizations for the purposes described in subsection 
(c). 
(c) PURPOSES.—A grant awarded under subsection (b) 
shall be used to develop, approve, disseminate, maintain, 
and review forensic science voluntary consensus standards 
and best practices that shall be available to the public free 
of charge. 
(d) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.—The Director may 
promulgate such requirements, guidelines, and procedures 
as may be necessary to carry out this section. 
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
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Subtitle 
D—Hollings 
Manufac-
turing Extension Partnership 
SEC. 10251. ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPANSION AWARDS PILOT 
PROGRAM AS A PART OF THE HOLLINGS MAN-
UFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPANSION AWARDS PRO-
GRAM.—The National Institute of Standards and Tech-
nology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is amended by inserting 
after section 25A (15 U.S.C. 278k–1) the following: 
‘‘SEC. 25B. EXPANSION AWARDS PILOT PROGRAM. 
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—The terms used in this section 
have the meanings given the terms in section 25. 
‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Director shall establish, 
subject to the availability of appropriations, as a part of 
the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership under 
sections 25 and 25A, a pilot program of expansion awards 
among participants described in subsection (c) for the pur-
poses described in subsection (e). 
‘‘(c) PARTICIPANTS.—Participants receiving awards 
under this section shall be Centers, or a consortium of Cen-
ters (as such term is defined in section 25). 
‘‘(d) AWARD AMOUNTS.—Subject to the availability of 
appropriations, an award for a recipient under this section 
shall be in an amount equal to the sum of the following:
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
‘‘(1) Such amount as the Director considers ap-
propriate as a minimum base funding level for each 
award under this section. 
‘‘(2) Such additional amount as the Director 
considers in proportion to the manufacturing density 
of the region of the recipient. 
‘‘(3) Such supplemental amounts as the Director 
considers appropriate. 
‘‘(e) PURPOSE OF AWARDS.—An award under this sec-
tion shall be made for one or more of the following purposes: 
‘‘(1) To provide worker education, training, de-
velopment, and entrepreneurship training and to con-
nect individuals or business with such services offered 
in their community, which may include employee 
ownership and workforce training, including con-
necting manufacturers with career and technical edu-
cation entities, institutions of higher education (in-
cluding community colleges), workforce development 
boards, labor organizations, and nonprofit job train-
ing providers to develop and support training and job 
placement services, including apprenticeship and on-
line learning platforms, for new and incumbent work-
ers, programming to prevent job losses when adopting 
new technologies and processes, and development of 
employee ownership practices.
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
‘‘(2) To provide services to improve the resiliency 
of domestic supply chains. 
‘‘(3) To mitigate vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, 
including helping to offset the cost of cybersecurity 
projects for small manufacturers. 
‘‘(4) To expand advanced technology services to 
United States-based small- and medium-sized manu-
facturers, which may include— 
‘‘(A) developing technology demonstration 
laboratories; 
‘‘(B) training and demonstration in areas 
of supply chain and critical technology needs, 
including a focus on the demonstration of tech-
nologies developed by companies based in the 
United States; 
‘‘(C) services for the adoption of advanced 
technologies, including smart manufacturing 
technologies and practices; and 
‘‘(D) establishing partnerships, for the de-
velopment, demonstration, and deployment of 
advanced technologies, with— 
‘‘(i) national laboratories (as defined 
in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 
2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)); 
‘‘(ii) Federal laboratories;
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‘‘(iii) Manufacturing USA institutes 
(as described in section 34(d)); and 
‘‘(iv) institutions of higher education. 
‘‘(5) To build capabilities across the Hollings 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership for domestic 
supply chain resiliency and optimization, includ-
ing— 
‘‘(A) assessment of domestic manufacturing 
capabilities, expanded capacity for researching 
and deploying information on supply chain risk, 
hidden costs of reliance on offshore suppliers, re-
designing products and processes to encourage 
reshoring, and other relevant topics; and 
‘‘(B) expanded services to provide industry-
wide support that assists United States manu-
facturers 
with 
reshoring 
manufacturing 
to 
strengthen the resiliency of domestic supply 
chains, including in critical technology areas 
and foundational manufacturing capabilities 
that are key to domestic manufacturing competi-
tiveness and resiliency, including forming, cast-
ing, machining, joining, surface treatment, tool-
ing, and metal or chemical refining. 
‘‘(f) REIMBURSEMENT.—The Director may reimburse 
Centers for costs incurred by the Centers under this section.
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‘‘(g) 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 Manufacturing Extension 
Partnership Advisory Board. 
‘‘(h) SELECTION.— 
‘‘(1) REVIEWED AND MERIT-BASED.—The Direc-
tor shall ensure that awards under this section are re-
viewed and merit-based. 
‘‘(2) GEOGRAPHIC
DIVERSITY.—The Director 
shall endeavor to have broad geographic diversity 
among selected proposals. 
‘‘(3) CRITERIA.—The Director shall select appli-
cations consistent with the purposes identified pursu-
ant to subsection (e) to receive awards that the Direc-
tor determines will achieve one or more of the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(A) Improvement of the competitiveness of 
industries in the region in which the Center or 
Centers are located. 
‘‘(B) Creation of jobs or training of newly 
hired employees. 
‘‘(C) Promotion of the transfer and commer-
cialization of research and technology from insti-
tutions of higher education, national labora-
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tories, or other federally funded research pro-
grams, and nonprofit research institutes. 
‘‘(D) Recruitment of a diverse manufac-
turing workforce, including through outreach to 
underrepresented populations, including individ-
uals identified in section 33 or section 34 of the 
Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities 
Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b). 
‘‘(E) Any other result the Director deter-
mines will advance the objective set forth in sec-
tion 25(c) or 25A. 
‘‘(i) PROGRAM CONTRIBUTION.—Recipients of awards 
under this section shall not be required to provide a match-
ing contribution. 
‘‘(j) GLOBAL MARKETPLACE PROJECTS.—In making 
an award under this section, the Director, in consultation 
with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory 
Board and the Secretary, may take into consideration 
whether an application has significant potential for en-
hancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized 
United States manufacturers in the global marketplace. 
‘‘(k) DURATION.—The Director shall ensure that the 
duration of an award under this section is aligned and con-
sistent with a Center’s cooperative agreement established in 
section 25(e).
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
‘‘(l) REPORT.—Not later than October 1, 2025, the Di-
rector shall submit to Congress a report that includes— 
‘‘(1) a summary description of what activities 
were funded and the measurable outcomes of such ac-
tivities; 
‘‘(2) a description of which types of activities 
under paragraph (1) could remain as part of a per-
manent expansion awards program; 
‘‘(3) a description of which types of activities 
under paragraph (1) could be integrated into, and 
supported under, the program under section 25; 
‘‘(4) a description of which types of activities 
under paragraph (1) could be integrated into, and 
supported under, the competitive awards program 
under section 25A; and 
‘‘(5) a recommendation, supported by a clear ex-
planation, as to whether the pilot program should be 
continued.’’. 
(b) RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION.—Of amounts author-
ized for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership 
program under section 25 of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k), the Sec-
retary shall optimize funding across sections 25 and 25A 
of such Act, as well as the program established under section 
25B of such Act (as added by subsection (a)), to the extent
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
practicable and subject to the availability of appropria-
tions, in order to maximize Center (as such term is defined 
in such section 25) participation as well as competitiveness, 
productivity, and technological performance in United 
States manufacturing. 
SEC. 10252. UPDATE TO HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EX-
TENSION PARTNERSHIP. 
(a) ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS.—Subsection (l) of section 
25 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(l) ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To the extent provided in 
advance in appropriations Acts, other Federal depart-
ments and agencies may transfer amounts to the In-
stitute, and the Secretary and Director may accept 
and make available cash donations from the private 
sector pursuant to section 2(c)(7), to be used for 
strengthening United States manufacturing under 
this section. 
‘‘(2) COMPETITIVE
AWARDS.—Funds accepted 
from other Federal departments and agencies and 
from the private sector under paragraph (1) shall be 
awarded competitively by the Secretary and Director 
to Centers, provided that the Secretary and Director 
may make noncompetitive awards, pursuant to this
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
section or section 25A, or as a non-competitive con-
tract, as appropriate, if the Secretary and Director 
determine that— 
‘‘(A) the manufacturing market or sector 
targeted is limited geographically or in scope; 
‘‘(B) the number of States (or territory, in 
the case of Puerto Rico) with Centers serving 
manufacturers of such market or sector is five or 
fewer; and 
‘‘(C) such Center has or Centers have re-
ceived a positive evaluation in the most recent 
evaluation conducted pursuant to subsection 
(g).’’. 
(b) SUPPORTING AMERICAN MANUFACTURING.—Sec-
tion 25 of the National Institute of Standards and Tech-
nology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(5)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘or consortium thereof,’’; 
and 
(B) by inserting ‘‘or a consortium thereof’’ 
before the period at the end of the sentence; 
(2) in subsection (c)(4), by inserting ‘‘United 
States-based’’ before ‘‘industrial’’; 
(3) in subsection (d)—
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘at 
United States-based industrial facilities, includ-
ing small and medium manufacturing compa-
nies’’ before ‘‘based’’; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘United 
States-based’’ before ‘‘companies’’; and 
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘United 
States-based’’ before ‘‘small’’; 
(4) in subsection (f)(5)(B)(i), by inserting ‘‘in 
the United States’’ before the semicolon at the end of 
the clause; and 
(5) in subsection (n)(1)(A), by inserting ‘‘United 
States-based’’ before ‘‘small’’. 
(c) AMENDING THE MEP COMPETITIVE AWARDS PRO-
GRAM.—Section 25A(c)(2) of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k-1(c)(2)) is 
amended by inserting ‘‘United States’’ before ‘‘manufactur-
ers’’. 
(d) MEP OUTREACH.—Section 25 of the National In-
stitute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ‘‘commu-
nity colleges and area career and technical edu-
cation schools’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘sec-
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
ondary schools, community colleges, and area ca-
reer and technical education schools, including 
those in underserved and rural communities,’’; 
and 
(B) in paragraph (7)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘and local colleges’’ and 
inserting ‘‘local secondary schools and local 
colleges, including historically Black colleges 
and universities, Tribal Colleges or Univer-
sities, minority-serving institutions, com-
munity colleges, and secondary schools and 
colleges in underserved and rural commu-
nities,’’; and 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘or other applied 
learning opportunities’’ after ‘‘apprentice-
ships’’; and 
(2) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ‘‘, commu-
nity colleges, and area career and technical education 
schools,’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘and local high 
schools, community colleges, and area career and tech-
nical education schools, including those in under-
served and rural communities,’’. 
SEC. 10253. NATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN DATABASE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT
OF NATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN 
DATABASE.—The Director shall establish a voluntary Na-
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tional Supply Chain Database, subject to the availability 
of appropriations. 
(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the voluntary National 
Supply Chain Database shall be to assist the Federal Gov-
ernment and industry sectors in minimizing disruptions to 
the United States supply chain by having an assessment 
of United States manufacturers’ capabilities. 
(c) STUDY ON NATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN DATABASE.— 
In establishing the National Supply Chain Database, the 
Director shall consider the findings and recommendations 
from the study authorized pursuant to section 9413 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 
(Public Law 116–283), including measures to secure and 
protect the Database from adversarial attacks and 
vulnerabilities. 
(d) DATABASE
AND
MANUFACTURING
EXTENSION 
PARTNERSHIP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall establish 
the infrastructure for the National Supply Chain 
Database through the Hollings Manufacturing Exten-
sion Partnership, established pursuant to section 25 
of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
Act (15 U.S.C. 278k), by connecting information from 
the Centers (as such term is defined in such section) 
through the Database.
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
(2) NATIONAL VIEW.—The Director shall ensure 
that connections under paragraph (1)— 
(A) provide a national overview of the net-
works of supply chains of the United States; and 
(B) support understanding of whether there 
is a need for some manufacturers to retool in 
some critical areas to meet the urgent need for 
key products. 
(3) INDIVIDUAL HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EX-
TENSION PARTNERSHIP CENTER DATABASES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall en-
sure that— 
(i) each Center is connected to the Na-
tional Supply Chain Database; and 
(ii) each supply chain database main-
tained by a Center is interoperable with the 
Database. 
(B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in 
this section may be construed to require a State 
or territory of the United States to establish a 
new supply chain database through the Hollings 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. 
(e) MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN DATA-
BASE.—The Director, acting through the Hollings Manufac-
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
turing Extension Partnership program or a designee of the 
program— 
(1) shall maintain the National Supply Chain 
Database as an integration of State-level databases 
from the Center of each State or territory of the 
United States; 
(2) may populate the Database with information 
from past or current clients of Centers; and 
(3) may include in the Database information 
voluntarily provided by non-client private sector enti-
ties based and operating in the United States, as ap-
plicable and appropriate. 
(f) DATABASE CONTENT.—The National Supply Chain 
Database may include the following: 
(1) Basic private sector entity information. 
(2) An overview of capabilities, accreditations, 
and products. 
(3) Proprietary information. 
(g) STANDARD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.—The Na-
tional Supply Chain Database may, where applicable, use 
the North American Industry Classification System 
(NAICS) Codes as follows: 
(1) Sector 31-33 – Manufacturing. 
(2) Sector 54 – Professional, Scientific, and 
Technical Services.
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† HR 4346 EAS2 
(3) 
Sector 
48-49 
– 
Transportation 
and 
Warehousing. 
(h) LEVELS.—The National Supply Chain Database 
shall be multi-leveled as agreed to under terms of mutual 
disclosure as follows: 
(1) Level 1 shall have the capability to provide 
basic private sector entity information and shall be 
available to the public. 
(2) Level 2 shall have the capability to provide 
a deeper, nonproprietary overview into capabilities, 
products, and accreditations and shall be available to 
all companies that contribute to the Database. 
(3) Level 3 shall have the capability to hold pro-
prietary information. 
(i) MATTERS RELATING
TO DISCLOSURE
AND AC-
CESS.— 
(1) FOIA EXEMPTION.—The National Supply 
Chain Database, and any information contained 
therein that is not publicly released by the Institute, 
shall be exempt from public disclosure under section 
552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code. 
(2) LIMITATION ON ACCESS TO CONTENT.—Access 
to a contributing private sector entity’s nonpublic 
content in the National Supply Chain Database shall 
be limited to—
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(A) the contributing private sector entity, 
the Institute, and staff from a Center who sign 
a nondisclosure agreement, and 
(B) other Federal departments and agencies, 
as the Director considers appropriate. 
(3) AGGREGATED
INFORMATION.—The Director 
may make aggregated, de-identified information 
available to contributing companies, Centers, or the 
public, as the Director considers appropriate, in sup-
port of the purposes of this section. 
(j) COORDINATION WITH NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND 
INDUSTRIAL BASE COUNCIL.—The Director, acting through 
the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership pro-
gram, may work with the National Defense Technology and 
Industrial Base Council established under section 4812 of 
title 10, United States Code, as the Director considers ap-
propriate, to include in the National Supply Chain Data-
base information regarding the defense manufacturing sup-
ply chain. 
(k) PROTECTIONS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Supply chain information 
that is voluntarily and lawfully submitted to the Na-
tional Supply Chain Database by a private sector en-
tity and accompanied by an express statement de-
scribed in paragraph (2)—
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(A) shall be exempt from disclosure under 
section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code; 
(B) may not be made available pursuant to 
any Federal, State, local, or Tribal authority 
pursuant to any Federal, State, local, or Tribal 
law requiring public disclosure of information or 
records; and 
(C) may not, without the written consent of 
the private sector entity submitting such infor-
mation, be used directly by the Director, or any 
other Federal, State, or local authority in any 
civil enforcement action brought by a Federal, 
State, Tribal, or local authority. 
(2) EXPRESS
STATEMENT.—The express state-
ment described in this paragraph, with respect to in-
formation or records, is— 
(A) in the case of written information or 
records, a written marking on the information or 
records substantially similar to the following: 
‘‘This information is voluntarily submitted to 
the Federal Government in expectation of protec-
tion from disclosure as provided by the provi-
sions of section 10253(k) of the Research and De-
velopment, Competition, and Innovation Act.’’; 
or
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(B) in the case of oral information, a writ-
ten statement similar to the statement described 
in subparagraph (A) submitted within a reason-
able period following the oral communication. 
(l) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 
(1) PRIVATE ENTITIES.—Nothing in this section 
may be construed to require any private sector entity 
to share data, including proprietary information, 
with the Director or the National Supply Chain 
Database. 
(2) PROHIBITION ON NEW REGULATORY AUTHOR-
ITY.—Nothing in this section may be construed to 
grant the Director, or the head of any other Federal 
agency, any authority to promulgate regulations or 
set standards on manufacturers, based on data within 
the National Supply Chain Database, that was not in 
effect on the day before the date of the enactment of 
this section. 
SEC. 10254. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PART-
NERSHIP ACTIVITIES. 
Section 70924(b) of the Infrastructure Investment and 
Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58) is amended to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(b) AUTOMATIC ENROLLMENT IN GSA ADVANTAGE.— 
The Administrator of the General Services Administration
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and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under 
Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, shall 
jointly ensure that businesses that participate in the Hol-
lings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and so desire, 
are automatically enrolled in General Services Administra-
tion Advantage.’’. 
SEC. 10255. AMENDMENT TO THE HOLLINGS MANUFAC-
TURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP RELAT-
ING TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDU-
CATION. 
Subsection (a) of section 25 of the National Institute 
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (6) (relating to 
the definition of ‘‘Hollings Manufacturing Extension 
Partnership or Program’’) as paragraph (7); 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the fol-
lowing new paragraph: 
‘‘(6) HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNI-
VERSITY.—The term ‘historically Black college and 
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).’’;
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(3) by redesignating the second paragraph (7) 
(relating to the definition of ‘‘MEP Advisory Board’’) 
as paragraph (8); 
(4) by inserting after paragraph (6) (as inserted 
by paragraph (2), relating to the definition of ‘‘his-
torically Black college and university’’) the following 
new paragraph: 
‘‘(7) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The 
term ‘institution of higher education’ has the meaning 
given such term in section 101 of the Higher Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).’’; and 
(5) by adding at the end the following new para-
graphs: 
‘‘(9) 
MINORITY-SERVING
INSTITUTION.—The 
term ‘minority-serving institution’ means a His-
panic-serving institution as defined in section 502(a) 
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1101a(a)); an Alaska Native-serving institution or 
Native Hawaiian-serving institution as defined in 
section 317(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)); or a 
Predominantly Black institution, Asian American 
and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institu-
tion, or Native American-serving nontribal institu-
tion as defined in section 371(c) of such Act (20 
U.S.C. 1067q(c)).
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‘‘(10) SECONDARY
SCHOOL.—The term ‘sec-
ondary school’ has the meaning given such term in 
section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). 
‘‘(11) TRIBAL
COLLEGE
OR
UNIVERSITY.—The 
term ‘Tribal College or University’ has the meaning 
given the term ‘Tribal College or University’ in sec-
tion 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1059c).’’. 
Subtitle E—Manufacturing USA 
Program 
SEC. 10261. SUPPORTING GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY. 
Section 34(e) of the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278s(e)) is amended by add-
ing at the end the following: 
‘‘(8) DIVERSITY PREFERENCES.—In awarding fi-
nancial assistance under paragraph (1) for planning 
or establishing a Manufacturing USA institute, an 
agency head shall give special consideration to Manu-
facturing USA institutes that— 
‘‘(A) contribute to the geographic diversity 
of the Manufacturing USA Program; 
‘‘(B) are located in an area with a low per 
capita income;
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‘‘(C) are located in an area with a high 
proportion of socially disadvantaged residents; or 
‘‘(D) are located in small and rural com-
munities.’’. 
SEC. 10262. EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE 
MANUFACTURING USA PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Commerce, in con-
sultation with the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of De-
fense, and the heads of such other Federal agencies as the 
Secretary of Commerce considers relevant, shall coordinate 
with existing and new Manufacturing USA institutes to in-
tegrate covered entities as active members of the Manufac-
turing USA institutes, including through the development 
of preferences in selection criteria for proposals to create 
new Manufacturing USA institutes or renew existing Man-
ufacturing USA institutes that include one or more covered 
entities. 
(b) COVERED ENTITIES.—For purposes of this sub-
section, a covered entity is— 
(1) an historically Black college and university; 
(2) a Tribal College or University; 
(3) a minority-serving institution; 
(4) a minority business enterprise (as such term 
is defined in section 1400.2 of title 15, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations, or successor regulation); or
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(5) a rural-serving institution of higher edu-
cation (as such term is defined in section 861 of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1161q)). 
SEC. 10263. PROMOTING DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF TECH-
NOLOGIES DEVELOPED UNDER MANUFAC-
TURING USA PROGRAM. 
(a) DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE POLICIES TO PRO-
MOTE DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF TECHNOLOGIES DEVEL-
OPED UNDER MANUFACTURING USA NETWORK.— 
(1) POLICIES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Each agency head (as 
such term is defined in section 34(a) of the Na-
tional Institute of Standards and Technology Act 
(15 U.S.C. 278s(a))) and the Secretary of De-
fense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Commerce, establish policies to promote the do-
mestic production of technologies developed by 
the Manufacturing USA Network. 
(B) ELEMENTS.—The policies established 
under subparagraph (A) shall include the fol-
lowing: 
(i) Measures to partner domestic devel-
opers of goods, services, or technologies by 
Manufacturing USA Network activities
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with domestic manufacturers and sources of 
financing. 
(ii) Measures to develop and provide 
incentives to promote transfer of intellectual 
property and goods, services, or technologies 
developed by Manufacturing USA Network 
activities to domestic manufacturers. 
(iii) Measures to assist with supplier 
scouting and other supply chain develop-
ment, including the use of the Hollings 
Manufacturing 
Extension 
Partnership 
under section 25 of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 
278k) to carry out such measures. 
(iv) A process to review and approve 
or deny membership in a Manufacturing 
USA institute by foreign-owned entities, es-
pecially from countries of concern, includ-
ing the People’s Republic of China. 
(v) Measures to prioritize Federal pro-
curement of goods, services, or technologies 
developed by the Manufacturing USA Net-
work activities from domestic sources, as 
appropriate.
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(i) IN GENERAL.—The membership of 
the National STEM Teacher Corps Advi-
sory Board shall— 
(I) be appointed by the Director; 
(II) include a representative from 
each of the following: School leaders, 
STEM researchers, STEM education 
researchers, Business leaders, PreK–12 
STEM educators, and Students pur-
suing a postsecondary STEM degree; 
and 
(III) be geographically diverse. 
(ii) EXISTING
COMMITTEE.—The Di-
rector may assign the duties of the National 
STEM Teacher Corps Advisory Board to 
another advisory committee of the Founda-
tion. 
(6) DUTIES OF THE CORPS ALLIANCES.—Subject 
to the availability of appropriated funds, the Admin-
istrator may make awards on a competitive, merit-re-
view basis, to establish Corps alliances at eligible en-
tities. Activities carried out by such alliances shall in-
clude— 
(A) engaging local partners, which may in-
clude local educational agencies, institutions of